Industrial Buyer November/ December 2021

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

Industrial BUYER

www.industrialbuyer.co.za

The latest products, equipment and services for the general manufacturing and engineering sectors

CUSTOMISE YOUR FUTURE WITH AUTOMATIC VERTICAL WAREHOUSING MODULES TRAVERSING NEW TERRAINS WITH EXPANDED RANGE OF SAFETY FOOTWEAR

MOVING WITH THE TIMES HOW THE SUPPLY CHAIN AND LOGISTICS SECTOR EVOLVED DURING COVID-19

Frecon and Drive Dynamics present two innovative solutions for a variety of industries from agricultural to mining, ideal for the use in rural and remote areas.

SMARTLINK 100 WIRELESS LEVEL CONTROLLER

ADVANTAGES

The Smartlink 100 is a long range wireless system which provides a solution to maintaining water levels in tanks, reservoirs and dams. It consists of a transmitter placed at the tank which monitors the water levels and sends a long range wireless signal to the base station to stop or start pumping.

The Smartlink Transmitter is powered by a 3.6VDC lithium battery which requires no external power source or charging device. It connects to a standard float switch, or any potential free contact.

The battery life of the lithium battery is one to two years depending on switching frequency. Power options for the Smartlink Receiver are 12 to 24VDC or 220VDC. A -220V unit can also be used as DOL Starter, up to 2.2Kw.

SY380V VOLTAGE BOOSTER VSD CONVERTS 220V SINGLE PHASE SUPPLY INTO THREE PHASE 380V

There are numerous advantages to using the Smartlink 100 including: • no digging trenches to install cabling between the reservoir and the pump station • weather-proof enclosures IP65 • long distance range, up to 2km line of sight with standard unit/up to 4km with optional extended antenna • signal strength and on/off indication • radio band, this means no interference with standard WiFi and remote frequencies • no licence required.

4kW - 22kW V.S.D

380V AC

220V AC

The SY380V was designed with small farms, workshops and rural areas in mind that only have access to a 220V AC. This enables the user to power standard three phase equipment like compressors, hydraulic pumps, water pumps and extractor fans from a 220V AC

4kW - 22kW 380V AC MOTOR

supply.

INDUSTRIAL - MINING - AGRICULTURAL - SOLAR VARIABLE SPEED DRIVES - SOFT STARTERS - PUMPS - LEVEL CONTROL - PANEL BUILDING sales@drivedynamics.co.za | www.drivedynamics.co.za | 012 940 8141 | 0860FRECON | 083 278 6101 Units 1 - 4 Stuart 2 Business park 4 Hilda Avenue, Hennopspark Centurion, Gauteng 0046, South Africa

Industrial BUYER

CONTENTS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

www.industrialbuyer.co.za

HOW TO USE INDUSTRIAL BUYER

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX............4 NEWS..........................................6

Are you looking for a particular product?

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS.............12

• Turn to our product listing on page 35 • Find the product you’re looking for – all products are listed alphabetically

MATERIALS HANDLING AND LOGISTICS...............................22 PACKAGING.............................26

Are you looking for a preferred supplier or specific company?

PUMPS AND FANS.................28

• Turn to our advertisers’ index on page 4 • Find the name of the company you’re after

PRINTING, CODING AND MARKING..................................29

We value your feedback and want to make Industrial Buyer as user-friendly as possible. If you have a suggestion of how we can make this guide easier to use, please email the editor at varushka.padayachi@newmedia.co.za

FORECAST 2022.....................34 PRODUCT LISTINGS..............35

Do you want to stay abreast of all the latest trends in the engineering and manufacturing industry?

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Sign up to receive the Industrial Buyer newsletter by sending an email to the editor at varushka.padayachi@ newmedia.co.za.

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EDITOR

PUBLISHING TEAM

Varushka Padayachi Email: varushka.padayachi@newmedia.co.za

General Manager: Dev Naidoo Publishing Manager: Dev Naidoo Art Director: David Kyslinger Layout & Design: Kyle Martin

ADVERTISING Sales Executive: Aneta Silva Cell: +27 (0) 82 445 6086 Email: aneta.silva@newmedia.co.za Sales Executive: Debra Butler Cell: +27 (0) 83 708 0702 Email: debra.butler@newmedia.co.za

PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Mandy Ackerman Email: mandy.ackerman@newmedia.co.za

Felicity Garbers Email: felicity.garbers@newmedia.co.za

www.industrialbuyer.co.za

Johannesburg Office: New Media, a division of Media24 (Pty) Ltd, Ground Floor, 272 Pretoria Avenue, Randburg, 2194 PRINTING Printed and Bound by CTP Printers - Cape Town Published by New Media, a division of Media24 (PTY) Ltd.

MANAGEMENT TEAM CIRCULATION MANAGER

Head Office: New Media, a division of Media24 (Pty) Ltd, 8th floor, Media24 Centre, 40 Heerengracht, Cape Town, 8001 Tel: 021 406 2002

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While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of its contents and information given to readers, neither the editor, publisher, or its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise therefrom.

All rights reserved. © Industrial Buyer. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owners. Readers are prohibited from using the contact details displayed in any advertisement or editorial within the pages of this publication to generate and/or distribute unsolicited bulk emails or other forms of mass marketing correspondence.

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

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UP FRONT

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

DIARY 2021

BY VA RUSH KA PA DAYAC H I

CHANGE IS AS GOOD AS A HOLIDAY

A

s John F. Kennedy once said: ‘Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past and present are certain to miss the future’ That being said, I have exciting news for you in our last edition of 2021.

The new year will see big changes for Industrial Buyer as we embrace the future of publishing by going fully digital. You may already be enjoying our magazine in digital format but next year will see us digitally publish 11 editions of the magazine monthly rather than bi-monthly.

In South Africa 94.7% of people access news and entertainment on the internet via their mobile phones. The future is undoubtedly digital.

In addition to this, interactive print is a new medium that offers all benefits of print with the added benefits of digital.

Industrial Buyer will be l distributed digitally with uRstria enriching elements such as IBnUd YE video, hyperlinks and inquiry forms embedded within each page. This means you’ll be able to immerse yourself in interesting trend articles and product news and be able to interact with r.co.za strialbuye www.indu

2021 CEMBER BER/DE NOVEM

pmen , equi ral ucts st prod the gene The late ices for and and serv uring ors fact manu ing sect neer engi

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ATIC AUTOM WITH R FUTUREMODULES ISE YOU OUSING CUSTOMAL WAREH H VERTIC EAR NS WIT TERRAI ETY FOOTW SING NEW OF SAF TRAVERDED RANGE EXPAN

OR S SECT E TIMESD LOGISTIC AN TH TH NG WI PPLY CHAIN-19 MOVITH VID E SU HOW VED DURING CO EVOL

distributors and suppliers seamlessly and easily.

You can read more about our digital journey on www.industrialbuyer.co.za.

Speaking of great changes in this edition we’re looking at an area, that arguably experienced the most change in 2020 and 2021 – the materials handling and logistics sector.

The supply chain was really put through its paces during the COVID-19 pandemic but the sector evolved and adapted to a new way of life.

On page 12 find out how ERP can improve your company’s ROI in the long run. On page 14 we look at why you should outsource your manufacturing compliance process. We explore how the building and construction sector can encourage vaccination and ultimately reach herd immunity on page 20. And on page 24 we look at warehouses of the future.

I hope you have a wonderful festive season and return rested and ready for next year.

If you have any suggestions of what you’d like to see in our all new digitally focused Industrial Buyer please email me at varushka.padayachi@newmedia.co.za.

Till 2022.

Varushka Padayachi Editor

KWAZULU-NATAL INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION (KITE) KZN’s Premier Industrial Technology Exhibition.

16 – 18 February 2022

PROPAK AFRICA EXPO The Packaging, Food Processing, Printing, Plastics and Labelling Exhibition is Africa’s ultimate packaging, food processing, plastics, printing and labelling exhibition.

8 – 11 March 2022

CAMINEX 2021 CAMINEX is an important exhibition for the Copperbelt, Zambia and the entire region. It brings together exhibitions and networking for local, regional and foreign exhibitors and visitors.

June 2022

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Air & Vacuum Technologies............................28 Awesome Tools Distributors...........................OBC BBF Safety Group.................. 33 Buckle Packaging................... 27 Drive Dynamics..................... IFC

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INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

Mitas Corporation............. 5; 25 Pyrotec........................................ 31 Southern Storage Solutions t/a Dexion Storage Solutions................................... 23 Telpro Management.............29

ADVERTORIAL Why verification is essential to the automotive manufacturing and assembly sectors A fundamental weakness in South African manufacturing plants is producing components for Global Automotive OEM’s with international data matrix code marking standards. Direct Part Marking (DPM) verification, unit-level traceability and the impact it has on our profits and competitiveness are not always understood. For years companies have stayed away from verification technology because it was new and not many people understood its benefits

D

irect part mark (DPM) codes can vary in appearance. The substrate (surface) on which a code is marked can exhibit varying optical properties and interfere with the image formation. Direct part marking methods, such as dot peen and laser etching, are prone to producing codes with low contrast, poor cell position, or inconsistent cell size. In addition, the surface being marked can be matted, cast, or highly reflective, and is seldom as clean and uniform as a label. Surfaces can be smooth and shiny, furrowed, striped, streaked, coarse, or granular. Therefore, the verification method for DPM codes must provide reliable and consistent results under all conditions. Controlling the background and proper illumination are both very important for DPM codes, which are verified against the AIM DPM standard.

WHAT IS A 2D CODE, AND HOW DOES IT WORK? Data-Matrix codes are used in Direct Part Marking (DPM) of parts to provide Unit Level Traceability (ULT). Using encryption and error correction, you can mark an individual component with critical information for many uses, giving you a permanent mark directly on the parts for full traceability down the line.

Marking can either be done using computerised marking machines, such as Pinstamping units, CO2 and Yag lasers and Inkjets. 2D codes are more challenging to verify and are generally verified against GS1 or ISO standards.

WHAT IS VERIFICATION? The process of grading the quality of various codes to specified standards.

You can obtain a grade for printing in straight lines, and if your component fails this grade, it can indicate that your jig or fixture is loose, or your marking machine needs a service so that its belts can be tightened. Just like your cam or pulley sensor in a car.

By monitoring verification results, code issues are identified quickly, so that if quality starts to decline, corrective action can be taken straight away. A verifier also generates reports to certify the quality of a producer’s codes.

ARE YOU BEGINNING TO FAIL YOUR CONTRAST GRADE Tungsten carbide or diamond tips get blunt over time depending on how many parts you are manufacturing and the hardness of the metal being pinstamped by your pinstamp or dot peen machines. If you have replaced the marking pin with a new one, perhaps the pin sharpness is different, so the dot size or shadow you are creating with the different angle of the pin is less than optimal.

These are just two or three standard grades for verification. Our barcode verification solutions can tell you exactly when to check and what to check so that you will have only two possibilities that could be causing the low grading. The country your end customer is from, will indicate the grading system and the

international standards required for verification.

Validation alone is not good enough as it looks only at the format of the data within code, and does not check the print quality.

The issues arise due to the variation of cameras available for the verification of codes.

If say for instance you have camera XYZ, and your customer is using ABC, the code is read easily by camera XYZ, but ABC struggles to read it. When your shipment is returned, you can read it here in South Africa but is it readable in the rest of the world?

SIGNIFICANT COST IMPLICATIONS CAN BE AVOIDED The cost implications to you and your business can be significant, all for an issue which can be easily resolved at manufacture with the correct technology.

It is recommended that codes are electronically graded from an A, B, and C, and in the event that a D grade is picked up, you know the corrective actions that need to be addressed before your products reach the market.

Traceability Solutions www.tracesol.co.za

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

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NEWS

NEWMONT AND CATERPILLAR ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC ALLIANCE TO ACHIEVE ZERO EMISSIONS MINING Newmont Corporation, the world’s largest gold mining company, announced a strategic alliance with Caterpillar Inc. (CAT), producer of the world’s most comprehensive suite of mining equipment and technologies, to deliver a fully connected, automated, zero carbon emitting, end-to-end mining system.

Together, they will collaborate to create a safer, more productive mine, and substantially support Newmont in reaching their 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets of more than 30%, with an ultimate goal of being net zero carbon by 2050.

THE HUMAN CONTRIBUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE “A year ago, Newmont announced industryleading emission reduction targets because we understand the human contribution to climate change. We followed with a commitment to invest $500 million over five years to identify pathways forward as we firmly believe that we must make bold, lasting commitments to achieve the necessary change for a bright, healthy future,” says Tom Palmer, president and CEO of Newmont Corporation. “Today, we furthered that commitment by announcing a new strategic alliance with Caterpillar to address climate change by fundamentally changing the mining industry through the rapid development and implementation of a comprehensive all-electric autonomous mining

system to achieve zero emissions mining.”

Building pathways to decarbonisation is essential for the future of mining. Newmont’s surface and underground mining fleets are responsible for approximately 40% of the Company’s carbon emissions. Building a new model for surface and underground mining is critical to delivering on Newmont’s emissions reduction targets.

MINESTAR SUITE Newmont will also be supporting Caterpillar’s validation of evolving features and functionality within the MineStar suite to be deployed across Newmont’s surface and underground assets globally. This deployment facilitates centralised production and asset management.

“Caterpillar is committed to providing transformational advancements in safety, sustainability and technology,” says Jim Umpleby, Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc. “We share Newmont’s dedication to a reducedcarbon future, and we’re honoured to work together on this industry leading effort.”

Under the agreement, Newmont plans to provide a preliminary investment of $100 million as the companies set initial automation and electrification goals for surface and underground mining infrastructures and haulage fleets at Newmont’s Cripple Creek and Victor (CC&V) mine in Colorado, U.S.A. and Tanami mine in Northern Territory, Australia.

Goals include introduction of an automated haulage fleet of up to 16 vehicles at CC&V planned through 2023

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INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

Rob Atkinson, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Newmont Corporation; Tom Palmer, president and chief executive officer, Newmont Corporation; Jim Umpleby, chief executive officer, Caterpillar Inc; and Denise Johnson, group president of Resource Industries, Caterpillar Inc.

THE GOALS INCLUDE: • Introduction of an automated haulage fleet of up to 16 vehicles at CC&V planned through 2023, with a transition to haulage fleet electrification and implementation of Caterpillar’s advanced electrification and infrastructure system with delivery of a test fleet in 2026. Actions include validating firstof-a-kind battery electric haulage technology in the years prior to full production of autonomous electric haulage equipment.

• Caterpillar will develop its first battery electric zero-emissions underground truck to be deployed at Tanami by 2026. The deployment includes a fleet of up to 10 battery electric underground haul trucks, supported by Caterpillar’s advanced electrification and infrastructure system. This includes first-of-a-kind battery electric haulage technology for underground mining in 2024, the introduction of battery autonomous technology in 2025, with full deployment in 2026.

• Together, Newmont and Caterpillar plan to validate equipment, infrastructure, technologies and processes to transform both surface and underground mining, focusing on safety, automation, decarbonisation, optimisation, data and asset management across Newmont’s global operations. Leveraging Newmont’s scale and operational capabilities, the alliance sets the stage for the rapid development and deployment of the technologies, ultimately improving safety, productivity and energy efficiency across the mining industry.

NEWS

AUTODESK CONSTRUCTION CLOUD NOW AVAILABLE IN SA Autodesk Construction Cloud enables more connected construction project workflows, teams and data, delivering more efficient, profitable and risk-averse projects. This software solution is available across South Africa through WorldsView.

With this software solution, field teams are connected to the office in real time and project workflows are seamlessly integrated. This not only improves collaboration but also ensures that critical information is shared securely with all the right stakeholders. Project risks, costs and quality issues can be proactively resolved, as data is integrated and users have access to predictive insights and analytics.

BENEFITS From design and planning to building and operation, Autodesk Construction Cloud delivers a number of key benefits, including:

• Improved collaboration of project teams (engineers, architects, etc.) on a single, shared and simplified design.

• Vendor qualification management and bid management tools that help mitigate risks.

• Automation of tasks and streamlined project collaboration, enabled by cloud-based technology.

• Fewer project barriers and outcomes uncertainties, as the build process is no longer fragmented or disconnected. Additionally, each project now benefits from the software’s data insights tools.

• Enhanced problem-solving and more predictable project outcomes, as project teams have access to userfriendly models, checklists, schedules and history.

Autodesk Construction Cloud features the Component Library – an Account Admin tool that centralises company standards and project

components. This ensures that teams always have access to a single information library, that projects comply with company standards and that only the most up-to-date information is being utilised.

This tool saves time, reduces errors and re-works, while minimising risks. By creating a central library for all stakeholders, construction work can proceed more safely without compromise to quality.

Another noteworthy feature of Autodesk Construction Cloud is that its workflows support the ISO standard 19650 for the storage and management of project data.

Teams are now able to accurately organise and distribute documents across the project lifecycle, with all reworks instantly visible to all teams with access.

WorldsView is a value-added distributor of Autodesk in South Africa.

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

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NEWS

SWEET-ORR CELEBRATES 150 Y WEATHERING WORKWEAR ST In the past two and a half decades, South Africa’s textile industry has struggled to hold its own against competitors from cheaper labour markets. Too often, the fast fashion industry has seen a race to the bottom, with labour exploitation and shoddy products. However, one local company has taken a very different focus.

Protective workwear company SweetOrr & Lybro has identified a gap where quality is prized and has invested in the knowledge and skill required to be a trusted manufacturer.

THE INFLUENCE OF INTERNATIONAL FAST FASHION Prior to the first democratic elections, South Africa’s clothing and garment industry accounted for 250 000 jobs in the early 1990s. This changed when borders open, with imported fabric and clothing being produced at a faster pace, at lower prices, using cheaper labour and raw materials. While the new goods were welcomed by South African consumers, local textile companies found the going hard. Over time, the influence of international fast fashion giants has accelerated this trend.

“Several clothing companies have moved the bulk of operations outside the country to keep their costs under control, with only a local office or small manufacturing plant remaining,” says Sweet-Orr & Lybro executive director Denver Berman-Jacob.

PUTTING QUALITY FIRST Sweet-Orr’s own story is in stark contrast. The company early on identified a niche where quality products would be prized and invested accordingly in knowledge and skills. In the protective workwear sector, clothing has to perform under the harshest conditions. It’s this focus on quality and service delivery – as well as long experience – that has allowed

8

uniforms to the US armed forces and Boy Scouts Association for over 100 years.

PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN WITH A THIRST FOR EXCELLENCE

Sweet-Orr & Lybro executive director Denver Berman-Jacob the company to survive and thrive for 150 years, even during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“We’ve always made a point of adapting and diversifying. Just because you are doing well today, doesn’t mean you will be in business tomorrow. It’s our job to move with the times and remain relevant. You need to think and act differently all the time to have a sustainable future,” says Berman-Jacob.

Sweet-Orr & Lybro has this year celebrated the 150th anniversary of its founding and its 90th year in South Africa. Creative thinking, agility, flexibility, and a diversified product offering and market base has been key to its survival.

“There’s no doubt that we’ve weathered some severe storms over the years, but we’ve always sought out the opportunities and we’ve never compromised on quality,” says company CEO John Jacobs.

The company grew from humble beginnings in Wappingers Falls, New York state, in 1871 when James Orr and his nephews, Clayton and Clinton Sweet identified the need for workwear which labourers could buy off the shelf rather than tailoring their own. Sweet-Orr was possibly the first commercial manufacturer of blue jeans, according to the New York Times, and supplied official

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

In 1931, it was time to make the next bold move – establishing offices in booming South Africa and diversifying the business in the wake of the Great Depression. In partnership with UK brand Lybro, Sweet-Orr & Lybro was born with offices in Woodstock, Cape Town. In 1969, Sweet-Orr opened its current 5500 square metre premises in Elsies River, with production capacity of 3 500 garments per day. Today, all Sweet-Orr & Lybro garments are manufactured here by the company’s skilled machinists, and the company is wholly and proudly South African owned.

Since its founding, Sweet-Orr & Lybro has demonstrated a thirst for excellence.

It was the first manufacturer in South Africa to triple-stitch lapsed seams and incorporate hemmed pockets and bartacked stress points – innovations that further strengthen garments and prevent rips or tears which could catch on machinery and cause serious harm. And in 1978, Sweet-Orr became the first local clothing manufacturer to be awarded the coveted South African Bureau of Standards’ mark-bearing certification SANS 434 (SABS).

Alongside a single-minded focus on quality, Sweet-Orr & Lybro is also a company that takes family values to heart. Employees, suppliers and clients are all treated as part of the same family, sharing the same goals, and a commitment to skills development, staff education and training. Sweet-Orr has an in-house training academy whose graduates are employed within the company. It is also registered with the Fibre Processing & Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&M SETA) and offers learnership programmes under the auspices of the SETA.

NEWS

YEARS OF TORMS CHANGING WITH THE TIMES, WHILE MAINTAINING QUALITY

As economies change and the world becomes more global, Sweet-Orr too has diversified its product range. There is a natural synergy between SweetOrr’s products and the needs of the mining industry. Sweet-Orr’s customers now also represent petrochemicals, engineering, automotive, hospitality, healthcare and the military. This diversity means that Sweet-Orr pays particular attention to requirements and regulations affecting its customers to produce intricate garments of the highest quality.

Alongside the broader customer base, there is also a wider product range offering protection from head to toe. Sweet-Orr offers personal protective equipment as well as essential workwear, utility workwear, denim and specialised workwear including flame retardant, acidrepellent, arc flash and flame-acid workwear for high-risk environments.

While continuously expanding its client base and product range, the company has moved from being a traditional single-channel sales business towards a multi-channel sales business with a robust e-commerce presence – including Takealot, website sales, and a showroom in Boksburg.

Sweet-Orr currently distributes garments across the Southern African Development Community region (SADC) as well as in the United Arab Emirates.

The company is also looking into agreements with other countries in Africa and has re-entered the United States.

“As one of South Africa’s oldest manufacturers of protective workwear, being able to once again serve the very country where we once originated is incredibly exciting. Making the circle full is a tremendous feat,” says Berman-Jacob.

NEW SMART SKILLS CENTRE IN THE WORKS FOR SALDANHA BAY INDUSTRIAL ZONE In efforts to address the ever-widening digital skills gap in South Africa, the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) has signed an MoU with the Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone (SBIDZ) Licencing Company Soc Ltd to set up a new fully automated Smart Skills Centre in the region.

The centre, which will focus on basic digital skills, is aimed at addressing the digital skills divide in the district and at helping surrounding businesses and rural community members to learn technology-related skills.

HELPING SMES “This Smart Skills Centre is the pilot project, and we anticipate establishing many more in rural communities across the country. A big drive for setting up centres like this is the potential they hold in helping small and medium enterprises in the surrounding areas. Technology that we may take for granted – such as computers, printers, and internet access – will now be available for emerging enterprises in the Saldanha Bay area,” says Yershen Pillay, CEO of CHIETA. “It is widely understood that in the rapidly digitising world, South Africa faces a deficit of the skills needed to embrace the opportunities presented by technological advancements. In this regard, I believe it is the responsibility of SETAs to angle skills development opportunities towards digital skills initiatives, in line with the government’s future skills strategy,” he adds.

COMPETITIVE OIL AND GAS MARITIME SECTOR The MoU outlines the scope of the collaboration, the logistics of the training programmes and the estimated timeline for implementation. The initiative will provide considerable scope and functionality to the SBIDZ SME collaboration initiative which aims to establish a competitive oil and gas maritime sector.

In a rapidly digitising economy, the partnership between CHIETA and SBIDZ will help equip people with the skills and expertise to function productively in the economy. Surrounding businesses and community hubs including schools and TVET colleges will benefit from the centre, gaining access to a variety of free digital learning programmes. The centre will be set up next to the Saldana Bay IDZ office.

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution era requires every individual and entity to be competitive. It is vital that we focus attention on youth and emerging enterprises and do what we can to give these individuals a boost so that they are equipped to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the digital economy. We look forward to working with SBIDZ on this initiative, which is sure to change the trajectory of many Saldana Bay residents and businesses,” concludes Pillay.

SBIDZ CEO Kaashifah Beukes with CHIETA CEO Yershen Pillay

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

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NEWS

JET DEMOLITION OFFERS TURNKEY SERVICE FOR MINING INDUSTRY The most effective means of ensuring that redundant shafts are protected from occupation by illegal miners is to seal them permanently below natural ground level (NGL), typically after filling the shaft barrel. Here is where specialist demolition contractor Jet Demolition stands to play a vital role.

Another challenge is that various shafts are often interconnected, such as a live shaft and redundant shafts linking together hundreds of meters below NGL. “It is thus critical to ensure that we understand the network we are operating within, so that our capping and sealing activities do not influence or adversely affect miners underground in a neighbouring shaft,” comments Jet Demolition contracts manager André Botes.

caps, installing caps at a defined depth below NGL, and recording the final position and depth of caps, followed by the backfill and reinstatement of the natural material over cap tops. Mining houses typically require such a turnkey service for two main scenarios: Firstly, to seal the shaft permanently as a mitigating factor, thereby preventing unauthorised access by illegal miners or, secondly, to rehabilitate the mining footprint fully, rendering the area safe for public use. The main requirement for permanent shaft sealing and capping projects is to ensure full compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act, the provisions of the Department of Mineral Resources, the approved Environmental Management Plan, as well as any client-specific requirements.

SEALING SHAFTS

REROUTING NATURAL WATER COURSES

Its turnkey service offering for the mining industry includes backfilling shaft barrels, designing permanent

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The natural surrounding environment also has to be taken into account, paying

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

special attention to natural water courses and stormwater management.

This could mean rerouting natural water courses slightly, while ensuring there is no subsequent negative downstream effect. All material used to fill shafts must be clean and uncontaminated.

This is vital to ensure that no groundwater contamination will occur after sealing.

Jet Demolition pays particular attention to health and safety, especially when working over an open shaft that could extend a few kilometres underground. “It is absolutely critical to protect plant and personnel from falling,” Botes stresses.

Hence certified lifelines are installed prior to any work commencing, providing personnel with anchoring points during shaft sealing. Larger machines are also typically used for increased reach, and, in some instances, remote-controlled machines could be deployed to ensure the safety of persons.

NEWS

SIKA DEMONSTRATES PROOF OF CONCEPT FOR CONCRETE RECYCLING At the Sika Capital Markets Day 2021, held in Zurich in October, CEO Thomas Hasler confirmed the strategic targets 2023.

Under the motto: “Sika as Enabler for a Sustainable Construction Industry”, members of Group Management and Sika experts demonstrate the groundbreaking Sika concrete recycling process at a test facility in Zurich. The new reCO2ver concept can be considered a breakthrough in concrete recycling and has the potential to significantly contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.

Furthermore, Sika demonstrates how to further drive the decarbonisation of the construction industry, and how innovations meet the challenges of tomorrow.

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS Thomas Hasler, CEO of Sika: “Our company has great potential for further growth and long-term success – a global leading position with a market share of around 10%, megatrends driving our key markets and unprecedented needs for sustainable solutions to fulfill demanding global carbon footprint targets. All these elements are in our favour and Sika will play a decisive role as an enabler of these changes for our customers.”

During the Capital Markets Day 2021, information is being shared about innovations, technologies, and market developments. In breakout sessions Group Management and Sika experts focus on the novel, ground-breaking recycling process for demolished concrete under the Sika brand name “reCO2ver”, on further initiatives under the Sika Enabler concept that drive the decarbonization of the construction industry, on the innovations that meet

the challenges of tomorrow and on the huge potential in infrastructure and refurbishment supported by various government incentive programmes.

SIKA IS SEEKING TO GROW In his opening presentation, Thomas Hasler confirms the strategic targets 2023. The organisation will continue to be aligned for sustainable, long-term success and profitable growth. By targeting six strategic pillars – market penetration, innovation, operational efficiency, acquisitions, strong corporate values, and sustainability, Sika is seeking to grow by 6%–8% a year in local currencies until 2023. It is aiming for a higher EBIT margin of 15%–18% from 2021 onwards. Projects

in the areas of operations, logistics, procurement, and product formulation should result in an annual improvement in operating costs equivalent to 0.5% of sales. Sika’s overriding sustainability goal is to reduce CO2 emissions per ton sold by 12% until 2023. In addition, the company aims to make all product innovations even more sustainable while at the same time increasing product performance.

For the 2021 fiscal year, Sika is expecting sales growth in local currencies of 13%–17% as well as an over-proportional EBIT increase. The EBIT margin will reach 15% for the first time, despite a challenging raw material price development and supply chain restrictions.

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

How ERP brings tang manufacturing and d ERP has been shown to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and time to value, but there are still businesses that remain hesitant in making the investment. Jaco Maritz, chief operating officer at SYSPRO explores how ERP brings tangible return-on-investment to the manufacturing and distribution CEO.

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s the world continues to shift, manufacturers and distributors have had to contend with new complexities of doing business. Driven by emerging customer preferences and immediate supplier needs, the industry has had to adapt quickly in order to thrive.

‘The 2020 SYSPRO research study showed that 37% of companies were unable to provide the remote work capabilities to employees that were required’ 12

Customers have become increasingly drawn to eCommerce platforms as global lockdowns opened up the opportunity for new digital channels. And while supply chain disruptions impacted business operations, it also opened up the door for a new competitive market underpinned by the expansion of product ranges, and the rise of techniques such as additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies. As a result, CEOs have had to think about new routes to market, new products and even new processes altogether.

Within this zeitgeist, manufacturing and distribution leaders still have three crucial business priorities top of mind. The business has to cut costs while remaining globally competitive, organisational efficiency needs to be improved, and ongoing risks need to be reduced.

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

Many businesses have looked at the benefits of digitalisation in addressing these priorities. ERP in particular has been shown to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and time to value, but there ae still businesses that remain hesitant in making the investment. The key is to understand what sort of ROI ERP brings to the business.

USING ERP TO GAIN COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE According to 2020 SYSPRO research, 29% of businesses felt their business systems did not provide them with the availability and accessibility to manage the changes that the pandemic introduced. Many businesses still relied heavily on manual processes and spreadsheets. Those who had real time access to data could connect directly with customers and suppliers and address immediate needs

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

gible ROI to the distribution sectors and build their business.

Real-time access to data is a central factor for manufacturing and distribution businesses to remain competitive. The right information provides the ability to assess current operations, as well as the capability to make the required tactical, operational and strategic business decisions. Here the ability for an ERP system to integrate with other technologies such as IoT devices on the factory floor or within the warehouse is critical.

Ruprecht is an example of a SYSPRO customer that has been able to tackle market disruptions effectively and remain competitive by having access to a single source of data through their ERP system. The business, which focuses on ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook protein products that serve domestic and international customers in the foodservice and retail sectors in the US, was able to maintain a stable source of supply and the ability to maintain healthy inventory levels by using AI and a predictive model to guide them on the decision-making process.

In addition to real-time decision making, central access to data has also allowed the industry to take advantage of the eCommerce trend as well as explore new routes to market.

To leverage digital platforms, inventory levels need to be carefully managed and controlled and stock locations need to be available to respond quickly to customer demand, minimise transport costs and reduce warehousing and storage costs.

to provide the remote work capabilities to employees that were required. The ability to automatically generate invoices or even seamlessly move an order from the procurement department to the warehouse is of course a necessity in today’s digital world.

A good example of a company that leverages ERP to automate processes to improve operational efficiency is Moto Quip (a division of Brandcorp Pty Ltd – A proudly BIDVEST company). A South African SYSPRO customer, Moto Quip is a household name in motor vehicle accessories. The business often receives large orders from major retailers. For example, a batch order from one retailer can consist of 600 – 800 invoices.

Despite its substantial turnover, Moto Quip has only two staff members in its internal sales department. ERP assisted with the automation of this process, allowing 600 – 800 invoices to be processed in three minutes.

Operational efficiency has been improved and ROI is achieved through increased productivity and time savings.

REDUCING OPERATIONAL RISKS WITH ERP The volatile nature of any supply chain requires a level of flexibility. A good example

was witnessed during the recent alcohol ban in South Africa. An alcoholic beverage manufacturer that usually dispatched big bulk orders, suddenly only received smaller orders. The manufacturer was left with no choice but to scale down business operations until the lockdown was lifted. Here ERP assisted business to have the right level of input materials as well the ability to maintain operational efficiency on the factory floor.

The business could easily scale up orders once again, once the lockdown was lifted.

Ultimately, ERP can support manufacturers and distributors to digitalise by providing the systems and platforms to resolve the biggest areas of impact, all while providing tangible ROI. When embarking on this journey, CEOs should be clear on the business objectives and shouldn’t underestimate the change management and impact of the process on the business.

The CEO should also understand the change in skills required and should not run after the latest and greatest technology without understanding the true purpose and business benefits.

Syspro www.za.syspro.com

LEVERAGING ERP TO IMPROVE INTERNAL ORGANISATIONAL EFFICIENCIES For many businesses, the pandemic saw the rise of the remote workforce. There was a sudden need to integrate systems, as well as have the ability to view stock in real-time.

The transition to online was however difficult for many. The 2020 SYSPRO research study showed that 37% of companies were unable

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Why you should ou manufacturing co The manufacturing sector is diverse and highly regulated, subject to numerous checks, standards and laws governing quality control. This can make compliance – and the relevant audits that go along with it – a challenging prospect. Gean Botha, MD at Programmed Process Outsourcing explains that outsourcing not only the processes themselves, but the audit as well, can aid manufacturers in assuring quality, complying with all relevant standards, and streamlining operations for maximum output, productivity and profitability.

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rganisations within manufacturing are subject to numerous different types of audits, including social, ethical, financial and process audits. For quality control, as well as ensuring health and safety, process audits are critical.

Furthermore, quality control audits are essential for ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures and any applicable

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International Standards Organisation (ISO) standards.

Many manufacturers are also subject to audits by the National Occupational Safety Association (NOSA) and need to be certified.

In addition, some manufacturers may be audited by their clients to ensure compliance with required standards. The Department of Labour requires audits to ensure compliance

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

with industry regulations around basic conditions of employment, labour relations, minimum wage and more.

COMPLEX AND COMPLICATED Each type of audit has different requirements, processes to follow and repercussions if failed. Without an effective

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

utsource the ompliance process audit process and procedure, both operations and the brand itself can be negatively affected. The lack of compliant processes may also impact the quality of manufacturing, which in turn introduces risk.

The scope of this risk varies depending on the nature of manufacturing. When it relates to food or heavy engineering products, the risk can be extensive, and failure could have far-reaching consequences. Compliance is therefore inarguably essential, but it can also be complex and costly.

Audits require multiple elements, including a risk register to determine risks and identify if policies and standard operating procedures are in place. In addition, manufacturers must maintain compliance checklists and keep the type of standing quality control processes up to date. This is not a once-off exercise, but an ongoing, cyclical process that manufacturers must repeat at intervals to ensure risk mitigation.

Outsourcing processes, as well as the audit process around them, can benefit manufacturers in many ways.

‘Each type of audit has different requirements, processes to follow and repercussions if failed.

Without an effective audit process and procedure, both operations and the brand itself can be negatively affected’

identified and observed, it can be validated and signed off before the next cycle begins.

BETTER QUALITY CONTROL While compliance is vital in the manufacturing industry, it can be demanding and complex and distracts from core business operations. Outsourcing both processes and the compliance functions around these processes can help manufacturers ensure better quality control, increased productivity, and a streamlined, simplified audit process.

Gean Botha MD at Programmed Process Outsourcing

Programmed Process Outsourcing www.pposa.co.za

SIMPLIFYING AND STREAMLINING A business process outsourcing (BPO) provider can be the ideal partner to help manufacturers with their process improvement and their compliance and auditing. The partner will be able to analyse processes to determine areas of risk and areas for improvement, streamlining the process while simultaneously assisting in risk mitigation. As a result, the BPO partner will enable manufacturers to enhance performance and utilisation of resources and ensure that risk exposure is mitigated, and legal requirements are met.

A BPO partner will be able to assist with compliance and the audit process as well. Firstly, they will examine the scope of work and processes as defined in terms of various standards, such as quality, health and safety, food production and preparation and more. From there, they will identify an audit task list, and check on every item on the list to ensure that they comply with required standards. If they do not, these will be flagged to be addressed with remedial action before an audit. Once compliance is

Did you know?

The Department of Labour requires audits to ensure compliance with industry regulations around basic conditions of employment, labour relations, minimum wage and more.

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Why you should be inte health and safety stand Maintaining a healthy and safe working environment is a requirement by law, with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act in effect in South Africa. However, while compliance with the OHS Act is mandatory, there are also international standards that businesses can and should be adhering to, specifically ISO45001. Louise Woodburn, general manager at KBC Risk Solutions, explains why integrating international health and safety standards will save your business money and minimise risk in the long run.

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ertification to standards proves that businesses are meeting their moral, financial and legal obligations around health and safety to the highest levels.

Not only that, however, it can also make businesses more efficient, more productive, and ultimately more profitable as a result.

PEOPLE ARE A BUSINESS’ MOST CRUCIAL ASSET According to the International Labour Organisation, more than 7 600 people die from work-related accidents or diseases every single day. Without people, businesses simply cannot function. It is therefore in the best interest of any business to ensure that the highest possible levels of health and safety standards are adhered to.

The ISO45001 standard was developed by the International Standards Organisation to address this very issue, and it has the potential to save almost three million lives each year. For organisations that work across geographies, the ISO45001 certification ensures that a minimum standard can be set for all business entities. It replaces the previous OSHA 18000 from the British Standards Authority, effective from 2018, with upgraded principles to make it more risk-based. The deadline to convert the OSHA 18000 certification to the new international standard has been extended to the end of September 2021.

NOT JUST A COMPLIANCE EXERCISE While some organisations specify ISO45001 compliance as a prerequisite for

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doing business, the international standard is not legally enforceable. In South Africa, however, there is a new Occupational Health and Safety bill in the pipeline, which mandates that a formal health and safety system be put into place. Organisations that comply with the ISO45001 standard will be ahead of the game, as they will automatically abide by this new requirement.

Health and safety is not just about compliance though. ISO45001 certification can be hugely beneficial for a number of reasons. By reducing workplace accidents, organisations improve their risk profile as well as both direct and indirect costs associated with incidents. Indirectly, insurance premiums are reduced when fewer accidents occur, which also saves money. In addition, less downtime from

‘According to the International Labour Organisation, more than 7 600 people die from workrelated accidents or diseases every single day’ injuries and illness boosts productivity and efficiency. While certification to the standard may not be necessary for every business, adhering to the principles makes sense for any organisation, no matter what size or industry.

THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS

Louise Woodburn, general manager at KBC Risk Solutions

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

The ISO45001 standard centres on implementing a formal system to manage health and safety on a proactive basis.

The first step in certification is to perform a gap analysis on the current systems, policies and procedures, and then to standardise clausal procedures that meet the requirements of the standard for a particular business. These differ depending on the nature of the organisation as well as various other factors, for example, a mining enterprise will have vastly different requirements to a financial services firm.

Once the gap analysis is complete, an initial audit is performed to review paperbased evidence. Once this is passed, a three-month implementation is followed to ensure the standards developed can be

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

egrating international dards in your business put into place. A second-level audit is then performed to ensure physical compliance with the policies and procedures that have been developed and implemented. If this is all in order, the ISO45001 certification will be issued, and the business will operate in a surveillance period for a year, after which certain standards will be audited in-depth.

After the second year, other standards will be assessed, and then every third year the entire certification process must be undergone once more.

NOT AS COMPLEX AS IT SEEMS While the accreditation and certification process appears to be overly complex and unattainable, the right partner can vastly simplify matters by ensuring that existing processes can be formalised and that the process followed fits the needs of the business.

In addition, an expert partner can help organisations to integrate ISO45001 with other ISO standards, including ISO9000 for quality control and ISO14000 for environmental management.

There is also a perception that ISO45001 is only for large enterprises, however, there is immense value in proactive health and safety for entities of all sizes.

The standard provides for a formal process and a legal framework to manage risk and ensures that health and safety become an integral part of business rather than an afterthought, with major benefits to productivity and profitability.

KBC Risk Solutions www.kbcsa.co.za

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Africa’s race to ne With an acceleration of the global net-zero journey, there is increasing focus on developing countries and their lack of affordability to meet such net-zero targets. A clear contrast is evident when considering Africa; as home to 17% of the global population, producing less than 5% of global annual emissions and accounting for only 3% of global cumulative emissions. This is just one key finding of PwC’s Africa Energy Review 2021.

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otwithstanding, the majority of Africa’s 54 countries (35) have made commitments towards net-zero emissions, but at an estimated cost of $2.8 trillion just to transition Africa’s current energy base by 2050, the required investment levels are largely unaffordable to most countries.

This clear message has been given at COP-26 in Glasgow, through calls for increased international financial support from developed nations.

AFRICA: ENERGY SNAPSHOT A snapshot of Africa’s fossil fuel inventories shows a downturn in production, consumption, and exports between 2019 - 2020. This is largely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on large projects being delayed or cancelled, as well as global investment pressure resulting in the rapid exit of and disinvestment in portfolios.

Oil production significantly decreased by 19% to 6.8 mmbbl/d from the prior year.

This accounts for 7.8% of global production.

Consumption saw a decrease of 14% to 3.5 mmbbl/d from the prior year. Exports

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saw a drop to 5.7 mmbbl/d. Gas production experienced a slight decline of 5%, which amounted to 231 bcm, compared to the previous year. Gas consumption saw a slight decline of 1.5% relative to the previous year, amounting to 153bcm. Gas exports saw a decline of 6% to 26.1 bcm compared to the previous year.

Despite companies commencing exploration and development projects, planned capital expenditure in 2020–2021 fell from $90bn preCOVID-19 to $60bn.

RENEWABLE ENERGY SNAPSHOT Africa’s renewable energy sector in contrast shows an uptake in generation, capacity, and forecasts. Renewable energy is on the rise across the continent with an annual growth rate of 21% between 2010 and 2020 and current total renewable capacity of more than 58 GW (of which hydropower contributes 63%).

Wind energy generation increased by 14% and solar energy generation increased by 13%, while total renewable energy generation increased by 11% in 2020 compared to the

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

‘To achieve net zero by 2050, Africa would need to invest an estimated $2.8tn in a clean energy mix and reduce its current annual CO2 emissions of 1.62m kilotons of CO2e’ previous year. Solar capacity increased by 13%, wind capacity increased by 11% and hydropower increased by more than 25% in 2020 compared to 2019. Most African countries are also increasing investment in solar and hydropower technologies with projects currently under construction estimated to add 33 GW of renewable energy capacity.

Total installed renewable energy capacity in Africa has grown by over 24 GW since 2013.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

et zero emissions The continent’s capacity is expected to increase again by the end of 2021 with growth led by solar and wind projects in Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Ethiopia. Forecasts to 2050 estimate 27.32 EJ of additional renewable generation is needed within Africa’s energy mix to compensate for declining fossil fuels, a significant increase from current renewable generation of just 1.79 EJ.

THE CHALLENGES OF A NET-ZERO TRANSITION IN AFRICA To achieve net zero by 2050, Africa would need to invest an estimated $2.8tn in a clean energy mix and reduce its current annual CO2 emissions of 1.62m kilotons of CO2e.

Investment in low-carbon energy systems in Africa lags global pace, but despite global climate finance commitments from developed economies aimed at $100bn per annum, the allocation to Africa falls significantly short of what the continent requires to meet global targets. The fiscal constraints being experienced across Africa create a challenge for the continent to move with pace on its net-zero journey. Private partnerships, public-private partnerships (PPPs) and blended finance are becoming increasingly important and will need to be deployed together with strong public sector governance and innovative financing instruments to overcome these challenges.

James Mackay, PwC director: Energy Strategy and Infrastructure, says:

“Ensuring a sustainable planet is not a cost-benefit assessment, that said: Africa must carefully consider the economic impact of a transition away from fossil fuels and associated revenues in context of the affordable pace of development and growth of the renewable energy sector.”

ECONOMIC BENEFITS AND OPPORTUNITY COSTS OF THE ENERGY TRANSITION Africa’s proven fossil fuel reserves are estimated at more than $15.2tn based on current market value. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) alone, nearly 50% of export value is derived from fossil fuels with an estimated annual contribution to GDP from Africa’s current oil, coal, and gas production of approximately $156.2bn. The global energy transition is, however, putting this crucial income source for the continent at risk.

To achieve the 1.5°C global warming target under the Paris Agreement, studies suggest that a third of current oil reserves, half the current natural gas reserves and nearly 90% of current coal reserves must remain in the ground.

Applying this to Africa would leave a potential $6.7tn of fossil fuels stranded on the continent.

The adoption of renewable energy has the potential to boost employment opportunities on the continent with the creation of new skills and skills capacity. This employment creation is not limited to direct employment and of relevance to Africa is the potential boost in non-

energy jobs through broader economic activity in rural communities where improved energy access through mini-grids and off-grid solutions will impact economic productivity. Overall, the energy transition in Africa has the potential to result in total renewable energy employment of around 5m jobs by 2030, which is a substantial increase from the estimate of 324 000 currently employed.

FUTURE STRUCTURE OF THE ENERGY SECTOR IN AFRICA Africa’s coal and oil energy production are expected to drop by around 96% and 71% respectively by 2050. This will be driven by declining demand for fossil fuels globally with leading international oil and gas companies already refocusing their portfolios to include higher renewables exposure. Renewable energy is expected to see large gains in Africa over the next three decades.

By 2050, energy production from solar and wind is expected to increase by as much as 110 times and 40 times respectively.

Mackay comments: “Africa will have no choice but to adapt to this new world, but to avoid a growing ‘fault line’ between the developed and the developing world, greater focus on equitable policy, markets and investment is clearly required.”

PWC www.pwc.co.za

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

How to achieve herd immunity in the building and construction sector There are a lot of myths around vaccines as a whole, but there seems to be even more hesitancy around COVID-19 vaccinations, even in South Africa’s building and construction sector. However, achieving herd immunity in this sector is integral and there are some practical and innovative ways to make the vaccine for accepted and accessible.

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We all know what we need to do. The message is simple: Get vaccinated,” says Phumelele Makatini, chief executive and principal officer of The Building and Construction Industry Medical Aid Fund (BCIMA).

Makatini, the host of Tea with Phumi, a conversation platform which aims to provide further insights into developments within the South African healthcare and medical scheme’s environment, recently discussed innovative ways to ensure that vaccinations are brought within reach of the people with epidemiologist and vaccinologist Professor Charles Shey Wiysonge on the second episode of her online show.

BARRIERS TO COVID-19 VACCINATIONS “There are a lot of myths around vaccines as a whole, but I think there is more hesitancy around COVID-19 vaccinations than vaccinations in general,” said Professor Wiysonge.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have heard more about vaccinations in the public domain than at any time before.

The barriers to COVID-19 vaccinations uptake range from supply and availability to the psychosocial factors that inhibit the uptake.

Even in one country, we might find that there is more of a certain challenge in one region than in the rest of the country. Challenges cover a wide range and may also vary as time goes on. We may find that when the challenges of availability and access are solved, we are

‘The barriers to COVID-19 vaccinations uptake range from supply and availability to the psychosocial factors that inhibit the uptake’ 20

Epidemiologist and vaccinologist Professor Charles Shey Wiysonge confronted by psychosocial factors.”

According to Professor Wiysonge, we have a long way to go, but we also need to celebrate what we have achieved. “In the beginning we had quite a problem with access, supply and availability. Now we have a steady supply and more vaccination sites have been opened. Now people from the community need to come,” he says.

NO ONE SIZE FITS ALL SOLUTION He told Makatini that there is a different solution to each barrier, as there is no one size fits all solution. For example, when South Africa had supply and availability problems, it was up to our government to negotiate and sign contracts with vaccine manufacturers directly, to obtain vaccines through the African Union, or to obtain them through the Covax facility.

In terms of access, there are parts of the country where people may have to travel long distances to come to vaccination sites, which can for many be prohibitive. Vaccination therefore needs to be brought to the people.

Having many vaccination sites close to where the people are situated is vital.

INNOVATIVE THINKING Professor Wiysonge believes the most immediate solution to barriers is innovative

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

thinking. “This includes vaccinations in places such as taxi ranks, or grant queues for the aged. I think the government and the private sector are doing a lot to bring vaccinations to the people, but we need to do more to ensure that people don’t have to travel long distances to get their jabs. We also need to have more vaccination stations open on weekends.”

Prof Wiysonge says we also need to consider more convenient hours and look into the possibility of vaccination options such as trains or long-distance busses.

He agrees that vaccine hesitancy is a real problem. But we need to understand the hesitancy, listen very carefully to what the concerns are and provide adequate responses in the form of solutions and accurate information.

REPERCUSSIONS OF FAILING TO VACCINATE WILL BE SEVERE The repercussions of failing to overcome vaccination barriers are severe, says Professor Wiysonge.

On the individual level, vaccinations protect the vaccinated person, but if we can vaccinate sufficient numbers, we can stop the transmission of infections. This is what we refer to as herd immunity.

“For that we need to have a very high vaccination percentage. At first, we used to talk about 67%, but of course knowing that not everybody in the country is eligible for vaccination, we need very, very high coverage in the adult population – maybe 90%, even 95%.

In that way we may reduce or even stop the transmissions.

There would be protection at the individual level, but also at community level.

“For this to happen, people need to have the right information and we all have to play our part to make sure that people are literate about vaccinations,” Prof Wiysonge concludes.

The Building and Construction Industry Medical Aid Fund www.bcimas.com

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Industrial BUYER

MATERIALS HANDLING & LOGISTICS

Think smarter about storage With the head office based in Cape Town, Southern Storage Solutions-Dexion’s network provides support to customers nationally and into Africa.

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ith over 55 years international experience in materials handling and storage systems, Dexion has the expertise required to solve any storage requirements.

COMPLETE RANGE Dexion offers a complete range of products, including all forms of racking, steel shelving, mobile shelving, conveyor systems, mezzanine floors, small parts bins, staff lockers and fencing as well as a complete advisory and system design service incorporating the latest CAD technology.

The company also offers a full racking inspection service which can be completed every six months, or where necessary on a more frequent basis. This includes a full audit on the storage system, a detailed report and recommendations on damage prevention.

Certification can be provided on request.

‘Dexion believes in thinking smart, being smarter in the way it works with its customers, smarter in the solutions it provides, and strategically smart to stay ahead of the competition’

World renowned The Dexion Brand is consistently known around the world for: • High quality products • Market-leading ideas surrounding concepts such as space utilisation and the effective storage and handling of items associated with a business • Excellence in customer service.

Did you know?

THINK SMART The brand is supported by training of its people, the latest design tools, active research and development, rigorous product testing and after-sales service.

Smarter thinking is embraced at all levels of the organisation. Dexion believes in thinking smart, being smarter in the way it works with its customers, smarter in the solutions it provides, and strategically smart to stay ahead of the competition.

Dexion www.dexionrackingandshelving.co.za

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Dexion offers a complete range of products, including all forms of racking, steel shelving, mobile shelving, conveyor systems, mezzanine floors, small parts bins, staff lockers and fencing as well as a complete advisory and system design service incorporating the latest CAD technology.

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

Your Racking & Shelving Specialist The Dexion brand is known around the world for: High quality products, Market-leading ideas, Excellence in customer service and after-sales service. ‘Smarter Thinking’ – The Dexion Way

NEED A STORAGE SOLUTION?

TEL: 021 552 0220 EMAIL: ron@dexioncape.co.za ADDRESS: Southern Storage Solutions cc Cnr Koeberg Rd & Freedom Way Marconi Beam, Cape Town, 7441

Pallet Racking Cantilever Racking Shelving Mezzanine Floors Conveyors Mobile Racking Mobile Archive Shelving Small Parts Storage Staff Lockers

MATERIALS HANDLING & LOGISTICS

Move your business into the future with customisable warehousing solutions The range of warehousing solutions offered by Systems One includes single-module vertical warehouses, multi-module management systems, AS/RS (automatic storage & retrieval systems) and multi-level shuttle systems that are extremely flexible and can be adapted to specific requirements.

OPTIMISING WAREHOUSING OPERATIONS The range starts from Systems One’s objective of optimising all warehousing operations, both in terms of space and handling of materials, focusing on the journey the materials make from the production line to the warehouse and from the warehouse to the shipping area.

AGV The new AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) vehicles are robots that can move independently around the work areas without the need for operators on board, using smart management systems both indoors and outdoors.

A complete system which brings everything together: planning, installation and customer support wholly provided by Systems One.

With a range of over 60 products and several customisation options, we can automate any logistical requirement, by combining modern systems for the Customisable Automatic Vertical Warehousing modules storage and handling of materials, with state-of-the-art laser and inertial navigation technologies. systems) for storage and handling of several With the introduction of its AGV vehicles different bulks and weights is the realisation from the palletising and depalletising of automated logistics systems. These systems, to the warehouse and finally to universal solutions are applicable to any the shipping area, customers will be able industrial sector where there is a need to to replace their logistics and production optimise, speed up and automate the storage management system with a new lean system, of goods. thereby minimising any waste or inefficiencies CUSTOMISABLE that might undermine their competitiveness.

AUTOMATING STORAGE OF GOODS A wide range of stacker cranes (AS/RS

Did you know?

Automated Vertical Warehousing modules can be configured to meet your unique storage needs and improve operational efficiencies

A wide range of stacker cranes (AS/RS systems) for storage and handling of several different bulks and weights is the realisation of automated logistics systems

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INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

AUTOMATIC VERTICAL WAREHOUSING MODULES

Each module provides turnkey and customisable operations, layout flexibility, reporting/traceability, plus easy management, and maintenance.

Sophisticated software provides advanced functionality that maximises use of space and optimises the storage and retrieval process.

Products of various sizes and weights are stored on trays and goods are automatically brought to the operator, versus the operator taking time by physically moving to each product’s location. Automated Vertical Warehousing modules can be configured to meet your unique storage needs and improve operational efficiencies. Having installed over 50 stacker crane AS/RS systems, you will receive expert advice and guidance from Systems One’s STS division.

Systems One (Pty) Ltd www.systems-one.com

The Future of Logistics: more flexibility with more customized solutions A complete system which brings everything together: planning, installation and customer support wholly provided by Systems One. With a range of over 60 products and several customization options, we can automate any logistical requirement, by combining modern systems for the storage and handling of materials, with state-of-the-art laser and inertial navigation technologies.

Vertical Automated Warehouses

Stacker Cranes

Conveying Lines

Pallet Control Automatic System

Palletizing Systems

Packers and Decraters

Loaders and Unloaders

Depalletizing Systems

www.systems-one.com | +27 10 013 1971

PACKAGING SA bag closing company bucks the trend and stays resilient during COVID-19 Over the years specialist bag closing equipment company Buckle Packaging has managed to buck more than one economic downturn and the COVID-19 pandemic has been no exception. The business is actually stronger than before, taking on new employees and growing the business in times when many companies globally have had to close their doors permanently.

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anaging director Anthony Mason puts this down to his strategy of building client bonds and maintaining high stock holdings. “Buckle Packaging has managed to cement stronger relationships with our clients over the past five years. This has been due to customer service and extensive stock holding, especially during the pandemic.

We have managed to maintain the service that our customers are accustomed to, while steadily growing the business,” Mason explains.

KEEPING UP WITH NEW TRENDS

the company’s profile strong through targeted marketing and a pro-active sales team have been key to Anthony Mason’s efforts of maintaining Buckle Packaging’s position as a top supplier of bag closing equipment.

“We keep the correct decision makers in the market abreast of what we have to offer. We have a passion to keep ourselves ahead as the leaders in bag closing technology.”

Buckle Packaging www.bucklepackaging.co.za

Buckle Packaging’s beginnings go back to 1979 when the company first opened for trading under the leadership of Anthony’s father Alan Mason. The business has always focused on supplying the best quality packaging equipment and today it has become Africa’s largest supplier of industrial bag stitching machines and heat sealing systems. The equipment comes from leading suppliers Fischbein-Saxon.

Buckle Packaging also focuses on providing customers with technical maintenance and after sales service and keeping a fully stocked spares division.

Buckle Packaging keeps up with new trends and makes sure that their customers have the best that modern research and technology can offer.

“Fischbein – Saxon continues to develop state of the art packaging equipment,’ says Mason. “On the bag stitching machinery we have recently launched the Fischbein 100-2 DOUBLE NEEDLE bag stitching machine. The machine allows for the bag to be double stitched across the top in one action. This is required by certain industries mainly within the food sector.”

PLANNING AHEAD Planning ahead averted the consequences of the global shipping crisis and keeping

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The Fischbein 100-twin needle bag

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

‘The business has always focused on supplying the best quality packaging equipment and today it has become Africa’s largest supplier of industrial bag stitching machines and heat sealing systems’

PACKAGING

BUCKLE PACKAGING | National Sales Contact: Anthony Mason | JHB Tel: 011 613 8024 | Fax: 011 613 1080 |

info@bucklepack.co.za | www.bucklepack.co.za

Number one bag closing specialists Since 1979 Buckle Packaging has supplied Africa with a range of end-of-line bag closing machines.

BAG STITCHING

BAND SEALERS

‘HOT AIR’ SEALING

Fischbein in-line industrial bag stitchers are the leaders in bag closing technology.

Heavy duty, robust, durable and reliable work horse.

Suitable for all bag types such as paper, woven polypropylene, BOPP, plastic and net.

The HANATO band sealer is suitable for various bag sizes. Ideal for sealing plastic bags filled with dry foods, grain, coffee etc. Seals pouches, foil securely with a 10mm seal.

The Saxon range of sealers are state of the art. Available in stainless steel for the food industry as well as fertilizer and chemicals.

No Teflon belts – uses the patented method of ‘hot air’ sealing with less maintenance and down time.

AUTO INFEED DEVICE The Fischbein infeed automatically guides the filled bag towards the stitcher. Allows for straight stitching and neat closures. Available for straight stitching or fold over prior to closing the bag.

Continuous Band Sealer

In-Line Heavy Duty Bag Stitcher

Auto Infeed Device With Fold Over

Saxon ‘Hot Air’ Heat Sealer

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PUMPS AND FANS Cutting edge peristaltic pumps created internationally but available locally Air & Vacuum Technologies is the South African distributor of Baoding Shenchen Precision Pump Co. Ltd, a specialist in peristaltic pump technology.

B

aoding Shenchen Precision Pump Co. Ltd is a high-tech enterprise, specialising in R&D, manufacturing and sales of peristaltic pumps, syringe pumps and other precision fluid transfer equipment.

35% of its staff is dedicated to R&D for peristaltic pumps and n 2014 it established its Technology Research Centre, which all culminates in an outstanding product quality.

HOLISTIC FLUID SOLUTION 30% of Baoding Shenchen’s total annual profits are invested in R&D to develop technically advanced products. It provide a holistic fluid solution programme for customers. Its team is highly-qualified, young

and innovative. It comprises of research engineers, application engineers, and a professional sales and service team.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS Baoding Shenchen’s products are widely used in research laboratories, biopharmaceuticals, food and beverage, fine chemical engineering, environmental not to mention all of the industrial applications. It is CE certified and exported to 103 countries worldwide, including South Africa where Air & Vacuum Technologies is the official distributor.

Air & Vacuum Technologies www.vactech.co.za

For all your dosing, filling or liquid transfer needs, please contact Instrulab (A division of Air & Vacuum Technologies (Pty) Ltd) for a quote on a suitable peristaltic pump.

info@vactech.co.za 28

011 318 3241/2/3/4

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

www.vactech.co.za

PRINTING, CODING & MARKING

How to adjust your labelling to reduce packaging waste In a time where throw-away culture has increased packaging waste worldwide, companies are looking for solutions that enable them to provide more and use less. With mounting pressure, packaging is changing. Fix-a-Form self-adhesive labels, available locally from Pyrotec Packmedia, occupy the same space as an ordinary label but may contain up to 120 pages of extra information.

This will assist with reducing the amount of packaging and paper waste that ends up at landfill.

E

ven though packaging is necessary, a lot of products have excess packaging where the information that is needed could be applied directly to the product rather than adding packaging to display necessary information. This could be for instructions, legislated, multilingual or promotional information. The packaging not only adds to the cost of the product but also to discarded waste.

LET THE RESELLER BEWARE In the late 1970s Fix-a-Form International’s sister company, Denny Bros UK, combined a printed, folded booklet with a self-adhesive label, and the first multi-page Fix-a-Form label was born.

These Fix-a-Form booklet labels, locally available from Pyrotec PackMedia, are a multipage solution suitable for an array of packaging types. They are ideal for instructions for use, information and promotional labelling, and adding multilingual information.

These innovative self-adhesive booklet labels occupy the same space as an ordinary label but may contain up to 120 pages of extra information. These can be tailored to suit different product needs, supplied in a standard reel format and applied with standard industry labelling equipment.

LET THE RESELLER BEWARE In South Africa, one of Packaging SA’s objectives is to address minimising packaging

and paper waste sent to landfill by supporting material reduction, recycling, recovery and other related activities. The vision is to strive for zero packaging and paper waste to landfill.

In pursuit of this aim, PSA’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Plan has a long-term vision in line with SA’s National Development Goals and the global Sustainable Development Goals, of which South Africa is a signatory.

The target for collection/diversion rates will increase from its current 57.1% to 66.9% within a five-year period when the plan is implemented. This compares well to the EU’s target of 65% for all paper and packaging by 2025.

Safeguard your business. Customers will be thinking about reducing packaging so look to invest now for your future.

Pyrotec Packmedia www.pyrotec.co.za

‘In South Africa, one of Packaging SA’s objectives is to address minimising packaging and paper waste sent to landfill by supporting material reduction, recycling, recovery and other related activities. The vision is to strive for zero packaging and paper waste to landfill.’

Fix-a-Form labels form part of a sustainable packaging solution

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INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

PPE Lemaitre traverses new terrains with new styles and designs for its safety shoes Lemaitre is targeting new sectors by launching new styles of its safety shoes with modern designs and a refreshed look that appeals to a wider audience.

D

riven by passion, dedication, and a commitment to high-quality products, Lemaitre has always been a brand committed to keeping those who build South Africa safe. For 30 years, it has helped build a nation with the toughest workforce.

The company’s new styles are designed to offer you more support, comfort and performance in the toughest environments.

RAPTOR RANGE The Raptor range is synonymous with torsion control and keeping you sure-footed in environments where uneven terrain is prevalent, such as construction and agriculture. We’ve expanded our offering in this range with the Osprey Hiker and the Falcon shoe and boot.

The Osprey Hiker has a full grain genuine leather upper for enhanced comfort and durability and is perfect for the agricultural industry. The Falcon shoe and boot also made with a genuine leather upper, with TPU inserts in the arch of the foot with enhanced ladder grip design. Their Dual Density PU sole unit and TPU inserts allow for an aggressive grip and torsion control.

PARABOLIC RANGE The Parabolic range comes with a durable polyurethane midsole and is perfect for workers who need extra support when spending a lot of time on their feet. The

Concorde shoe and boot are our latest’s offerings in this range, with an S3 rating, provide comfort and alleviate fatigue for workers who spend long hours on their feet in industries such as manufacturing. They also come standard with an anti-penetration midsole (APT) to prevent sharp objects from penetrating the boot.

MAXECO RANGE The company’s iconic Maxeco range, a legacy of South African safety footwear, has built-in arch support and is designed for all-around safety. The redesigned Maximus gives you the all-around safety with the addition of a memory foam insole and reflective strip. It has a lightweight sole unit, wider fit and improved ergonomics.

The square cleat design of the shoe improves the slip resistance rating and provides better stability and reduced shock impact.

APOLLO RANGE The Apollo range with SRC slip-resistance rating offers maximum slip-resistance and is suited for environments where slip potential is a high risk. The two new styles added in this range are the Clog and the Ben. While the Clog has been designed to provide superior slip-resistance to those working in kitchens and hospitals, the Ben incorporates the benefits of the Apollo sole as well as no

The Raptor range is synonymous with torsion control and keeping you sure-footed

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INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

metal or hard plastics on the upper which minimises the risk of scratching metal and other smooth surfaces. It is ideal for industries such as manufacturing and automotive.

INYATI RANGE New to the Lemaitre range is the Inyati range which offers high heat resistance, cut and abrasion resistance and SRC rated slip resistance and has an injected PU/Rubber sole which provides all-round safety and protection in hazardous working environments. The two new styles to this range are the Dodge and the Urban. The Dodge has a stylish leather upper and comes with a TPU support system on the outside counter for reinforced support.

The Urban boot is S3 rated and boasts a genuine duo-tone leather upper with additional padding on the collar and tongue for enhanced comfort. An anti-penetration insole board comes standard with this style.

Lemaitre’s range of products offers a variety of features and benefits for all-round protection, comfort and performance. As a proudly South African brand made for workers, by workers, the company understands what is needed to carry you safely through tough industries and working environments. With the expansion of its new range and styles, Lemaitre is expanding into new terrains.

BBF Safety Group www.bbfsafety.co.za

New to the Lemaitre range is the Inyati range which offers high heat resistance, cut and abrasion resistance and SRC rated slip resistance

LEMAITRE

TREADS INTO NEW TERRITORY

URBAN INYATI R ANGE

Tough durable rubber sole for any situation.

LEMAITRE EXPANDS INTO NEW TERRAINS Lemaitre’s range of products of fers a variet y of features and benefits for all-round protection, comfor t and per formance. The latest addition to Lemaitre – the Inyati range on a PU/Rubber sole of fers resistance, protection and durabilit y in the toughest environments.

As a proudly South African brand made for workers, by workers, we understand what is needed to carr y you safely through some of the toughest industries and working environments. With the expansion of our new range and st yles, Lemaitre expands into new terrains.

BEN

OSPRE Y HIKER R A P TO R R A NG E Torsion control that keeps you sure-footed on uneven ground.

A P O LLO R A N G E Maximum slip resistance.

FROM ONE WORKER TO ANOTHER

MA XIMUS

M A X E CO R A NG E Providing all-round safety, all the time.

CONCORDE BOOT

PA R A BO LI C R A NG E Comfort and anti fatigue support.

www.lemaitre.co.za SOURCED AND MANUFACTURED IN SOUTH AFRICA

FORECAST

What to expect from sales in 2022

Following the report of the first slowdown of sales growth recorded by the Skynamo Industry Thermometer in August 2021, the results for September have indicated very little movement monthon-month. Results in the fourth quarter of 2021 give a good indication of what to expect in 2022.

T

he Skynamo Industry Thermometer is a free-to-access resource that benchmarks industry sales activity and sector health on a monthly basis. It reports average order values and volumes from approximately 1000 South African manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors across 26 industries using the Skynamo field sales app.

MINIMAL MOVEMENT Zane van Rooyen, product marketing manager at Skynamo says that the company’s Industry Thermometer recorded the first slowdown in August 2021 following encouraging signs of sales growth heading towards pre-pandemic figures since January 2021. “The results for September are almost a carbon copy of those recorded in August with minimal movement, positive or negative, across all our tracked

‘As the world slowly opens up, with measurements set in place for businesses to operate and people to live alongside the virus, the results of the fourth quarter of 2021 will be a tell-tale sign of what to expect in 2022’

Zane van Rooyen, product marketing manager at Skynamo industries,” he says.

With this in mind, van Rooyen points out that it’s hard to ascertain what this plateau means in terms of the momentum of steady growth witnessed since the beginning of the year. “It could mean that local businesses have reached a peak in volumes or that the pressure on global supply chains is placing significant risk on companies. It could also simply be a reflection of the calm before the festive season storm.”

BUILDING & HARDWARE LEADS THE RACE On a positive note, he highlights that the data is clearly showing that the Building & Hardware as well as the Food & Beverage industries are still vastly leading the race when it comes to order values and volumes with order revenue.

“These are up by 100% and 400% respectively year-on-year.”

“As the world slowly opens up, with measurements set in place for businesses to operate and people to live alongside the virus, the results of the fourth quarter of 2021 will be a tell-tale sign of what to expect in 2022,” concludes van Rooyen.

Data shows that Building & Hardware is still vastly leading the race when it comes to order values and volumes with order revenue

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INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

Skynamo www.skynamo.com

LISTINGS BAG FILLING AND SEALING

PACKAGING AND PALLETS

Buckle Packaging.......................................................011 613 8024

Buckle Packaging.......................................................011 613 8024

CODING, MARKING AND PRINTING

PPE

Pyrotec....................................................................... 083 634 3334

BBF Safety Group.................................................... 031 710 0400

Telpro Management............................................... 011 875 9300 Systems One........................................................... 010 020 7220 Traceability Solutions............................................ 010 020 7220

TOOLS AND MACHINERY Awesome Tools Distributors.................................. 021 981 6672

CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION Drive Dynamics........................................................ 012 653 0080

WAREHOUSING Southern Storage Solutions t/a Dexion Storage Solutions......................................021 552 0220

LABELLING Pyrotec....................................................................... 083 634 3334 Telpro Management............................................... 011 875 9300

LIGHTING Awesome Tools......................................................... 021 981 6672

MATERIALS HANDLING Southern Storage Solutions t/a Dexion Storage Solutions......................................021 552 0220 Systems One.............................................................010 020 7220

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY BBF Safety Group.................................................... 031 710 0400

INDUSTRIAL BUYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

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