Ec industrial & business news issue 64

EASTERN CAPE INDUSTRIAL & BUSINESS NEWS

YOUR LINK TO INDUSTRY THROUGHOUT THE EASTERN CAPE

issn NO: 1996-9708

November / December 2014

Inside

EC unemployment rate drops page 3

Electrical & Electronics page 10

Education, Training & Development - page 12

ir Products South Africa has unveiled its R300-million Eastern Cape air separation unit in the Coega Industrial Development Zone, declaring that it had delivered on its promise to be the first industrial gas company to supply the Eastern Cape from the newly constructed and commissioned ASU. The state-of-the-art, energy-efficient facility is the first of its kind to be commissioned in the Eastern Cape and is the sixteenth ASU to be commissioned countrywide by Air Products South Africa.

The Coega ASU is the second to be launched by Air Products in South Africa this year, and forms part of its long-term capital investment pipeline of R2 billion. The investment pipeline is aimed at establishing a solid national gas production and supply footprint.

“We committed to supply gas to our Eastern Cape customers by the fourth quarter of 2014. We are actually ahead, with the plant already commissioned in September. We are therefore successfully providing a stable and secure supply of industrial gases to the region,” Air Products General Manager: Central Services, Josua le Roux said.

The newly-commissioned facility will produce 110 tons per day of liquid nitrogen and oxygen, with the capacity to scale up production in line with market demand. It supplies industrial gases for a wide range of applications – from welding to freezing – to diverse sectors in the region, including the automotive, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, agro-processing, food and beverage industries.

Air Products had made a strategic decision to invest in the Coega IDZ based on thorough market analysis, which showed increasing demand for gas across the industrial spectrum in the Eastern Cape, along with promising economic growth.

According to Le Roux, the availability of a secure supply of industrial gas, which no longer has to be trucked in over long distances from outside the province, strengthens the Eastern Cape’s industrial infrastructure and its attractiveness as an investment destination of choice.

“Security of industrial gas supply further supports business sustainability and competitiveness, by enhancing the region’s supply chain network - which in turn opens the door to further industrial growth, investment and job creation through-

Celebrating the unveiling of the first air separation unit to come online in the Eastern Cape, from left to right, Nelson Mandela Bay Budget & Treasury Portfolio Chairperson, Councillor Balu Naran, Air Products Eastern Cape sales manager Pierre Fourie, Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber president Mandla Madwara, and Air Products general manager: central services Josua le Roux out the entire value chain,” he said.

As the largest supplier in the on-site and pipeline markets in Southern Africa, Air Products has been at the forefront of air separation technology innovation over the past 15 years.

The Coega ASU incorporates the latest advances in order to deliver optimal energy efficiency and maximum product output capacity, at a reasonable cost of production.

Le Roux further commented that continued on page two

Unstoppable: COEGA scoops three awards

Consulting Engineers & Project Management - page 13

T Company & Product News - page 16

issue no. 64

First to E Cape market with industrial gas

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Harbour Infrastructure & Shipping - page 7

R17,10 (VAT incl.)

Pictured from left, Martin Mkhabela, Deputy Director General Gauteng Province, Asanda Qangule, CDC KZN Stakeholder Manager, Dr Ayanda Vilakazi, CDC Unit Head Marketing & Communications, Judy Dlamini, KZN Department of Education, Chuma Mbande, CDC Executive Manager Business Development External Programmes, Cox Mokgoro, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Works and Benjamin Manasoe, Executive Director City of Tshwane.

HE Coega Development Corporation won three awards at the prestigious 12th Annual National Business Awards, considered the “Oscars of South Africa’s business.”

The CDC won the Infrastructure Development and Top Performing Public Service awards, while its head of marketing and communications, Dr Ayanda Vilakazi, was named the country’s Top Executive of the Year (under forty years).

The Infrastructure Development Award is awarded to organisations that boasts

an annual turnover that exceeds R35 million, and recognizes sustainable and efficient infrastructure development, which includes roads and railways, energy, water and sanitation, housing, and access to basic service delivery.

Last year, the CDC managed around 74 public infrastructure development projects such as schools and hospitals across the country with a total value of R4.7-billion.

For the second accolade, the Top Performing Public Service award cate-

continued on page two

November /December 2014

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EC Industrial & Business News

award, which is an inspiration to many young business executives who believe in hard work, dedication to service excellence, patience, and are focussed on long term objectives instead of short term unsustainable gratification,” says Dr Vilakazi.

He advised the young business executives to focus on personal development, innovation, and to assist their businesses to deliver both customer and shareholder value not only for this generation but for many generations to come. He discouraged the epidemic of tenderpreneurs, which in his opinion is misleading or deceptive success that is not sustainable.

The awards are presented in association with SA’s Top Perfoming Publication to honour South Africa’s industry leaders through the acknowledgement of innovative business processes, product development, enterprise, sustainability and overall business success.

The Awards also recognise the important social and environmental contributions made by organisations through the excellence of service, commitment to their customers, ethical behaviour and environmental sustainability.

Auto body gets a head

Coega wins business awards continued from page one

gory, CDC competed and won against other finalists such as the Department of Basic Education, Department of Roads & Transport, Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), Statistics South Africa (Government Department), Supplier Park Development, The Playhouse Company and the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board. This is the second consecutive year that CDC has won this award.

In the Top Young Executive of the Year Award category Dr. Ayanda Vilakazi was named the winner.

The Top Young Business Executive of the Year Award under 40 years category highlighted the outstanding achievement of a young business executive who has contributed to the positive success and performance of an organisation through innovative strategies and solutions that delivers customer and shareholder value.

“I was honoured to win such a prestigious

Enquiry no: 1

Lance Schultz has been appointed MD of the AIDC Eastern Cape.

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he appointment of a MD at the AIDC Eastern Cape, an agency of Provincial government, commissioned to assist industry become more globally competitive, is the final step in the full de-coupling of the two AIDC regional entities.

Schultz, who served as Manager: Supply

Chain & Supplier Development at the AIDC for 12 years officially fills the MD role which has been vacant since the AIDC Eastern Cape, fully owned by the ECDC, became a separate legal entity to its sister company, the AIDC Gauteng, from which it decoupled in 2012.

Schultz points out however that the two entities remain connected through a close working relationship.

“The AIDC Eastern Cape, will never forget its history and initial mandate to serve the priorities of government by assisting the Eastern Cape automotive sector become more globally competitive.”

“The objectives of government and industry are not mutually exclusive and the AIDC plays a key link between the two. When industry is productive and sustainable, then socio-economic and job growth takes place,’’ he said.

Schultz has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive sector, having also worked for Mercedes Benz South Africa for a decade, responsible for lean manufacturing projects and aspects of new model introductions.

He has managed major supplier development projects in the automotive industry, including establishing the Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park in Uitenhage.

His departments at the AIDC Eastern Cape, have made a significant contribution to the strength of the automotive supply chain with shopfloor improvement programmes that in the last financial year saved participating suppliers more than R10m in annual savings and created or retained more than 160 jobs.

Enquiry no: 2

Industrial gas in E Cape continued from page one

Bulelani Nxumalo stood up when he realised that there is no infrastructure development without steel. That’s why, in 2007, he used his skills to start the Umzungulu Steel Projects, a company that supplies steel window and door frames to the construction industry.

Bulelani tried different avenues to expand his venture, but had a hard time finding support, until he approached the IDC. The support he received from the IDC included funding, business mentorship, as well as HR and engineering consultants.

Thanks to this partnership, Umzungulu Steel Projects could supply their SABS approved products to a 25 000 housing project in the Msunduzi Municipality.

The enterprise now has 22 employees.

The IDC is calling on you, the young entrepreneur, to stand up and act on your business plan and lead industrial development. Take the lead by applying for funding of R1 million or more. Call the Port Elizabeth regional office on 041 363 1640 or visit idc.co.za to learn more about the funding criteria for the sectors that the IDC supports.

whilst the Coega facility formed part of a national strategy and footprint, the company had focused strongly on local skills in design, construction and installation.

“All construction work was performed by local contractors, and the bulk of the engineering and design work was awarded to local consultants. Going forward, we will use companies from this region as far as possible in the ongoing operation and maintenance of the plant,” he said.

Le Roux said the on-schedule completion and commissioning of the facility was the result of in-house project management expertise and a pool of professionals and contractors who worked hand-in-hand to ensure delivery on time, safely and without incident.

Enquiry no: 3

EASTERN CAPE INDUSTRIAL & BUSINESS YOUR LINK TO INDUSTRY THROUGHOUT THE EASTERN CAPE

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Tel: 0861 122 441 P O Box 1322 Wandsbeck 3631 Fax: (031) 266 7514 Email: editorial@mediaevents.co.za www.mediaevents.co.za Managing Director: Janet Coom Editor: Jacqui Harris Email: editorial@mediaevents.co.za Sales & Marketing Manager: Cheryl Murphy Email: cheryl@mediaevents.co.za Any news items, press releases, articles and photographs relating to business and industry in Eastern Cape Industrial & Business News are welcome. All contributions will be considered for publication.

Disclaimer: The editor and management of Eastern Cape Industrial & Business News make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this publication. However, no warranty is made and no responsibility will be borne by the editor or management of consequences of any actions based on information published. The views and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the editor and/or management.

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November / December 2014

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EC unemployment rate drops T he unemployment rate in the Eastern Cape in the third quarter of this year declined marginally from 30.4% to 29.5% quarter-on-quarter and by the same percentage year-on-year according to figures released recently by StatsSA. In numerical terms, the number of unemployed in the province dropped from 592 000 to 576 000.

The number of “discouraged work seekers,” those who have given up trying to find employment, dropped from 442 000 to 422 000 between the second and third quarters.

The figures show that between the second and third quarters the manufacturing sector in the Eastern Cape shed 12 000 jobs, dropping to 130 000, which is 26 000 fewer than in the third quarter of last year, a decline of 16.3%.

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between the second and third quarters.

While the number employed in the community and social services sector in the Eastern Cape declined by 8 000 q/q, some 63 000 more people are employed in the sector than was the case in the third quarter of last year.

Growth in employment was also witnessed in the transport sector in the Eastern Cape with 7 000 more employed q/q and 22 000 y/y taking the total to 85 000, while employment in the finance sector rose by 4 000 q/q but declined by 3 000 y/y.

The number of people employed by private households in the Eastern Cape, however, declined by 10 000 q/q and 3 000 y/y.

Enquiry no: 4

R122 million in loans, facilitated in 2013/14

evelopment financier, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) says it disbursed loans to the value of R122,7 million to 265 businesses in the 2013/14 financial year.

Announcing the financier’s performance results, ECDC acting chief executive Reggie Naidoo says this is despite ECDC approving R102,8 million to 313 enterprises in the same period.

“The higher disbursement figure is a result of disbursements against loans which were approved in the previous financial year. Of this amount, ECDC collected R152 million in loan repayments which are important to ensure that its finance support reaches a broader base of deserving entrepreneurs.

“These financial instruments facilitated the creation and saving of 1 320 jobs. Furthermore, 85 youth-owned businesses received disbursements of R21 million while R13 million went to 78 women-owned enterprises. ECDC intends to grow its development finance contribution to previously marginalised groupings, especially to women and people with disabilities,” Naidoo says.

ECDCs loan instruments are effective tools for improved job creation and poverty alleviation in the province. Furthermore, by its very nature, ECDC has a high-risk appetite which demands it walk a tight rope in balancing development imperatives and financial efficacy.

He says despite formidable challenges that confronted the financier in 2013/14, ECDC crafted innovative solutions to enhance shareholder value and confidence by taking the

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While the construction sector lost 5 000 jobs quarter-on-quarter, the number of people employed in the third quarter remained the same at 149 000 as in the third quarter of 2013.

In the third quarter, the Eastern Cape had the fourth highest number of people employed in the construction sector behind Gauteng (364 000), KwaZulu-Natal (241 000) and Western Cape (169 000).

There were significant employment gains in the trade sector with 299 000 people employed in the Eastern Cape in the third quarter. This is an increase of 39 000 or 15.1% (q/q) and 19 000 or 6.6% y/y.

The agricultural sector in the Eastern Cape employed 15 000 more people in the third quarter than was the case in 2013 with a steep rise in employment number of 17 000 to 88 000

requisite steps for improved financial and commercial sustainability.

This is aptly demonstrated by ECDCs steady financial performance reflected in a stable balance sheet boasting a net asset value of R1 billion up from the previous year’s R967 million. The balance sheet reflects a healthy cash balance with the net asset value being mainly driven by the high value of investment property. The operating loss for the period under review improved from R57 million in the previous year to R34.1 million in 2013/14.

“In essence, the corporation’s sustainability will be realised by a balance sheet that reflects a healthy loan book for an improved development impact. As such, ECDC continues to advocate for improved shareholder capitalisation which should lead to a loan book significant enough to effectively respond to the needs of its customers while accruing the desired socio-economic dividend for the province.”

“However, for the first time since 2007, ECDC has received a qualified audit opinion.

This is attributable to the Auditor-General’s finding that there were irregularities in the regarding payments on invoices related to the former state president’s funeral in December 2013. ECDC also draws emphasis to the fact that it has not been qualified on the basis of its operations and core business,” Naidoo explains.

The property business remains ECDCs biggest asset accounting for R725 million of its balance sheet while loans account for R120 million.

Airport back on track

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he Mthatha Airport upgrade is back on track and the project would be completed by May next year, according to the Eastern Cape Department of Transport.

In a recent statement, following a site inspection by a delegation of stakeholders, led by Transport MEC Weziwe Tikanaand, it was said that the project was now 42.5% complete. Delays had resulted from the recent labour unrest in the steel industry and that in spite of the fact that the challenges were beyond the control of the provincial government and the contractor we are impressed by features integrated controls that move with the seat. Shown with multi-task hydraulic control.

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Projects has employed an 11 additional people, as well as subcontractors who in turn have employed more people.

He is currently looking at opportunities to expand the business into other parts of South Africa and even Africa, beginning with Botswana.

The second finalist is 29 year old Siphamandla Javu who owns Mzansi Telecoms and Projects based in Port Elizabeth. The company specialises in providing telecommunications solutions and was established in 2011.

The first key focus of the business plan developed during the business support phase of SAB KickStart was the establishment of an internet café and ICT centre to service the disadvantaged community of Motherwell in Port Elizabeth. This included the set-up of a Wi-Fi hotspot to provide reliable and cost effective internet connectivity in the area. Additionally, Siphamandla says that they paid particular attention to management of human resources and financial management tools in order to manage the business better.

Siphamandla says that he has spent much of his effort this year growing foot traffic to the internet café, as well as offering basic computer skills training to community members.

He has employed people to help manage the facility and says that customer service has improved and is more effective.

Siphamandla encourages others to become entrepreneurs because of the value it holds in creating jobs.

The Top 5 entrepreneurs will be selected from the group of 17 finalists and each awarded additional grant funding for their businesses of between R100 000 and R500 000.

Enquiry no: 7

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Young entrepreneurship finalists

he SAB KickStart programme was introduced in 1995, and focuses its efforts on instilling a culture of entrepreneurship amoungst young South Africans by offering startup development support to promising small business; investing in the creation of a quality pipeline of entrepreneurs in core industries and sectors and developing and entrenching a thriving ecosystem of support for the development of business ideas while bridging the enterprise development offering gap for startup businesses.

The 2014 programme finalists, who specialities vary from design and manufacturing to wellness and vegetation management, amongst others, were selected from a group of 60 entrepreneurs shortlisted to participate in the programme following an intensive two-week business training workshop where they learnt how to develop a bankable business plan and other essential business skills.

Of the 17 finalists, two are Eastern Cape based.

The first is 33 year old Wanni Toyana of Otjiwarongo Projects, based in East London.

Wanni made the decision to start his own vegetation management business in 2009 after working as a subcontractor on a similar project. The business offers grass-cutting, tree felling and vegetation clearance to private and public sector clients.

He says that the SAB KickStart programme has motivated him and given him the opportunity to realise his true potential as an entrepreneur. The programme also provided him with key insights into what gaps existed in the business and how to fill these. But importantly, Wanni says he realised the growth of a business came with great personal responsibility.

Since the start of SAB KickStart, Otjiwarongo

the progress and the pace of the work in order to recover the lost time.

She added that she could say without fear of contradiction that the Mthatha Airport project was now back on track.

Former Transport MEC Thandiswa Marawu formally handed over the Mthatha Airport site to the contractors at the beginning of last year.

She said at the time that the upgrading of the airport would allow government to unlock the economic growth potential of the region and allow easier access to the Wild Coast.

The upgrading of the airport will also support efforts by the provincial government to lobby for more flights connecting additional cities.

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November /December 2014

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Space weather: A risk to world economy and society

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e often take for granted that the technology we have become so accustomed to relying on daily can be affected not only by weather on Earth but also by more extreme weather in space.

An extreme space weather event, or solar superstorm, is one of a number of potentially high impact, but low probability natural hazards.

In response to a growing awareness by governments, extreme space weather now features as an element of national risk assessment in numerous countries.

Solar superstorms can have detrimental effects on the power grid, satellites, avionics, and aircraft over polar regions, High Frequency (HF) radio communication, mobile telephones and GPS systems, to name a few. Space weather has consequently been identified as a risk to the world economy and to society. In the UK solar storms are listed as the fourth most serious threat on the National Risk Register and are recognised

as having a potential significant impact on the UK’s critical national infrastructure.

According to a risk report

by Lloyds on the impact of space weather on earth and business a severe space weather event presents a systemic risk. For example, a loss of power could lead to a cascade of operational failures that could leave society and the global economy severely disabled.

The report also states “businesses at risk from space weather need access to relevant expertise. It is critical to have access to measurements and forecasts that allow businesses to adapt to and mitigate the effects of space weather.”

In an effort to create awareness around the impacts of space weather in Africa, the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), recently hosted a space weather information sharing session at the South African

Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town.

SANSA is spearheading space weather research for Africa, particularly focusing on South Africa, and is collaborating with key industries to aid in mitigating the impact of solar superstorms.

“With societies growing dependency on technological systems it has become vital to monitor the effects of space weather” said SANSA Space Science MD, Dr LeeAnne McKinnell. “SANSA aims to provide the right information, in the right format, at the right time, to the right people, to enable and facilitate the right decisions in regard to space weather related issues.”

As the only space weather monitoring centre in Africa, SANSA provides an important service to the nation by monitoring the Sun and its activity, providing space weather forecasts, warnings, alerts, and environmental data on space weather conditions to government and key private-industries in Africa. The information sharing session was aimed at initiating dialogue and engagement with relevant stakeholders to allow SANSA to further develop appropriate and user driven space weather products and services.

“Space weather is a global issue, but the impact can be regional,” says Dr McKinnell.

The effects can be regional because of the different technologies used in different places, and the economic make-up of a country or region.

Enquiry no: 8

Increase in product recalls demands precautions

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roduct recall incidents appear almost on a daily basis across the globe, with the most recent case being the recall of 247 000 cars issued by a leading car manufacturer due

to airbag malfunctions. Closer to home we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of product recall events in the manufacturing sector of both hard and soft goods. The rising number of

product recalls highlights the need for all South African businesses to have a proficient product recall and guarantee cover plan in place to mitigate the risk of severe financial loss or, in the worst case scenario, liquidation.

This is according to Simon Colman (pictured), Underwriting Executive at SHA Specialist Underwriters – who says that these two types of cover are imperative for companies that manufacture hard goods to ensure business continuity following a significant financial setback such a product recall. “When products pose a potential safety hazard to the public, the manufacturing company itself has the responsibility to initiate a recall; an exercise that could potentially cost millions.”

In addition, he says, the Consumer Protection Act makes it possible for the National Consumer Commission to initiate a recall on behalf of the business if they feel an unsafe product is on

the market. “The business would then be expected to cover the costs of this exercise.”

He warns that a product recall can happen to any size business in any industry where the end users of the products are consumers, which means the food and beverage industry, household goods manufacturers and the automotive industry are particularly susceptible.

“We’ve had several claims in the food and beverage sector and the manufacturing sector where the quantum has exceeded R15m per incident. The amounts could have been much higher in all cases in the absence of an effective product recall plan.”

He explains that manufacturing companies need a combination of product recall and guarantee cover in place to protect them in such an event, whereas the food and beverage industry should further specialise its cover by taking advantage of contaminated prodEnquiry no: 9 ucts insurance.

We don’t know what the car of the future looks like.

But we know how it will be built.

Making things right. Answers for the future of manufacturing.

To ensure long-term success in the automotive market, production has to react flexibly to its changing needs. Nowadays it is about more than just the mere manufacturing process – product design, production planning, and service performance are also key factors.

Volkswagen has already collaborated with Siemens to make production more intelligent. In the future, machines will learn to communicate

independently and to optimize production steps. The goal is to simplify the manufacturing of different car models. The benefits include greater flexibility, ncreased efficiency, and improved global competitiveness.

The answers for the future of manufacturing exist. And now is the time to make things right. Because the world of tomorrow needs answers that last today. www.siemens.co.za

bay view Kevin Hustler

What is competitiveness?

And does the Eastern Cape measure up? he World Economic Forum has a taxT onomy to describe the competitiveness of a city. A city has to be judged favourably in

terms of a number of criteria.

These are: Institutions (in other words, government and the frameworks used for decision-making within its institutions); policies, and the regulation of the business environment; hard connectivity infrastructure, which includes transport, energy and logistics; and soft connectivity, which includes issues related to social capital, including education, quality of life, the sway of entrepreneurial culture and technological innovation.

What is your gut assessment of Nelson Mandela Bay as a competitive city? Citizens simply want the city to work, while business wants to be able to trust that the system will support and enable growth and investment, and that policies will take the interests of job creation and sustainability to heart. The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber has embraced a strategy that speaks directly to the need to build a competitive and sustainable city.

There is hope, and it rests on tangible things.

Afrox, DCD Wind Towers, Air Products, the Baywest Mall development, FAW and Agni Steels – these companies and others like them know that they have to get in on the ground floor. They can see the future of Nelson Mandela Bay, and are preparing themselves to serve the future need.

As the city grows, they will have been here first. Their business plans are built on 20-year views of economic growth, and that in itself is the firmest message of confidence in the potential of Nelson Mandela Bay. With our economy anchored by the automotive industry, it is welcome recent news that Nelson Mandela Bay is planning for the development of a new MultiOriginal Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) complex at Coega to support aggressive lobbying for more automotive investment into our region. Aspen Pharmacare has signed agreements to acquire licence rights for the manufacture of an oral testosterone replacement therapy in a worldwide market worth R27.4 billion. The Air Products Air Separation Unit will soon come online, followed shortly

by Afrox’s first gas early next year.

International visitors to Nelson Mandela Bay spent a reported R200 million Rand during 2014, and we could well see positive effects from ACSA’s planned 7.7 billion Rand expenditure across South Africa aimed at meeting growing demand.

Transnet National Ports Authority has given clear indications of plans to extend fishing and boat repair facilities in the Port of Port Elizabeth, while the Regional Innovation Forum and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University are collaborating to provide industry and researchers with the chance to find collaborative solutions for the challenges of advanced manufacturing, through AIMday Advanced Manufacturing in March next year in partnership with Uppsala University in Sweden.

There is consistent, targeted, relevant and practical work being done behind the scenes to give Nelson Mandela Bay a fighting chance. There are investors willing to consider the Bay a prime spot for investment.

Where public money is spent, private sector investment will follow and, according to Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene, government is set to roll out substantial investments into South African cities to stimulate economic activity.

Competitiveness is a challenge that will take the co-operation of every person, organisation, institution and state-organ involved.

Our shared insights and co-ordinated action will carve out a prosperous path for all, and we must pull together towards a unified sense of purpose.

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SA falls to 32nd place

he release of the recent World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness report revealed that South Africa has fallen to 32nd place when it comes to the ease of obtaining a loan, down from 22nd last year. According to Gary Palmer (pictured), CEO of Paragon Lending Solutions, this is due to the tighter lending regulations which have been implemented by the banks as a result of growing economic stress and increased compliance requirements by the banks such as Basle III, National Credit Act and the Consumer Protection Act etc.

Palmer says that business owners are being negatively affected by the tighter lending criteria. “A major complaint from many clients is that regardless of having a good track record with the banks, banks are not approving their loans, which in turn is hampering business growth. As banks become more selective with regards to financing, business owners are turning to alternative sources of funding for loans which will allow them to achieve their growth potential.”

He adds that Paragon has seen a noticeable upward trend in enquiries from clients with strong balance sheets and a lot of assets, many with unbonded properties, and because the banks’ turnaround times are increasing further there is greater propensity for businesses to use an alternative sources of funding.

“Because of the banks’ tougher lending criteria and protracted processing times, it makes

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OEM complex for Nelson Mandela Bay

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sense for business to make use of alternative lenders to obtain short-term liquidity for commercial purposes, while waiting for the bank to finalise anapplication further down the line.

According to Palmer, alternative lenders tend to be forward-looking in terms of assessing the loan criteria. “While many traditional banks will decline a loan to a business, other lenders – such as asset-backed lenders – will focus on the future prospects of the business. This decision is often substantiated by a strong order book of the business as well as the value of unbonded property owned by the business or business owner. If the business is deemed to have good future prospects and can use an asset as security for the loan the probability of being able to secure a loan is relatively high,” says Palmer.

He says that alternative lenders can play a crucial role in the growth of businesses and property developments in South Africa. “Alternative lenders tend to have more flexibility in lending compared with commercial banks. This flexibility coupled with fast deal turnaround times, has resulted in a greater demand by borrowers for alternative lenders who are not restricted by the major banks when it comes to finance as the lender, and should they have a valuable asset they can utilise these alternative sources to acquire short-term finance in order to be able to take advantage of investment opportunities,” conEnquiry no: 10 cludes Palmer.

he Coega Development Corporation announced recently that it will establish a Multi Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) complex for the automotive assembly and components manufacturing sectors in Zone 2 of its industrial estate in Nelson Mandela Bay. The state-owned entity has earmarked 306 hectares of land for automotive manufacturing industrial activity through its recently unveiled five year strategic plan, which will embrace an OEM industrial clustering approach.

The Multi-OEM complex will house vehicle assembly halls and shared service infrastructures. First, second, and third tier automotive component suppliers will all be brought together in one mega-automotive zone.

The Coega Multi-OEM complex differs from other IDZ’s OEM platforms in South Africa, which comprises a central assembly hall for several vehicle brands.

The CDC believes that its OEM complex has the potential to become “the second economic heart beat of Africa’s automotive manufacturing capital Port Elizabeth, which is also

home to General Motors, Volkswagen and Ford manufacturing plants” Gustav Meyer, CDC’s business development manager for automotive industries said that in emerging markets OEM industrial clustering is an accepted and prominent form of economic organization.

“Globally, vehicle manufacturers are beginning to embrace the advantages of strategic alliances, cooperation and interdependence in relation to shared services and communal infrastructures for automotive manufacturing and assembly,” he said.

“Currently, we are in discussion with potential investors and projects in excess of R1 billion (US$ 90 million)” The envisaged Coega Multi-OEM complex will have shared facilities that will include a supplier park (56 hectares), an e-coating plant (3 hectares), a paint shop (3 hectares) and a vehicle distribution centre (3 hectares),

amongst other amenities.

It will also offer investors advantages such as lower infrastructure investment costs, increased production flexibility for contract manufacturing opportunities through shared services, and enhanced supply chain management. Another benefit is reduction of inventory holding costs.

Assembly halls under the vehicle manufacturer’s own brand name will be supported by a network of shared services and facilities that will reduce Enquiry no: 12 assembly costs.

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Giant flag to 8 T mobilise job creationPORT TRANSPORTT countries, these are pretty standard, and include FUEL EFFICI economic uncertainty, new patterns of consumer behaviour and demands, keeping pace with technology, for example,” said the Deputy Minister.

“In South Africa, the challenges are different, rooted in historical inequality. The Giant Flag, DVANCED with its strong desire to level the playing field has broken the mould to significantly change the game.

It’s innovative, it’s unique, and the model on which it is based has the potential to do the same in other countries where change is necessary.

A trust has been formed to oversee the project, which will cost close to R180 million. Profits from its activities will be fed into an endowment fund, the express TTRANSPORT purpose of which will be to generate further opportunities in the innovation, green and social sectors in the Camdeboo and Karoo.

Strongly aligned with the National Development Plan, the Giant Flag’s vision is to spark a cycle of economic development that expands opportunities, builds capabilities, and raises living standards while addressing issues of sustainability.

The first phase of the project, the initiation phase, is complete and the project is well into its activation phase. The third phase, the build phase, is expected to begin in early in 2015 and cost approximately R170 million. Around R100 million is allocated to the erection of the 60 000m² solar field and about R70 million for the tourism precinct, plants, white road, and civil works.

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multi-dimensional project harnessing several streams of environmental, social and economic activity has been launched in the Karoo in a bid to break the cycle of unemployment and poverty in the Camdeboo Municipality and the wider Eastern Cape in general.

Comprising a conference and tourism precinct as well as a 4 megawatt solar panel field, the project takes its name from its most inspired element – a 66 hectare South African flag made up of 2.5 million coloured desert plants (cacti and spekboom).

The brainchild of social change and green activist, Guy Lieberman, the Giant Flag intends generating a socio-economic shift so effective it will change the fortunes of the communities that surround it.

Addressing the crowd gathered for the launch, South Africa’s Deputy Minister in the Department of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa, heralded the Giant Flag as a ‘gamechanging initiative’ within the tourism industry praising it for its skills and enterprise development components as well as its value as an engine for creating direct and indirect employment.

“There are myriad challenges facing the tourism and hospitality industry worldwide. In most

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Enquiry no: 11

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nother major citrus investment is planned for the Sundays River Valley area, with the BF Joubert Familie Trust proposing to clear vegetation for the establishment of approximately 300 hectares of citrus orchards.

The properties are located along the Addo/Paterson Road about six kilometres north of Addo.

Documentation on the project prepared as part of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process, says that the project will be implemented in three phases over three years.

It is envisaged the pre-construction activities such as the detailed planning and design, including obtaining the necessary permits and licenses, will be completed six months after environmental authorisation is secured.

Phase 1 involves site preparation and includes the clearing of vegetation, landscaping and levelling as the installation of irrigation infrastructure

and planting of saplings is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

The second phase, which involves the same areas of work, is scheduled for completion by the end of 2016 and the third, which also includes the construction of the “logistical services area” by the end of 2017.

The documentation states that the total capital investment for the project,

including the cost of land and site preparation is estimated at R60 million.

It is estimated that 25 skilled and the same number of unskilled people will be employed during the construction phase of the project.

Once operational, it is projected that the development will employ 23 skilled personnel and 230 people on a seasonal basis.

Based on the projected employment opportunities during the construction phase that will be spread over three years, it is estimated that the additional income that will be generated by the project annually will be approximately R1.35 million.

During the operational phase of the project, it is estimated that the 23 skilled employees will generate annual income of R690 000.00.

Enquiry no: 13

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Holbrook’s Voice

any organisations, people and society ask what was it like, doing business, say fifty years ago? More importantly, what has changed, especially for the good? Is it better doing business now, as opposed to even 100 years ago – or for that matter even twenty years ago?

Not surprisingly, for the Chamber, many changes have come about – yet many things stay the same. So many of the business issues remain as challenges and we continue to promote ethical business whilst doing our best to represent the interest of our members and the economy at large. Our vision of “promoting a sustainable environment in which our members prosper,” remains the cornerstone of what we do.

Turning back the years, not surprisingly we discover that Chamber (est. 1877) remained at the forefront of industrial development, seeking better dispensations in order to do business in an underdeveloped region. Core to this was always striving for infrastructure development, namely; rail, road, sea, air, business regulations and laws, hours of work and public holidays.

In 1955 East London enjoyed one flight to Johannesburg – serviced by our national airline, SAA – using the recently built Collandale Airport as the base.

How things have changed.

In 1943, a delegation of Chamber met with the SAR&H (old railways and harbour) to lobby for lower harbour tariffs and improved dockside handling. Arising from that a Port Steering Committee was established to represent the City of East London, under the business leadership of the former Messrs Cowie.

Perhaps in reflection, the biggest change has not been in the business or private sector, but in government. This has resulted in new leadership and a new dispensation under which business is done. To a degree, some has been for the better, and in certain parts of our country, bet-

Fixing the economic and moral dilemma ter than others. However, there are the areas that are simply NOT better. With all our modern laws, regulations and dispensation, it is not easier doing business, it is much more costly and in Chambers opinion, businesses are over regulated.

To exacerbate matters, every week Parliament considers new laws and amendments – to add to the burden and not lighten the load. Quite often some of the changes demand a regulatory or monitoring component, yet these things are not properly thought through. A modern, small family owned business has little chance of surviving – especially if they are to comply with every regulation, and that excludes the effects of by-laws.

Small wonder then that more enterprises are closing as to new ones opening – and the mortality rate has not yet climbed above fifty percent in the first three years. In fact, many of the ones that do not make it, are the ones that set up their enterprises using either loan or grant funds, and who fail to take into account the “real” cost of doing business.

The long and short term answer is going back to basics, and getting the fundamentals right. What Chamber appreciates is the constitutional responsibility to consult. This implies that every sector of Government, Civil Society and Public Sector Associations, by law, are required to consult. What we do with these opportunities is the challenge. We as business must respond in a positive and proactive way.

At Chamber, every invitation is welcomed and carefully considered. We do our best to represent our constituency fearlessly.

The message to us all is let us strive for consistency. That we continue to be non-discriminatory, ethical, honest and fair and that we pursue an environment that promotes growth and sustainability.

If we all do this, then yes, we can say that it’s better now than it was fifty years ago!

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reporting improves

he 8th edition of the South African Carbon Disclosure Project climate change report, released by the CDP in partnership with the National Business Initiative on 15 October 2014 shows that South African companies have continued to improve their carbon disclosure and standards are generally high.

This is an important indicator of progress as disclosure is a critical first step in driving performance in reducing emissions. Nine South African companies have made the Climate Performance leadership Index, up from eight in 2013 – the index is part of a global ‘A’ list of 187 listed international companies identified as demonstrating a superior approach to climate change mitigation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Since its launch in South Africa in 2007, climate change reporting in South Africa among the JSE top 100 companies has grown significantly, both in terms of disclosure and performance. Of the eligible 100 companies, almost 50% scored above 90/100.

However, the CDP report also showed that while climate change is increasingly being given more attention by South African companies, there is a distinct gap between the recognition of the risk and the subsequent man-

agement actions that are being taken. While more companies are voluntarily establishing emission reduction targets, the scale and ambition of most emission reduction targets does not match the scale of the challenge or the contribution to emission reductions promised by South Africa – 34% and 42% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2020 and 2025 respectively.

Joanne Yawitch, CEO of the NBI adds: “We acknowledge the challenges of growing our businesses to have a positive impact on inequality, poverty and job creation, while simultaneously reducing our emissions, however we need to accelerate our business efforts, set more ambitious targets and work with government to ensure an appropriate enabling environment to drive innovation and reduce our emissions. Total reported emissions between 2013 and 2014 have reduced by 4%, however with carbon tax cited as a significant risk by most companies, we need to get more ambitious about our reduction targets in conjunction with tangible implementation of actions in both the short and long term in order to achieve a reduction in emissions that has real impact – both for the bottom line and especially in terms Enquiry no: 14 of climate change.”

November / December 2014

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EC Industrial & Business News

HARBOUR INFRASTUCTURE & SHIPPING Regional Memoranda of Understanding

Tau Morwe Chief Executive Transnet National Ports Authority receives a Kenyan Port Authority shield from Justus Nyarandi General Manager Kenyan Port Authority as token of a long term relationship sealed.

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Memorandum of Understanding was signed recently between Transnet National Ports Authority and the Kenya Ports Authority that will pave the way for co-operation between the two.

This is the fourth in a number of memoranda that TNPA intends to sign with ports in Southern and Eastern Africa as ports authorities takes the lead in maritime regional integration.

To date MoU’s have been signed with the Maputo Port Development Company, Namibian Port Authority and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. Later this year MoU’s will be signed with the ports of Angola, Tanzania and Sudan.

Tau Morwe, Chief Executive Transnet National Ports Authority, said: “There are

a number of obstacles hindering the progress of African ports. These include the lack of deep water berths, poor equipment and lack of maintenance and infrastructure; limited or no training, limited capital to develop and port infrastructure that is lacking.”

This MoU, along with the others signed previously, is a step towards co-operation and port regional integration that will see ports authorities work towards solving many of these problems.

Enquiry no: 16

Acquisition reflects increasing s South African industry begins to reflect the increasing use of mechanical lifts taking place in the international transport arena, Micron Investment Holdings has geared up to supply and support a growing range of forklift attachments and customised hydraulic tailifts to the local market. In August 2014 the group acquired the business of Skyjacks Tailifts (Pty) Ltd and is poised to relocate this new acquisition, together with its sister company, Micron, to a shared site in Boksburg.

“Micron has secured more than 50% of the forklift attachment market through a combination of quality equipment and comprehensive product support for the life of the equipment,” says Micron’s Stan Contat.

“We’ve cherry-picked a number of agencies from around the world to provide best-fit solutions for our customers and underpinned this offering with full maintenance contracts

Geared Motors \ Drive Electronics \ Drive Automation \ Industrial Gears \ Services

on our products, 24/7 product support and a comprehensive spares holding.”

“We recognised that Skyjacks Tailifts has a lot of synergy with Micron’s offering, in terms of hydraulic valve banks, hoses, cylinders, seal kits, and so on. We saw its acquisition as a tremendous milestone on our journey to achieve our vision of growing into a materials handling group capable of supplying products into mega-industries like warehousing and distribution, yellow metal and cranes, across sub-Saharan

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use of hydraulic lifts

We drive port logistics

Africa.”

Contat is confident that the hydraulic lift market will continue to grow by utilisation.

Although local industry has traditionally shied away from this equipment in favour of using labour to load and unload goods, recent changes in health and safety legislation governing heavy lifting is likely to prod companies towards hydraulic lifts.

Enquiry no: 17

Heavyweights with electric drives

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ver the past three years, Linde Material Handling has gradually modernised its entire range of electric counterbalance trucks, replacing models with more powerful, more efficient and more ergonomically sound equivalents. Now, the company is expanding its range even further.

The new series Linde E60 to E80 comprises four models with load capacities ranging from six to eight tons, as well as one version with a load capacity of eight tons and a 900-millimetre centre of gravity.

For many operating companies such as those in the sensitive food industry electrically powered trucks have become the solution of choice when investing in intralogistics thanks

to their lack of emissions and quiet operation. At the same time, this segment is also seeing the trend for higher load capacity classes, with a view to handling larger volumes of goods per cycle and increasing productivity.

To enable loads weighing up to eight tons to be transported quickly and safely as well as lifted at the maximum lift height the 80-V trucks are equipped with a powerful encapsulated drive unit with two 11-kW threephase AC traction motors integrated into the front axle. Maintenance-free oil bath multi-disc brakes with energy recovery and co-ordinated power modules also form part of the specificaEnquiry no: 18 tion of the trucks.

SEW-EURODRIVE is familiar with the requirements of port logistics. Several stations are passed through, from the time the goods are delivered to the ports, right up to the point at which they are handed over to other means of transport, such as trains, HGVs or ships. In each of these steps, the goods must be lifted, moved, stacked and turned.

Modularity, reliability and availability are demanded in order for these wide range of tasks to be performed economically. The machines, systems and technology involved are exposed to particular ambient conditions and must therefore be robust, able to withstand high torque loads and have a long service life, while also coping with an increased degree of internationalisation.

Our reliable mechanical and innovative electronic drive components are the result of decades of experience in building drives for the field of port logistics.

SEW-EURODRIVE - Driving the world.

Tel: +27 41 372-2246 Web: www.sew.co.za

FROM THE GIANT TO THE NIFTY From the biggest 2000 ton Goliath Shipyard Crane in the world to compact Manual Chain Hoists, Konecranes has the lifting solution for you

Contact Graham Meek/Kevin Barnett Willow Road Business Park, Block C, Unit 14, Port Elizabeth Phone 041 367 1603 * 072 6345741 graham.meek@konecranes.com. kevin.barnett@konecranes.com www.konecranes.co.za

HBPR/K69h

All supported by Konecranes 24/hr Service, Preventative Maintenance, Load Testing and Spares of all Makes of Cranes and Hoists

November /December 2014

HARBOUR INFRASTRUCTURE & SHIPPING

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New overhead crane for emerging markets

onecranes recently launched a new overhead crane which will be available in South Africa as of January 2015. The new crane, the CXT UNO, has been developed to give small and medium-sized customers in emerging markets access to Konecranes’ proven technology, and will extend Konecranes’ product offering for these markets. The CXT UNO is primarily intended for companies operating in manufacturing, construction, and logistics.

The CXT UNO is based on Konecranes’ existing CXT hoist, and delivers many of the industry-leading strengths of the CXT. It is Konecranes’ second product to be launched for emerging markets this year and follows the Boxhunter, an innovative new type of RTG for ports and terminals.

The CXT UNO combines a strong range of features based on a simpler set of components and technical solutions compared to existing CXT products. This simpler design, together with easy access to spare parts, means that the CXT UNO will be easy to maintain.

“The CXT UNO is important for us because it expands our product offering into a segment where we haven’t been present before,” says John MacDonald, Sales, Marketing and Service Director of Konecranes South Africa.

“The CXT UNO offers customers in this category access to Konecranes’ quality and reliability in what we believe is a very attractive and competitive overall package. We are very confident that it will be a very popular crane in Southern Africa.”

Capable of lifting loads up to 10 tons up to 9

meters off the ground, the CXT UNO features a 2-speed hoisting and travelling design with

Eco-hoppers for dust control

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EC Industrial & Business News

LT SA’s range of Samson bulk materials handling equipment includes travelling hoppers, which provide efficient handling, flexibility and environmental protection, in the discharge of dry bulk materials.

“Samson Eco-hoppers, which are suitable for discharge by ship-mounted or shore-side grab cranes, are designed to suit the characteristics and flow properties of virtually any bulk material, including coal, iron ore, gypsum, copper concentrates, soda ash and wood chips,” says Keith Dowie, project development manager for BLT SA’s SAMSON bulk materi-

als handling equipment. “These robust grab unloading hoppers offer handling rates to 5 000 tons per hour, depending on grab crane performance.”

Eco-hoppers, which are manufactured to withstand tough conditions at ports, also have an effective dust control system that minimises the escape of dust during the grab discharge cycle. Environmental pollution caused by fugitive dust, is a major problem in dry bulk handling.

These hoppers have an upper and lower section, separated by a dust retention feature, the ‘Flex-Flap’. This divider, which comprises a series of pressed steel sections and vertical rubber flaps, opens to allow the free flow of material into the hopper and closes to prevent the flow of air out of the hopper.

When bulk material is released by the grab, it falls through the Flex-Flap and accumulates in the inner hopper below. The hopper system automatically closes as a result of the newly created pressure differential between the hopper and the atmosphere, forming a seal to contain the dust contaminated air. Integral reverse jet filters are positioned around the hopper inlet to extract and clean the dust laden air. Collected dust is then recycled into the Enquiry no: 20 mainstream of material.

a fixed pendant controller, tagline festooning, and compact single-girder construction, and can operate over spans of up to 20 meters.

The design draws on input collected in the field and prioritizes issues such as quality, reliability in both intensive and less-frequent usage, and ease of maintenance.

The CXT UNO is being initially launched in India, a market with significant potential for industrial cranes and one where Konecranes has been building a growing presence over the last few years. Following the rollout in India, the plan is to introduce the CXT UNO in other countries in the near future, including in SubSaharan Africa.

Thanks to its simple, standardized design, the CXT UNO will be available with very comEnquiry no: 19 petitive delivery times.

Charge bay management system

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night Power Solutions services, supplies and maintains a wide range of industrial batteries and chargers for electric material handling equipment such as forklifts, reach trucks, pallet trucks, tow motors and scrubber and sweeper machines.

The company also supports material handling equipment manufacturers such as Nissan, Jungheinrich, Crown, Doosan, BT, Clark, Toyota and many more. In addition the company also offers battery charge bay management and battery and charger maintenance and service agreements in addition to its service and product offering.

Knight Power Solutions supplies internationally recognised brands and has partnered with a national group of companies with over 30 years of experience in the industrial battery and charger market. The fact that these partners have branches throughout South Africa based particularly in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London and Durban, allows KPS to service clientele both locally and nationally at any time of the day or night.

New on offering from the company is the latest and most competitively priced Charge Bay

Management System in the world. This system was developed in Sweden and is available worldwide as the “MP Access” system.

The features that distinguish this system from its competitors are the fact that the chargers come with a built in management system, offer up to 30% electricity consumption savings and have an efficiency rate of 94%.

In addition the programming offers a multi voltage charger, which ensures never having to replace the charger when replacing the machine.

A Best Battery Choice feature helps the operator to change to the best battery in a fleet, and 30 pre-programmed charging curves offer optimal charging at all times. A number of other unique benefits also make this the system and service provider of choice for a number of clients. These include Kintetsu World Express in Prospection, BME Packaging and Bidvest Food Services. Nationally it has also proved to be invaluable to companies like Shoprite DC in Port Elizabeth, Reckitt Benckiser SA in Johannesburg and the PepsiCo Group countrywide.

KPS supply Traction batteries and cells manufactured in Greece by the World’s 2nd Largest Manufacturer to further complement their superior charger product line.

Enquiry no: 21

Piston pump for oil and fluid grease lubrication

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KF has announced the introduction of the pneumatically driven PPS30 piston pump for small- to medium-sized oil and fluid grease lubrication applications up to NLGI 00 and 000.

Featuring a compact, modern industrial design, this affordably priced pump is constructed from lightweight, high-performance plastics.

The PPS30 piston pump is simple to install and provides a flexible connection system for convenient mounting.

Because it is pneumatically driven, this pump is not limited by international voltage or plug standards and can reduce pump

The pioneering Linde 10 to 18 Heavy Truck delivers the ultimate in refined power, with greater reliability and handling performance for both palletized and pallet-less load handling, including containers. The Linde 10 to 18 Heavy Truck possesses outstanding agility, pinpoint precision and seamless controls, delivering smooth productivity and efficiency in a wide range of heavy industrial applications.

Linde Material Handling

For more information on Linde dealerships, products and services contact us on Tel : +27 41 487 3267 or visit www.linde-mh.co.za

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inventory needs, as no separate stock keeping of oil and fluid grease is necessary. In addition, the PPS30 piston pump can reduce operating costs over the unit’s life cycle through minimal compressed air consumption.

The pump unit features an integrated relief valve and electronic sensors, as well as visual fill-level monitoring that is supplemented by an electronic pre-warning function. Simple to clean, the PPS30 piston pump has a central reservoir opening that fills from all sides and a forward-opening flap for Enquiry no: 22 drip protection.

November / December 2014

EC Industrial & Business News

Your lifting tackle - is it legal or lethal?

ll lifting equipment, must be regarded as safety critical items in the work place.

It is therefore essential for all users that conduct lifting operations, to have a Safe Lifting Programme in place. This will ensure legal compliance with the various Lifting Equipment Regulations of the OHSA and MHSA, as well as conformance to International quality standards.

In addition to lifting, lowering and stacking loads properly and safely, the service life of lifting equipment will be extended if properly used, maintained and inspected.

Management need to implement and comply with a Safe Lifting Program in the work place which includes the following elements: • Ensure correct type and size of equipment is used for all particular lifts • Train all operators to use this equipment correctly and safely • Inspect all equipment regularly and properly by trained inspectors • Keep all registers, certificates, appointments and documentation in order • Implement and maintain a scheduled maintenance program • Store equipment correctly when not in use • Comply with applicable OHSA or MHSA Lifting Equipment Regulations and also have a written SOP or Works Procedure for lifting operations Because of the inherent dangers involved in lifting operations, only top quality slings and hoists, supplied by distributors of OEMs must

Wearable technology to streamline supply

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earable technology innovations are ready to improve the efficient running of businesses, particularly when it comes to the supply chain.

“The recent release of the Apple Watch has people talking about how wearable technology is set to change the way people live. Yet, applications for enhancing the way we do business are just as far-reaching,” says Morne Janse van Rensburg (pictured) , CEO of supply chain consultancy VSc Solutions which specialises in increasing productivity and profit across the supply chain. “We’re entering a world where businesses that’ll get ahead of the pack are those that are best able to integrate technology with their systems in an innovative way.”

According to Janse van Rensburg, wearable technology is ready to be applied to supply chains in order to enhance inputs into planning and route compliance software. “This will allow for more visibility and, ultimately, better management of the supply chain,” he says.

But, despite technology which may replace people in other industries, human drivers will still be an integral part of moving goods from one end of the supply chain to the next.

“Drivers are a critical link in the chain, so it’s important that we protect them,” he adds. “And the more proactive such protection can be, the better for the company and drivers.”

The benefits of incorporating technology such as Bluetooth and wireless into wristbands, similar to watches, centre on their ability to measure the rhythm of the wearer’s heart.

At present, onboard computers that track vehicles identify drivers via a tag pressed to the starter button. ”The problem with this is that drivers sometimes swap their tags; yet by using the wristbands, one will be able to tell exactly who is driving. That means that issues around driver behavior or health may be dealt with, amongst other things,” he says.

Janse van Rensburg says monitoring drivers’ heart rhythms will also enable the control centre to tell whether the driver is under stress. “For example, a sudden jump in heart rate will indicate a stressful event such as a hijacking, enabling the control centre to send for help in case the driver is unable to raise the alarm. Also, a raised heart rate may also help one to identify which of a pool of drivers may be responsible for shrinkage,” he adds.

“The world has become a global village,” concludes Janse van Rensburg. “And this type of technology is just enabling us to do what we do with greater speed and efficiency, ultimately providing a better service to our Enquiry no: 24 customers.”

be used. This is important, not only to verify the supply and use of quality lifting products, but also for traceability to the OEM for his support, should an enquiry arise.

DMR 18.10 (e) of the OHSA requires that all lifting tackle must be visually inspected, (not tested) at intervals not exceeding three months, by a trained appointed lifting tackle inspector, known as a LTI. The results of these inspections must be recorded in proper registers, which must be available for scrutiny by an auditor or DOL Inspector. The LTI can be an in house appointed person or a contracted service provider. All LTIs must be appointed in writing by the employer.

Apart from regular pre use and periodic visual inspections, all lifting machines and hoists, including chain blocks and lever hoists, must also be load tested annually by a company that is registered with the DOL as a LME. The inspector who conducts, or supervises the load test, and signs the LME certificate is a LMI and

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he must be registered with ECSA. The scope of work of the LME appears on his DOL certificate.

The type of lifting machines that the LMI can test, must be verified

by ECSA. It is important to note that lifting tackle, including slings must not be load tested in use.

This is in fact illegal. Lifting tackle and hoists must be supplied with either a Test Certificate or Conformance Certificate. Test certificates must be properly worded with WLL, actual test load applied, date of test and person conducting the test, whereas conformance certificates must specify the Standard to which the sling or component conforms, such as a SANS, EN or DIN etc.

All users of lifting equipment should compile

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and implement a proper Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This SOP is also applicable to contractors working on site with cranes, hoists and slings.

Furthermore, proper Risk Assessments and Rigging Studies or Lifting Plans must be in place for the different types of production, maintenance or construction lifts.

Lastly, lifting equipment are safety critical items and price must not be the deciding factor when these items are purchased.

Phakamisa Safety Consultants offer various lifting equipment training courses, conduct plant inspections and audits, compile and assist their clients to implement written SOPs and provide inspection and Enquiry no: 23 stores control registers.

November /December 2014

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EC Industrial & Business News

ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS

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Switchgear landscape beyond IEC61439

he control and protection of plant and personnel is of great importance to owners and operators of commercial and industrial facilities across the world. The constant revision of standards and associated legislation, reflecting technological progress, is important for the protection of both equipment and people operating near electrical apparatus.

Electrical switchgear, essential to the control of processes in industry, has received attention in the regulatory environment, with a revision to the standards guid-

ing the manufacture of electrical assemblies in South Africa.

IEC 61439-1 and IEC 61439-2 standards and their interpretation are the subject of many articles and workplace discussions with little attention to that which follows compliance.

The ABB MNS switchgear solution has been subjected to IEC 61439-2 compliance testing by DEKRA and demonstrates full compliance and carries KEMA certification. Additionally, IPHBerlin has also awarded ABB MNS ASTA certification following a rigorous programme that includes

See the Light Green Materials for Green Energy

test laboratory audits by Intertek. This certification provides objective authoritative, written evidence confirming that ABB MNS equipment complies with relevant safety standards and statutory regulatory specifications.

Once compliance has been achieved by switchgear manufactur-

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ers and panel builders their focus must shift to seeking improvement in switchgear productivity by paying particular attention to plant reliability, availability, maintainability and safety (RAMS).

Low voltage switchgear, particularly motor control centres (MCC), provide the opportunity for engineers to make a meaningful contribution to improved productivity. Issues arise when approaching MCCs from a RAMS perspective. These include; skilled engineering workers are required to determine the corrective actions, as no root-cause failure information is available, absence of early-warning systems alerting operators to potential problems, a shortage

Saving energy

pecialist valve manufacturer, Zimmermann & Jansen South Africa has embarked on an energy efficiency drive in partnership with the Private Sector Energy Efficiency (PSEE) programme which will see the business reduce its annual electricity costs by at least R172 000, while dramatically reducing its carbon emissions. Over the next five years, this translates into approximately R1million in savings on electricity when one takes into consideration future electricity cost increases.

The PSEE programme is an initiative of the National Business Initiative (NBI) which aims to make South African businesses more energy efficient, and in turn, more sustainable.

In June 2013, the NBI was awarded £8.6-million (more than R150-million) by the UK Government through its Department for International Development (DFID) to implement the

PSEE as a countrywide programme of support for energy efficiency improvement in the private sector.

The programme is supported by the South African Department of Energy and technical support is provided by the Carbon Trust, leveraging its experience of similar programmes in the UK. The PSEE conducted a site survey at Zimmermann & Jansen SA in June 2014 to identify areas where it could improve energy efficiency and save on costs. Consulting company Madikela Engineering Solutions assisted with the survey in terms of providing specialist insights into the business processes to ensure any planned efficiency initiatives would not disrupt its production capacity. Zimmermann & Jansen is part of IMI Critical Engineering which is a London stock listed company with more than 9000 employees world-

of maintenance data, noting what and when work must be undertaken and design of individual starters that require manual adjustment.

Central to efficient plant operation from a RAMS perspective is therefore the supply of maintenance information, to the required level, at the appropriate time and the flexibility to perform the required maintenance for the switchgear, in a manner that is safe for both personnel and equipment. Intelligent switchgear, such as ABB’s MNS family provides the foundation to realising these goals. The facilitation of information exchange between operations and maintenance opens the door to ensuring improved plant operation, with reduced downtime and maintenance costs through analysis of predictive maintenance data and co-operative scheduling.

Enquiry no: 25

wide. Zimmermann & Jansen specialises in the manufacture of heavy-duty valves used in the petrochemical, iron and steel markets.

It also has a severe service division, which specialises in supplying mission-critical valves and control systems in the oil and gas and power generation markets.

“The PSEE report showed that for a once-off capital investment of R70k and various other measures which cost us nothing, we would be able to achieve annual savings of at least R172 000 each year. In little more than a year our capital outlay will have been paid for through the energy savings, and thereafter its money back on the bottom line all the way,” says Hennie Sonnekus, Works Manager of Zimmermann & Jansen.

Companies interested in more information are invited to register their interest on the PSEE website www. psee.org.za, call 080 111 3943 or send an enquiry to info@psee.org.za Enquiry no: 26

Device for industrial applications up to 160 kW

P Think Future Think Aluminium Think Hulamin Energy Efficient Ease of Use Fully Recyclable | Light Weight Durable | Corrosion Resistant Design Flexibility

ower management company Eaton is offering its new PowerXL DG1 variable frequency drive series as a solution for demanding industrial and building automation applications for ratings from 0.55 to 160 kW to their customers in Africa.

With features such as an optimised energy algorithm, robust design, extreme short-circuit current capability, extensive and integrated functionality as well as being extremely userfriendly, these devices enable users to implement electrical equipment, systems and machinery with greater efficiency, safety and reliability.

The PowerXL DG1 adjustable frequency drive has been specifically designed to reduce energy usage and improve motor performance and system reliability. Product features include Eaton’s patented Active Energy Control algorithm to optimize energy usage, a kilowatt (kW) meter for power monitoring, and an onboard

S www.hulamin.co.za or email hulamin@hulamin.co.za Rolled Products | Extrusions

energy savings calculator to capture the cost savings provided by the PowerXL DG1 drive.

The active energy control feature allows the drive to control a motor based on a linear volts per hertz relationship. Eaton’s patented Active Energy Control algorithm dynamically adjusts the voltage down at a given reference frequency, optimizing the performance of the motor, while minimizing power usage.

The active energy control algorithm is active as standard out of the box when using the factory default setting for V/Hz Mode. Once the drive is given a run command it will output a given reference frequency and voltage level which is determined based off the initialized V/Hz relationship.

“The algorithm on the PowerXL DG1 has been tested against other manufactured drives out of the box configuration and the test results yield a 2 to 10% cost savings when compared against a standard linear V/Hz curve

performance”, said Kyle Danielson, Product Manager Drives and Soft Starters, Eaton Africa. “Additionally, the algorithm has been compared to both the static and dynamically adjusting control algorithms of other manufacturers, and still Active Energy Control exceeds the competitions performance in the overall percentage of cost savings”.

The DG1 offers an overload withstand capability of 110 % for variable torques and 150 % for constant torques. The short-circuit current capability of the variable frequency drives at 100 kAIC is well over the average.

Enquiry no: 27

Level and distance sensors

enix, specialist distance measurement manufacturers, represented in South Africa by Instrotech – a Comtest Group company – is offering the ToughSonic LVL family - a range of level and distance sensors designed for ease of use and reliability that offers non-contact level or distance measurement up to 10.7m, depending on the model.

Housed in a small PVDF package, these sensors withstand exposure to chemically aggressive and benign industrial environments, survive submersion (protection to IP68), and include a potted-in cable. Threads

are provided at both the top and bottom to allow either suspended or flange installation.

The LVL operates over a wide temperature range of -40 to 70ºC and humidity range of 0 – 100%, and the sensor includes multiple simultaneous analog and switch outputs. Other user-adjustable functions are filters, timers, time delays, switch setpoints and polarity, condition response of all outputs and synchronization.

The SenixView visual software which is included, provides adjustment, viewing, analysis,

maintenance and cloning without recalibration whether for one or a network of sensors, making it ideal for OEM or maintenance operations where time saving is important.

Serial data communications is via RS 485 modbus protocol. The sensor network can link to LAN or internet.

With all the features available for the LVL Series, the user can create complete “mini” systems without additional external hardware.

Enquiry no: 28

November / December 2014

ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS

EC Industrial & Business News

Stainless steel safety hinge

A

solution

new stainless steel safety hinge switch from Leuze that offers an ideal solution for mechanically and hygienically challenging problems in sectors such as the food and beverage, pharmaceutical or cosmetics industries is being distributed locally by Countapulse Controls.

These are all industries that require strict cleanliness and hygiene control, which is where the high safety level of the Leuze S420 stainless steel switch comes to the fore.

Safety hinge switches essentially unite the safety switch and door hinge functions in a single component.

They are used for the position monitoring of hard guards such as protective hoods that can rotate by means of a monitoring switch (without guard interlocking) integrated into the hinge. Due to the fact that external actuators are not required with these switches, they can also be used problem free in environments with high dust concentration levels or with heavy particle loads.

Fault-free function is ensured even with warped or misaligned doors by means of a repeatable setting (switching angle alignment).

The actuator is integrated into the housing while electrical connection is by means of either a cable or an M 12 plug with optional cable entry from above, below or on the wall or mounting side.

This allows for the monitoring of all types of doors, hoods and flaps. The safety hinge switch has an opening angle of up to 180° which can be adjusted as many times as needed.

The Leuze S420 stainless steel switch offers optimum cleaning options even with high pressure cleaning, thanks to a wall side cable outlet, a high grade surface with a roughness of less than 0.8 micrometres and an IP 67, IP 69 K level of protection.

In addition, covered tamper proof screws reduce the risk of contamination by a considerable margin.

This safety hinge switch is also recommended for the woods product industry in situations where high availability is critical under dust and particle loads.

Through the six-point bolting of the joint, even heavy doors can be guarded reliably and with extended service intervals. Enquiry no: 29

I

Insulation testing and protection

nsulation is subject to many elements that can cause it to perform at a lessthan-acceptable level.

Excessive heat or cold, moisture, vibration, dirt, oil, and corrosive vapours can all contribute to deterioration. For this reason, routine insulation testing is necessary.

Testing the integrity of insulation requires measuring its resistance to current flow across it. A high level of resistance means that very little current is escaping through the insulation. Conversely, a low level of resistance indicates a significant amount of current may be leaking through and along the insulation.

NewElec’s EC/ED relay solves this problem by monitoring the insulation integrity of the motor windings and feeder cables to earth while the motor is standing. In essence, the main contactor will be prevented from closing into a circuit in which the insulation level to earth has deteriorated to an unacceptable level.

Included in the protection package are the relay, an 11-pin plug-in base and a threephase choke. The product may be used regardless of the starter configuration.

The selected ‘lock out’ relay model determines the acceptable insulation level, while the fused measuring circuit protects the relay against inadvertent damage due to incorrect connections. Compact in design, the EC/ ED is suitable for installation in flameproof enclosures. The lock-out relay may be used on both cables and motors starting DOL or Enquiry no: 30 star delta.

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11

Simplifying safety implementation

achine builders can now easily implement required safety functions while improving productivity with the AllenBradley Guardmaster 440C CR30 safety relay from Rockwell Automation. Users can programme the safety relay through the free Connected Components Workbench software from Rockwell Automation.

This free software reduces programming time and helps increase productivity by allowing users to create, control and monitor a safety system in the same software environment as their standard control. The Guardmaster 440C-CR30 safety relay meets PLe, SIL 3 per EN ISO 13849-1 and IEC 62061 standards. It is ideal for applications requiring four to nine safety circuits and control of up to five zones.

“Machine builders across all industries are seeking safety solutions that go beyond meeting compliance requirements, to helping significantly increase both configuration and operation productivity,” said Thomas Helpenstein, product manager, Rockwell Automation.

“The flexible, compact Guardmaster 440C

CR30 safety relay configured via Connected Components Workbench software meets their needs for improved safety, uptime and productivity.”

The distinct graphical user interface and drag-and-drop capabilities of the software help guide users through a simple process of selecting certified safety function blocks for the safety relay.

Once programmed, an embedded Modbus interface allows the safety relay to easily communicate diagnostic data to Allen Bradley Micro800 controllers, Allen-Bradley PanelView graphic terminals or Allen Bradley CompactLogix controllers.

Leveraging the embedded communication capabilities and the software allows users to easily monitor, troubleshoot and quickly modify their applications, including performing

partial or conditioned shutdowns, as needed.

Five status and 16 user-configurable LEDs on t h e safety relay’s faceplate provide local diagnostics to further aid in status reporting and troubleshooting.

With 22 on-board safety I/O points, including six configurable I/O, the Guardmaster 440C CR30 safety relay is the ideal solution for applications requiring multiple safety zones. Without growing the footprint, the safety relay also can be expanded with two standard Micro800 plug-in modules to support 16 additional standard I/O points, saving valuable safety I/O points for user safety systems. The safety relay also permits interoperation with multiple standardcontrol platforms, enabling the safety control to remain the same even if the standard control changes.

Enquiry no: 31

November /December 2014

12

EC Industrial & Business News

EDUCATION, TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

NMMU in top 3

specific operational problem in one of the following areas of a warehouse: Retrieval, Conveying, Placement, Packing, Palletising and Loading.

A team from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University won 2nd place, behind Stellenbosch University, for their entry – TetraStack.

NMMU’s winning team from left, Christopher TetraStack , an Ultra High Throughput Sephton, Adriane Bestic, Shuldham Peard and Warehouse Defragmentation System designed Ashley Naude

by Adriane Bestic, Shuldham Peard, Ashley Naude and Christopher Sephton was an idea his year’s PneuDrive Challenge based on the popular Tetris game. Their design Engineering Design Award competi- mirrors the sorting action of the game by contion, which had as its theme – Green tinuously rearranging crates within a racking Warehousing Logistics – called on students matrix so as to consume the least amount of to analyse and then design a solution for a space, as low down in the matrix as possible.

As in previous years, the judging panel was made up of specialists with a wide range of business and engineering experience. The feedback they provided on the entries indicates that South Africa’s engineering community can expect to receive a number of energetic and innovative young engineers into their ranks in the near future.

The sponsors, organisers and judges of this year’s competition believe that students who immersed themselves in the competition, showed the right academic credentials and displayed appropriate problem solving skills, essentially have begun to open their own doors and begin to take a confident first step into the engineering industry.

Enterprising SME’s

• The ECDC will assist the participants in the Enterprise Development Programme to become finance-ready.

• “We will use the pilot phase of this programme to fine-tune our offerings to the specific needs of each of the participating companies,” says Waters. “The aim is to multiply the effects of this programme, and to help as many companies as possible.”

• Participants include the owners and managers of a variety of different companies in various sectors, including business services, hospitality, media and information technology. Each has been in operation for a minimum of three years.

• Additional benefits will accrue to all participating small businesses. The participants will have access to: • Services such as business plans, sales strategy and implementation, marketing plans and activations, as well as strategic direction through the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC).

• Enhanced chances of being eligible for funding with the ECDC. • Exposure to being export ready.

T

T

he Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber recently entered new territory with the launch of the pilot phase of its Enterprise Development Programme in late October.

Over 30 small business owners and managers will enjoy the benefit of an effective combination of mentorship and skills development aimed at growing small business, enhancing their eligibility for funding, assisting them with export-readiness, giving them insights into new markets, and increasing their job creation potential.

Together with the Eastern Cape Development Corporation as a partner, and the Business Chamber’s SME Helpdesk, supported by Standard Bank, the Chamber steps into a new space in support of small business.

Over 30 small businesses have signed up for the free Enterprise Development programme, which is targeted at owners and managers of small businesses that qualify in terms of the BBBEE Codes of Good Practice.

Enquiry no: 32

Applications for the pilot phase of the Enterprise Development Programme are now closed.

Up to 75% of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s members fall under the category of SME, which, Operations and Finance Director Zoe Waters explains, means they employ fewer than 50 people. “Small businesses are recognised as the engines of the Eastern Cape economy,” she says. “We want to see our members begin to operate sustainable businesses that will grow into new markets, and create new, much-needed opportunities for employment and job creation.”

The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber Enterprise Development Programme: • Helps participants to understand the elements of being market ready, growing their businesses and creating sustainable jobs.

• Offers an effective combination of mentorship and skills development.

• Pairs each SME owner or manager with an expert mentor in the field or area needed.

• Combines Core and Elective courses through classroom training, soft skills and informational workshops.

Enquiry no: 33

Matatiele youth benefit from driving programme Adv. Zuko Mapoma, CDC Executive Manager Corporate Services and Acting Mayor Matatiele Local Municipality, Cllr Nomasomi Mshuqwana signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) for the newly launched driver training programme.

HE Coega Development Corporation launched T its flagship driver training programme together with driver simulator infrastructure at Matatiele Local Municipality recently.

The driver training programme is an extension

BASF South Africa recently contributed a further R50 000 to the Missionvale Care Centre in Port Elizabeth. The Centre is an inter-denominational, non-profit organization committed to providing quality care and support to improve the lives of the people of Missionvale, an impoverished area of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. The Centre houses, amongst other facilities, a child support programme, feeding programme, HIV/AIDS support programme, community centre and school.

This donation supplements previous donations

of the organisation’s corporate social investment (CSI) initiative which seeks to up skill youth between the ages of 18-35 years who are unemployed as well as people with disabilities.

“The programme, over the years, has contributed immensely to driving youth employment opportunities,” said CDC’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Dr Ayanda Vilakazi. CSI programmes offer long term sustainable investment and improves the lives of communities through empowerment and self-development that ultimately enables economic participation.” Enquiry no: 34

made by BASF towards the establishment of a Grade 4 classroom at the Centre’s Academy as well as the purchase of educational equipment.

According to BASF’s Port Elizabeth Site Director, Paul Allday, developing an ongoing relationship with Missionvale is a focus area for the site. “One of BASF’s three strategic pillars is focused on Corporate Social Responsibility.

We believe in developing relationships and partnerships with projects in our communities in order to ensure sustainable Corporate Enquiry no: 35 Citizenship,” he said.

Houston Isaacs 2013 Young Welder of the Year winner with SAIW’s Etienne Nell (l) and Frans Vorster.

Young welder 2015 launched

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he 2015 Young Welder of the Year competition, which will be held in early 2015, has kicked off with a bang.

The winner will represent South Africa at the WorldSkills competition to be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in August 2015.

The sponsors for the 2015 competition so far are: Abicor Binzel, Afrox, AFSA, Air Products, Arcelor Mittal, Hulamin, Merseta, SASSDA, Thuthuka Welding and WASA. Jim Guild, executive director of the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW), says that the Young Welder competition is an industry initiative and would not survive without its sponsors.

“We are all grateful that the sponsors understand the growing importance of this competition in terms of encouraging welding as an exciting and sustainable career for our youth.

There is always room for more sponsors and those interested should contact the Institute.”

SAIW GM Operations, Sean Blake, says he is delighted with the enthusiasm of the entire industry including both TVET Colleges like College of Cape Town and a company artisan training school – Steinmuller.

“The increased involvement of those who are teaching the youth welding skills is most encouraging and with their support we will be extending the footprint of the competition quite considerably,” Blake says.

“We are particularly pleased that Steinmuller has opted to be on the organising committee and we look forward to working with them.”

In terms of the extended footprint Blake says that there will be regional competitions in November 2014 in the Western Cape, KZN and Mpumalanga. “This will give a lot more youngsters the chance to get into the finals in Johannesburg and will, of course, substantially increase awareness of the Young Welder competition,” Blake says.

There will also be an increased focus on marketing and promotion for the 2015 competition. “Using the theme ‘Creating Employment: Skilling our Youth’ we plan to get wide coverage of the competition in the classical media like radio, print and television.

But we also plan to use the social media like Facebook, Twitter and others,” says Blake.

Enquiry no: 36

SPECIALISTS IN

INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION MOTION & CONTROL PROCESS & CONTROL PNEUMATIC TRAINING TURN-KEY SOLUTIONS (PLC & SCADA) PRODUCTS FOR THE MINING INDUSTRY

Southern Africa

info@pneumax.co.za www.pneumax.co.za a division of the Setpoint Group

Johannesburg (HO) T: 011 573 0900

Cape Town

T: 021 531 4540/1

Durban

T: 031 700 9483

Pretoria

T: 012 846 3340

Port Elizabeth

T: 041 451 2822/4/5

November / December 2014

13

EC Industrial & Business News

CONSULTING ENGINEERS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Regulation and procurement issues facing consulting engineers C onsulting Engineers South Africa’s (CESA) latest Bi-Annual Economic and Capacity Survey (BECS), January to June 2014, indicates that regulation issues, including the procurement of consulting engineering services, remain one of the biggest challenges faced by the industry.

Procurement is currently based on price and broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) points, with functionality or quality having a minimum threshold, thus being largely price driven. This is affecting tender prices, as firms sometimes tender below cost in view of the diminished

availability of projects.

“The way that the service of consulting engineers is procured is a sore point and leaves a lot to be desired.

Even our President, Abe Thela, cautioned about this practice that relegates our noble profession as if they are procuring commodity goods,” says CESA CEO Lefadi Makibinyane.

Unrealistic tendering fees remain a concern for members, while the extended time it takes in which to finalise a proposal is affecting profitability in the industry. The quality of techni-

cal personnel is argued by some firms to have deteriorated, putting greater risk on the built environment sector. Skills shortage is regarded as one the most significant institutional challenges faced by the private and the public sector. CESA has offered their services to Government to procure and implement projects and advocates a speedy review of the PPPFA (Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act). This will not only harmonise the Procurement modalities of the Professional

Tailor-made crushing and screening

&E International is a partner of choice for the mining B and construction industries with its integrated crushing, mining and mineral processing solutions, Dewald Janse

van Rensburg, MD, says.

“We have been designing and manufacturing plants at our Port Elizabeth facilities since the 1980s, but always on an in-house basis. We will now be offering this to the market as we believe there is a definite gap that we can fill in terms of purpose built plants and maintenance and operational plants for mine owners.”

The company was established in 1972 as a drilling and blasting specialist in the Eastern Cape and soon diversified into the mobile crushing sector with its own mobile

and static crushing division. In 1993 it entered the mining services sector and diversified further into bulk mining, processing and mineral beneficiation. B&E International was acquired by the Raubex Group in 2008, completing its transformation into a strongly focused crushing, mining and mineral processing company.

On the mobile crushing and screening side of the business the company operates various crushing plants ranging in size from about 50 tph to 500 tph, and from single stage plants all the way up to massive five stage crushing plants.

“Our equipment fleet consists of the most modern crushers on the market, giving B&E International the capability to produce a range of products from road stone to high quality manufactured concrete sand, base course, concrete aggregates, water bound Macadam, ballast and filter media,” Janse van Rensburg says.

B&E International’s particular skill set on the mobile crushing and screening side includes the ability to design our own mobile plants, complete with the requisite trailers, conveyors and bins. This encompasses rapid and efficient mobilisation and installation, in addition to prospecting for suitable rock and the operation and subsequent rehabilitation of project dedicated quarries. Enquiry no: 37

SPP Pumps (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd are authorized distributors of the Global Sterling Fluid Systems Group originally founded in 1895.

Our experience spans all pumps and associated parts, but is not limited to those designed and manufactured by SPP and Sterling Fluid Systems. The extensive SPP, SiHi, Halberg and LaBour range of specialist pumps is a prime example of the extent of our capability.

JHB / Head office: 011 393 7181/2 ph@spppumps.co.za www.spppumps.com

Specializing in : Unistream, Thrustream, Eurostream, Aquastream and Instream pumps supply, spares and service. Also including fire prevention sets.

Services (which includes Consulting Engineering) but will bring accelerated implementation of the National Infrastructure Development Plan.

After a more optimistic 2013, conditions in the first six months of 2014 appeared to have been less satisfactory. The confidence index for the first six months was revised downward from an

expected level of 98.3 to 87.7, suggesting weaker than expected conditions. In spite of the slower than expected start to the year, firms are more optimistic with regard to business conditions for the next 12 months, averaging 96.6 for the last six months of 2014 and 96.2% for the first six months of 2015.

Enquiry no: 36

Specialists in Corrosion Protection

HotDip Galvanizing – 3m x 1.2m x 1.8m

Thermal Zinc / Aluminum Metal Spraying

Protective Coatings and Linings

Abrasive Blasting

Tel: 041 4511947 | Fax: 041 4510773 | Cell: 0824410692 E-Mail: henning@galvaspin.co.za | Website: www.galvaspin.co.za 2 - 5 Fearick Street, Sidwell, Port Elizabeth

Welcome to the future – a future of Mwangaza We are all writing a part of the script which tomorrow’s society will play out.

At Royal HaskoningDHV we would like the title to read: ‘Welcome to the future’ -

and for our chapter in that script to read ‘Mwangaza’ - a Swahili word which means

‘light’. Together with our partners and clients we consider how we can create a welcoming future - developing efficient and smart living.

PE Branch:

KZN Branch:

CT Branch:

Whether switching on a light, travelling to work or drinking a clean glass of water

041 364 0204 ft@spppumps.co.za

031 700 3773 ng@spppumps.co.za

021 852 3962 rh@spppumps.co.za

brighter. Our work contributes to the sustainable development of communities.

- the solutions and work of our engineers surround us, making lives better and Together, we deliver innovative sustainable answers to today’s challenges.

Royal HaskoningDHV is an independent, international engineering and project management consultancy.

royalhaskoningdhv.com/za

14

consulting engineers & project management

November /December 2014

EC Industrial & Business News

Runway rehabilitation project at George airport M urray & Roberts Infrastructure has successfully completed a challenging runway rehabilitation project at George Airport for the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) that involved placing 2 080 t of Novachip Ultra Thin Friction Course (UTFC) on top of the new asphalt on the runway. In addition the runway extensions and intersections comprised 1 920 t of medium graded asphalt while 12 710 t of medium graded asphalt was used for the runway reprofiling.

Activities at the bustling local airport could not be hampered by the construction work, which meant that the company had to work during the night and hand over a pristine site every morning.

“The actual re-profiling of the runway with asphalt was a challenge,” Wouter Schreuder, Site Agent, says. “We had to temporarily shorten the runway during construction, which meant that aircraft had to land without using their instrument landing systems.” Work on the project commenced on 13 November 2013 and

was wrapped up on 23 July this year.

ACSA initiated the project in order to improve safety at George Airport in terms of run-off and storm water drainage. In addition the project was aimed at improving the structural capacity of the pavement surface. The scope of work comprised the extension of Runway 11/29,

the extension of the aeronautical ground lighting network and re-profiling of identified runway sections. Murray & Roberts Infrastructure worked in close conjunction with ADB Electrical on the major works.

“We had to build from an uneven existing runway surface to the final design level.

This necessitated numerous layers of asphalt placed on top of each other in order to achieve the required level,” Schreuder says.

Challenges included the fact that Murray & Roberts was not permitted to have any steps on the runway. “We had to create ramps after each shift’s paving operation before the runway could be opened in the morning. These had to be removed once the layer was constructed in this particular area.”

Cleaning of the runway after each shift was equally challenging in that the area had to be clean and free of any debris pending an inspection by George Airport’s fire and rescue services before opening the runway in the morning.

“Time had to be allowed at the end of each shift in order to carry out all the required cleaning and this took careful planning,” Schreuder says. In addition each shift required thorough planning due to the constraints of working on an operational runway.

Emergency removal equipment had to be available on site in case of any plant breakdown during a shift.

“The interface between the civil and electrical works was difficult and had to be planned before the start of each shift. The logistics to get material to site posed a challenge due to the strict security measures. The bulk of the material had to be transported to site at night as a result,” Schreuder explains. The wet and cold weather at night also played a role during the construction phase due to certain limitations as per the project specifications. “Care had to be taken not to damage any of the existing services such as runway lights while working.”

Enquiry no: 38

Mass excavation advances

T

he new class leaders in the respective 75 and 90 tonne class, Caterpillar’s latest generation Cat 374F L and Cat 390F L hydraulic excavators, build on the legendary performance of the D-Series and come to market with key enhancements in terms of safety, ultra-fast truck loading cycle times, fuel efficiency, and longer-term downstream availability.

These new units replace the Cat 374D L and Cat 390D L hydraulic excavators launched globally in 2010 and are designed to meet diverse production tasks ranging from mining, quarrying and road construction to large-scale earthmoving projects. F Series models are being rolled out to the southern African market from the fourth quarter of 2014.

Delivering power on demand, the Cat 374F L is equipped with the Cat C15 ACERT engine, and the Cat 390F L with the Cat C18 ACERT unit. These engines models, which were also fitted on the previous D-Series machines, have been further refined by Caterpillar’s research and development team. They consume significantly less fuel thanks chiefly to two new built-in features: automatic engine speed control; and automatic engine idle shutdown.

Enquiry no: 39

New compact loader

B

obcat Equipment South Africa launched the new S450 M-Series Compact Loader to the local market recently, to replace the legendary S130 K-Series.

“It is a challenge to improve on something that delivers consistent quality across-theboard and that has enjoyed recognition as the most important model in the local market for a number of years,” says Bobcat Equipment MD, Les Lothian. “But with the introduction of the S450, Bobcat once again sets the compact equipment benchmark another notch higher by making one of its best even better.”

The S450 M-series machines are compatible with Bobcat’s massive array of over 90 different attachments, ensuring optimum versatility to meet materials handling applications in the construction, general industry, mining, agriculture and landscaping sectors Enquiry no: 40

November / December 2014

EC Industrial & Business News

consulting engineers & project management

15

Local renewable energy projects S

local representatives of these OEMs. Weir YES Africa has access to a pool of more than 200 technicians with a depth of experience in wind turbine generators through the Weir YES organisation. Although it will initially draw on this expertise to transfer skills to the local team, Weir YES Africa is driving towards local technical selfsufficiency as soon as possible.

Weir YES Africa is well positioned to provide cost effective services with an initial focus on the South African market, although it has also identified opportunities in Namibia and Kenya. Ledwaba says the long term view is to focus on serving customers across the entire continent.

“Being able to draw on globally forged skills and tap into relationships with a number of multinational OEMs are real differentiators for us in the local market,” Ledwaba concludes.

“In addition, we benefit from being part of the

9

The GRID is a graphic element that helps to create the ZEST indentity. Derivative of the proportions of the logo, it is based on a proportion of width and height of 2-to3. The distance between the GRID elements is 1/3 of the height of an element.

local renewable energy market, with initial emphasis on the wind energy arena.

“South Africa has a high level of renewable energy potential and government has determined a sizeable target to be generated from renewable energy sources to ensure the continued uninterrupted supply of electricity in future years,” Ledwaba says. “Its Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REI-PPP) programme has been introduced to contribute towards this target, at the same time establishing and stimulating a fully-fledged renewable energy industry in South Africa. Major renewable energy projects are starting to come through as a result of this programme.”

The greater Weir YES business is an approved vendor to and has well established relationships with 11 global wind turbine generator OEMs and Weir YES Africa is leveraging these relationships in discussions with the The GRID What is it?

ince being established in late 2013 as an African subsidiary of the greater Weir Ynfiniti Engineering Services (YES) business, Weir YES Africa is gearing up to participate in local renewable energy projects.

Its offering comprises the provision of specialist mechanical and installation services on wind turbine projects, the operation and maintenance of wind farms with an availability guarantee of 98% to 99% and the inspection and repair of turbine blades, towers and nacelles. A number of tenders have already been submitted and Weir YES Africa director, Hloni Ledwaba says he is confident that the first projects will be awarded before year end.

Based in Spain, with subsidiaries in Portugal, Italy and the USA, Weir YES was acquired by the Weir Group PLC in 2010 and falls under its Power and Industrial Division. Weir YES Africa, a level 4 BBBEE company, was launched last year to exploit opportunities in the expanding

globally recognised Weir brand that stands for reliability and service excellence, underpinned by world class quality and health and safety.

The Weir Group is a FTSE 100 company that honours its commitment to projects around the world.”

Enquiry no: 41

Enquiry no: 42

+27 11 723 6000

www.zest.co.za

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INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS

T

esting is under way at Condra’s Germiston factory on maintenance cranes for De Hoop Dam, the Department of Water and Sanitation’s R3-billion, 347-million cubic metre reservoir.

Built on the Steelpoort River, with a wall approximately 1 015 metres long and 81 metres high, the De Hoop Dam is the 13th largest dam in South Africa and one of the largest to be built in the country in the last 20 years.

Its cranes are the latest in Condra’s long list of high-lift machines designed and manufactured for dam walls across southern Africa, among them the reservoirs of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project where machines with extreme lift heights of up to 158 metres were commissioned.

Dam wall cranes are specialised machines designed to work ‘blind’ under water, lifting and lowering fine screens and sluice gates, and placing and removing stoplogs, the bulkheads dropped into pre-made guides to temporarily stop the flow of water through outlets and allow valve and pipe maintenance to take place.

In South Africa, these gates and stoplogs are located under water at depths typically between 40 and 100 metres.

The Condra cranes under test for De Hoop Dam are considerably more advanced than cranes the company has previously designed for dam wall duty.

The main crane, a 40-ton machine with two auxiliary hoists of 5 tons and 2 tons, incorporates advanced control technology that reads out the hook’s location accurate to within two millimetres as it is lowered down a guide shaft to the target gate or fine screen, while encoders take into account rope stretch as the rope unwinds during hook descent.

A load indicator tells the operator when the hook has successfully engaged the load, while hunting tooth limit switches help to control top, bottom and side travel so that positioning is kept as accurate as possible.

The second crane made by Condra for De Hoop Dam is a 12-ton machine to be used for valve maintenance.

Condra is also supplying a ball-plug hoist and an inspection cage.

Marc Kleiner, Condra’s managing director, said that the most challenging aspect of this contract’s design phase had been meeting operating specifications within the space constraints of the buildings in which the cranes are to be installed.

“We had to design these machines not only according to operating requirements, but also in such a way that they can be moved into the buildings in sections and sub-assemblies, and assembled within,” he said.

CUSTOMER FOCUSSED

Dam gets advanced high-lift cranes

November /December 2014

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EC Industrial & Business News

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

2015 Top Public Sector Employer SA C oega Development Corporation was recently recognised by the Top Employers Institute (TEI) for its exceptional employee offerings when it was awarded the exclusive Top Employers South Africa 2015 certification.

The annual international research undertaken by the Top Employers Institute recognises leading employers around the world: those that provide excellent employee conditions, nurture and develop talent throughout all levels of the organisation, and which strive to continuously optimise employment practices. The Institute globally certifies excellence in the conditions that employers create for their people.

Coega Development Corporation is one of the select organisations to achieve the Top Employers South Africa 2015 certification.

Crucial to the Top Employers process is that participating companies must complete a stringent research process and meet the required high standard in order to achieve the certification. To further reinforce the validity of the

process, all answers were independently audited, meaning this research has verified Coega’s outstanding employee conditions and earned them a coveted spot among a choice group of certified Top Employers.

The Top Employers Institute assessed Coega employee offerings on a list of criteria which involved talent strategy, workforce planning, on-boarding, learning and development, performance management, leadership development, Bongi Stofile, Unit head of Human Resources and Zola Ngoma Unit head of Talent Management career and succession management, compensation and benefits and finally, and Development are elated after winning the Top Employers South Africa 2015 award: Public Sector culture.

Bongi Stofile, CDC head of human resources said it was a prestigious accolade with only the world’s leading employers the organisation.“Becoming certified provides certified as Top Employers. “Organisations companies with the opportunity to celebrate who receive the Top Employers certification this achievement and to reinforce the positive demonstrate that they provide an outstand- role of the HR environment in the business,” ing employment environment and nurture Stofile said.

Enquiry no: 43 and develop talent throughout all levels of

Distinctly feminine flavour

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ORKING in a corporate world is hard enough, but add sport to the mix and it becomes even more difficult for women to rise beyond the ‘stadium’ ceiling.

In Nelson Mandela Bay, there are a number of women working in the sports world that are bucking this trend and Access Management, operators of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, are dominating the scrum for woman empowerment in the corporate sports industry.

Working for Access Management are four women in senior management positions, including a chief executive officer. Outsiders often ask these stereotype-busting women, ‘what do you know about soccer or rugby?’. They also field comments like, ‘be honest, you’re only watching the game to ogle over the players’.

Unfortunately, some people think women are clueless and know nothing about sport, says Chantal Du Pisani, Access Management chief executive.

“But there is more to sport – and business – than what meets the eye.”

“Women are capable of being career-orientated, even in the sports industry which is traditionally the terrain of men. We are competent, and confident, in our positions and are doing well in our chosen careers.

The business of sport is just like any other business, except that on game day you get to be part of exhilarating moments on and off the field as a bonus to business as usual,’’ says Du Pisani.

Access Management was appointed to run the then newly - built Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in 2009, ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. It has since made major strides in offering support to sports event organisers and has secured a varied sports and event offerings for the people of the city, including national and international rugby and soccer fixtures.

Du Pisani says that the tough-

est part of her job is dealing with the demands of sometimes capacity crowds – in excess of 40 000 people at times – and ensuring that they are happy. ‘’It’s not an easy job, but I enjoy it, I get it done and guess what, I’m a woman and I am keeping sports fans happy,’’ added Du Pisani, who has worked closely with a range of partners to ensure that Nelson Mandela Bay has both a local rugby and soccer team resident at the stadium.

Enquiry no: 44

Border-Kei Chamber 52 weeks a year events calendar

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he Border Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB) has established a working group comprised of leading hotel chains, tourism routes, business owners and private sector companies who have a stake in Tourism in the region.

The aim is to provide one platform that will list all major events in and around the city with the objective of creating 52 major events for the year. Each week should ideally have one major event that attracts tourists to the city. In the interest of promoting a steady supply of tourists to the region, all involved are working together to ensure that there are as few clashes of the bigger events as possible.

In line with international trends, cities are using the internet to promote their calendar of events to potential visitors. It allows those planning a holiday to research what is available to them during their stay in a foreign destination.

Buffalo City Tourism recently re-launched the website for the region, and, in conjunction with BKCOB and various media partners, are committed to promoting the city and the region on local, national and international platforms.

In addition, BKCOB would like to invite business owners, events companies and interested parties to partner with them to develop the 52 Weeks a Year Calendar, with the aim to launch the Calendar in February 2015.

For more information contact Drayton Brown at the Border-Kei Chamber of Business on communications@bkcob.co.za Enquiry no: 45

November / December 2014

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

EC Industrial & Business News

Distribution agreement for Africa

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arker Hannifin, the global leader in motion and control technologies has just signed a strategic agreement with Oilserv Group, which will ensure the distribution of Parker products for the Oil and Gas, Power, Food & Beverage and Industrial markets in the West Africa sub-region including Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Togo Republic, and the East Africa sub-region including, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan and Mozambique.

This agreement is effective immediately and means that customers will have access to Parker products via Oilserv and affiliate hubs in Port Harcourt, Lagos, Lome, Cotonou, Nairobi, Kampala, Dar es Salaam and

Maputo.

“This is excelNick Wright, VP Business Development and Marketing lent news” says Parker EMEA, Emeka Okwuosa, CEO Oilserv, David Barry Mackay, Kirubi, Senior Executive, GROWTH Oilserv, and Barry Regional General Mackay, Regional General Manager Sales Companies Manager for South Parker Africa and southern Europe. “This agreement will als and embodies a commitment to allow both Parker and Oilserv to local content in the form of capacity accelerate their growth in key areas development in all the markets that of Africa and meet both companies’ it operates with the foundation it has long term growth strategies by serv- successfully developed over the last ing existing global customers oper- 20-years they have been in operation ating in the sub-regions and indig- in the Nigerian market.” enous enterprises. In Oilserv, we have “Oilserv is ready to grow with us and found an established, credible and have the ability and drive to make this professional partner, which employs happen.”

Enquiry no: 46 skilled local engineers and profession-

30 years of delivery excellence

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orklift, a division of Eqstra Industrial Equipment, recently marked 30 years of delivery excellence with dignitaries from Toyota Industries Corporation and Toyota Tshusho Corporation.

In celebration of this milestone, a celebratory event took place recently at Toyota Forklift’s state-of-the-art workshop in Germiston.

A sake barrel was broken at the event, signifying the strengthening of the partnership between Toyota Forklift, Toyota Industries Corporation and Toyota Tshusho Corporation, and its commitment to the continued delivery of innovative and quality products to the southern African materials handling industry.

From its small beginnings in 1984 when, as Saficon Industrial Equipment, it was responsible for the local manufacture of the first Toyota forklift, Toyota Forklift is a story of remarkable growth, achieved through technological superiority, insightful business strategy and customerfocused service delivery.

Over the past 30 years, in parallel with the introduction of new, more advanced forklift models, Toyota Forklift has extended its product range into warehousing, as well as widening

Mr. Wakabayashi, Vice President of Marketing & Sales Toyota Industries Corporation and Gary Neubert, CEO OF Eqstra Industrial Equipment its service offering with the inclusion of rental and used equipment, aftermarket services and operator training, in addition to other value added services.

“The biggest single event, in my opinion, was the launch of the 5 series,” notes Don Bailiff, former CEO and founder of Saficon Industrial Equipment.

The revolutionary Toyota Series 5

forklift was launched in 1986 and, in 1988, Saficon Industrial Equipment celebrated accumulated sales exceeding 1,000 units. This achievement was soon to be surpassed as, in 1989, the company sold 500 units in just one year. In 1996, the new Toyota Series 6 forklifts was launched, and once again sales were impressive with, in 1996, a record 1,650 Toyota forklifts being sold. By 1997, Toyota Forklift (then still known as Saficon) had grown to the extent that it was deemed the sixth largest Toyota Industrial Equipment distributor worldwide, celebrating, in 2000, 15 years in business by delivering its 10,000th forklift. In 2003, the company was awarded International Excellence status by the Toyota Industries Corporation.

As the sole distributors for Toyota Forklifts, BT and Raymond Equipment in Southern Africa, Toyota Forklift is able to meet all customer warehousing and materials handling requirements, offering rental and used equipment, after-market service, operator training as well as a range of other value added services. Distribution and service is carried out through branches in the main centres with depots and dealers complementing the Southern Enquiry no: 47 Africa network.

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Taxi drivers are saving R600 per day using gas

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axi drivers who have been running their taxis on compressed natural gas for the past few months say they are happy with the benefits, especially to their pockets, because they save up to R600 per day on fuel.

Compressed natural gas burns cleaner, costs less and reduces maintenance costs. Most of the 285 000 minibus taxis on South African roads, with the exception of the very oldest models, can be converted to run on compressed natural gas.

Njabulo Mhlanga has been a taxi driver for nine years and was wondering how he could save money running his taxi. After using compressed natural gas for the past six months, he knows that he has found the answer. “I am saving R300 to R400 per day on fuel, which is a lot because I make R2 000 per day,” he says.

“My life changed that day I drove past NGV Gas in Langlaagte and stopped to enquire. It did not even take long to convert my taxi and within four hours I was back on the road, driving my route from Ivory Park to Johannesburg CBD.

I was a bit worried at the beginning that it would not work so well, but now I am very happy using gas. I have not had any problems using it.”

Jeff Kungoane has been using compressed natural gas for the past three months. Driving a taxi for the past fifteen years, he knows what it takes to increase your profit: a new plan to save money. Compressed natural gas was also his answer. “I was servicing my car in Diepkloof, Soweto, when I noticed the gas canister in another driver’s taxi. I asked him what it was and how it works. After he explained it to me, I decided to try gas and I am very happy with the results.”

Using compressed natural gas has also benefitted Jeff’s budget.

He saves about R600 per day running his route from Lenz to the Johannesburg CBD. “I am glad that I took the chance to go for the conversion,” he says.

As with any other product, word of mouth is already spreading the word about compressed natural gas.

Easy-to-use breathalysers

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outh African police and traffic officials are faced with a number of challenges when it comes to reducing the rate of drink driving incidents on our roads.

Breathalysers are commonly employed by police in random checks and roadblocks, however, there are a number of problems typically encountered which negatively impact the efficacy of these checks.

Questions around the calibration of instruments used, issues with incorrect use and tight budgets all need to be overcome to ensure the effectiveness of testing solutions.

Only once alcohol testing is implemented effectively will it act as a successful deterrent to prevent people from driving under the influence.

This requires the use of sophisticated instruments that address the common challenges experienced. This is according to Rhys Evans, Director of ALCO-Safe.

The company offers a range of breathalyser solutions ideal for the police service as well as for other industries where safety is of utmost importance.

Enquiry no: 48

Keep the green light on Automotive transmission www.sandvik.coromant.com/automotive

64 Jet Park Road, Jet Park • PO Box 25038, East Rand, 1462 Branches: Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Vaal Triangle Direct Sales: 0860 101 008 Fax: 0860 101 006

ultrasonic gas leak detector

M

SA is proud to announce the introduction of the new Gassonic Observer-i Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detector with Artificial Neural Network (ANN) intelligence and real-time broadband acoustic sound processing technology, setting a new global industry standard in highly reliable ultrasonic gas leak detection with unprecedented suppression of false alarms.

With the incorporation of ANN technology, the breakthrough Gassonic Observer -i detector makes it possible to fully analyse the sound spectrum above 12 kHz. The ANN algorithm has been ‘trained’ to automatically distinguish between unwanted acoustic background noise and dangerous gas leaks.

MSA Africa Fixed Gas And Flame Detection Product Manager Robbie Taitz explains that this advanced ANN technology provides a broader leak detection range, which also increases sensitivity to smaller gas leaks without interference from unwanted background noise. “It enables the Gassonic Observer -i to be installed without time consuming training sequences, and provides industry-leading detection distance, with unprecedented sup-

pression of false alarms.”

The detector is self-adaptive, therefore it requires no alarm set points to be configured, nor do alarm set points need to be adjusted if background ultrasound were to increase or decrease over time.

Ultrasonic gas leak detectors (UGLD) are used in pressurised gas applications to complement conventional gas detection methods. In outdoor or ventilated locations, conventional detectors can miss gas leaks due to wind conditions, gas dilution, or leak directionality.

To compensate for such situations, ultrasonic gas leak detectors pick up gas leaks by responding to the airborne ultrasound instead of relying on physical contact between the gas and the sensor element. This capability significantly improves total speed of response to dangerous gas leaks.

The Gassonic Observer-i features the patented Senssonic selftest function which checks the device’s electrical integrity.

Enquiry no: 49

Property specialists in COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • RETAIL • LEASING • SALES • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Justin Smith 083 325 1880 Rudi Verfuss 083 995 4904 Kevin Slattery 084 469 9899

EC Industrial & Business News

Super duplex pumps help abalone growth

First intelligent

Grant Longworth 083 655 0114 Greg Thomas 082 550 8203 Garth Ginsburg 082 801 8385

Office: 041 363 5519 • Email: admin@northpointgroup.co.za • www.northpointcommercial.co.za

HIGH IMPACT TRAFFIC DOORS

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hen a large abalone farm near Gansbaai experienced continuous and expensive corrosion and abrasion in the cast iron pumps installed to transfer seawater to its growing blocks, they turned to Gauteng-based APE Pumps for help.

The original pumps, supplied by another manufacturer, were installed at Roman Bay Sea Farm in 2009 as part of an expansion programme to provide additional capacity for abalone production.

However, low temperatures and the salinity of the seawater resulted in rapid and continuous pump corrosion.

As a solution to the problem, APE Pumps proposed five identical splitcase machines cast entirely in super duplex stainless steel, which is characterised by exceptional strength and

very high resistance to corrosion.

The pumps, each with a duty of 1250m³ per hour (347 litres per second), were delivered to Gansbaai and installed in May of this year to draw seawater under negative suction head from the seawater intake gully.

They have proved more efficient

than the machines replaced, consuming less power while they transfer seawater from the ocean into holding tanks from where it is fed by gravity through the farm and then back into the sea.

This seawater accurately simulates the natural environment needed by the various abalone life-cycles of breeding and hatching, larvae development, settling, weaning and maturing.

Passing continuously through Roman Bay’s rearing tanks, most of it directed to growing blocks where the maturing phase demands millions of litres of seawater each day.

APE Pumps reports that another coastal aquaculture enterprise is evaluating machines similar to those now performing successfully at Roman Bay Sea Farm.

Enquiry no: 50

Customised solutions for process control and automation applications

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ensor solution, process control and automation specialist Countapulse Controls differentiates itself in the market by offering application specific solutions as opposed to only selling products, Gerry Bryant, Managing Director, says. “Applications knowledge is not something one can buy but is developed over many years by entrenching oneself in a customer’s business operation. In this manner one can determine the best combination of products that can produce the optimum result.”

To this end it is critical that Countapulse Controls maintains close contact with its principals. “We have instilled the importance of staying ahead of the latest technology and trends, which change constantly,” Bryant says. Part of this relationship includes regular visits from instrumentation engineers that provide its employees with essential training on new products at its Malvern, Johannesburg premises.

In addition, employees are sent to its principals’ facilities in order to gain a greater understanding of the processes around the design, development, manufacture and application of specific solutions.

“Knowledge transfer remains a linchpin in providing customers with solutions driven by high levels of productivity, quality and minimal downtime,” Bryant says.

He adds that Countapulse Controls’ principals hold six-monthly international marketing conferences that play a vital role in facilitating knowledge transfer. “The instrumentation industry needs to drive the process and create opportunities that embrace the development of engineers and technicians who are excited about creating solutions that enhance applications.”

Bryant says: “One can very easily lose sight of the fact that technology by itself is of little use. It is how you apply the technology that is critical. You have to leverage the experience that your team has gained in the field and apply this to each customer’s specific requirements. Due to the dearth of applications specific knowledge in the market, responsible minded suppliers need to step up to the plate. Their specialist teams can provide their customers with badly needed applications solutions experience. This differentiates serious market players from those companies who simply move boxes.” Bryant says that while anyone can buy a sensor

over the Internet for example, “they have little way of knowing whether it is the correct product for its intended use. The savings they achieve in buying products online are generally short lived and result in additional costs further down the line.” This can include product failure or even process system failure in a worst case scenario, which can incur costly downtime.

“There is a critical shortage of skills globally and this is very evident in the inability of many large organisations to ascertain which products will work best in their own processes. It is contingent upon instrumentation suppliers to assist the industry by providing supportive technical input,” Bryant Enquiry no: 51 concludes.

EC distributor for new oil cooler

GENERAL PURPOSE STRIP CURTAINS

Services, based in Port ACR Elizabeth has recently been

WELDING AND SAFETY SCREENS HIGH SPEED ROLL UP AND FOLD UP DOORS A network of agents throughout South Africa ensures excellent technical and installation support, and quick delivery times.

Coralynne & Associates +27 (011) 849 3142

November /December 2014

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

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appointed the regional agent for Durban based company, Mod-U-

Flow and can now offer the Eastern Cape the option of a the new MF1 or Mighty Flow oil cooler.

This cooler is compatible with any kind of oil - from hydraulic, gearbox, transmission, bearings or transformer oil, and is also suitable for cooling on plastic injection moulding plants. It is also readily adaptable for use in any space configuration.

It offers high thermal efficiency and a unidirectional flows through a shell-pass helical baffles arrangement. The MF1 is manufactured in a range of materials to suit the customer’s requirements. Complete units can be delivered quickly with spare components readily available off the shelf.

Maintenance is simple and quick with the tube pass cleaning done in-situ with no need to remove pipes. The MF1 can also be designed to cool or heat any other type of fluid and is not only restricted to cooling oil.

Enquiry no: 52

011 452-8723 021 551-5076 KWAZULU-NATAL: 0 8 6 1 0 3 3 3 0 3 PORT ELIZABETH: 041 487-2525 www.apexstrip.co.za JOHANNESBURG: CAPE TOWN:

The new MF1 air cooler

November / December 2014

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

EC Industrial & Business News

Launch of IDP aftermarket parts for diesel engines

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range of IPD aftermarket parts for Caterpillar diesel engines are available from Metric Automotive Engineering. “This is part of IPD’s concerted drive to introduce new products that help cut costs for owners of Caterpillar equipment without jeopardising engine performance or life,” operations director Andrew Yorke says. These include overhaul gasket sets for 3512/3516, C9, C13 and C27 engines, overhaul kits for C9 engines and connecting rod bearings for C32 engines.

With the appearance of Cat C-series engines in the aftermarket sector after more than a decade in full production, fleet owners and other users now have the option to install IPD quality engineered replacement parts,

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which enjoy the reputation of being unmatched by any rival aftermarket or replacement parts.

Russell Kneipp, president of IPD, was in South Africa recently to meet with local representative Metric Automotive Engineering and said that Cat C-series engines are now in the stage of their lifecycle where it makes sense to buy quality replacement parts that will yield the required hours at a price that delivers a good return on investment.

“IPD understands these engines, which have been running in the region for some time and need to be maintained properly if they are to continue to perform according to design specifications,” Kneipp says.

IDP is launching its replacement

Bulk displacement meters now SABS approved

parts for C-Series engines up to C32 throughout the course of this year.

Metric Automotive Engineering represents IPD in the local market, a leading aftermarket provider of engine components for heavy-duty diesel and natural gas powered engines based in the United States. “The quality of the latest products is in line with the high standards that IPD adheres to, in addition to being competitively priced,” Yorke says.

IPD has been synonymous with quality, innovation and service since 1955. Its Caterpillar replacement parts are manufactured in a Lloyds accredited ISO 9001:2000 quality controlled environment.

Enquiry no: 53

Stringent cleanliness compliance

ince transformers form such a large part of the asset cost structure of the power system, it is critical to their sustainability that the greatest care is taken in their manufacture or repair.

LH Marthinusen’s Johannesburg transformer manufacturing and repair facilities needed to ensure that entrance to their winding shop was subjected to a controlled access process to guarantee the highest levels of cleanliness.

Based on Apex Strip Curtains & Doors’ reputation and product offering, the company selected the SR 9000 heavy duty insulated impact traffic door. Apex delivered and installed the two double doors and two single doors in January 2014.

LH Marthinusen, a member of

ACTOM, is one of the largest global operations of its kind, offering a comprehensive suite of on- and off-site electromechanical repair and manufacturing services to all industry sectors.

For the power generation industry, LH Marthinusen offers refurbishing of transformers ranging from 10 kVA to 200 MVA with voltages up to and including 132 kV. Corné Pretorius, electrical planner for large transformers at LH Marthinusen, points out that designs for transformers requiring new windings are checked and improved where necessary.

New windings are insulated using either Kraft paper, thermally upgraded paper or Nomex, depending on customer requirements. The facility is also capable of designing and manufacturing power and distribution transformers up to 60 MVA at 132 kV, fitted with off-circuit or on-load tap changers.

“By ensuring that the lowest possible amounts of dust and other contaminants enter the section where winding assembly takes place, we are able to improve transEnquiry no: 54 former lifespan.”

Valves in chemical and high purity media supply The highly resistant valves from the GEMÜ CleanStar and GEMÜ iComLine series can be used in all kinds of applications to meet various system requirements. Furthermore, the sealing technology of the iComLine valve series allows the valves to be assembled as a multi-port valve block solution. As well as providing a layout that makes the most of both space and resources, it also allows the integration of measuring and sensor technology.

Strict purity requirements must be met in all production processes involved in the manufacture and supply of chemicals. The high purity acids and chemicals required for the manufacture of microchips are produced by specialist companies under ultra pure conditions. Valves, tubing systems and measurement devices for the control and monitoring of the media are also subject to these requirements.

In this regard, GEMÜ can rely on its own modern cleanroom plant in

Switzerland.

For resistance purposes, all medium wetted parts are made of highquality PFA or PTFE. In addition to valves from the GEMÜ CleanStarand GEMÜ iComLine series, other high purity products are available, for use in chemical supply systems among other things.

GEMÜ offers a wide range of PFA fittings and PFA tubing for the distribution and connection of valves and Enquiry no: 55 components.

EASTERN CAPE Enquiry INDUSTRIAL & BUSINESS NEWS

YOUR LINK TO INDUSTRY THROUGHOUT THE EASTERN CAPE

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Service

For more information on product or service news please circle the number relevant to the article then return fax this coupon to enquiries at (031) 266 7514 / 086 656 7452 or email: editorial@mediaevents.co.za Name: _______________________________________________ Surname: ____________________________________________ Company: ____________________________________________ Designation: __________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________ _________________________________ Postal Code:________ Tel:________________________Fax:_______________________ Email: ________________________________________________ Nature of business: _____________________________________

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eter Systems M is proud to announce that its

range of ProFlow bulk positive displacement Meters have been granted permission in terms of Section 18 (1)(d) Trade and Meterology Act, 1973 for the legal trade and reselling of Diesel fuel, petrol and affiliated products, making Meter Systems one of the few companies in the country to supply such meters.

“Equipped with a strainer, air eliminator and mechanical register and an option of adding a ticket printer, these meters can be used for custody transfer applications in fixed installations,” says

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Warren Erasmus MD Meter Systems.

“With low pressure loss and long service life, these Proflow bulk meters are cost effective and customers can save between 35-45% when compared to other options in the marketplace.”

Meter Systems, a division of the Set Point Group, has been supplying quality flow meters to industry for the last 30 years. Meter Systems also supplies pumps, nozzles, hoses and hose reels, drainers, dispensers and management equipment, loading arms, folding stairs and a range of spares and Enquiry no: 56 accessories.

IO-link memory plug

he IO-Link memory plug from ifm electronic allows the plant operator to manage his sensor data simply and quickly. When used in combination with IO-Link sensors the memory plug reads the sensors’ data and parameters automatically and stores them. The unit provides plant operators who do not yet use an IO-Link master a time-saving and low-cost option for data storage.

The data sets can be cloned in a multitude of units of the

same type - and this before installation in the plant. The memory plug can also be installed within a plant outside the critical area. If the sensor is destroyed, the parameters are nevertheless saved and are available. The parameters are automatically exchanged between the memory plug and the IO-Link sensor. If the parameters of a sensor are changed, the memory plug detects this and automatically updates itself.

Enquiry no: 57

Severe service energy dissipating disk stack trims

he locally manufacT tured severe service Energy Dissipating Disc

Stack Trims from Mitech are designed for use in high pressure drop and high flow rate conditions. As the liquid moves through the passages in the trim stack, the energy is dissipated through wall friction, swirling, sharp direction changes and a series of expansion chambers and restrictions.

Compact in design, each trim is specially designed for the application and can be combined with

cavitation control, resulting in a high rangeability with a 200:1 turndown.

Suitable for cavitation elimination on liquids and low noise on gases, the disk stack trims can be separated and cleaned due to the loose disk design. The trims can be designed for flow directions of either over or under the plug, depending on the flow conditions. The trims are available in various body sizes from 50 mm to 600 mm.

Enquiry no: 58

November /December 2014

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

20

EC Industrial & Business News

SA’s automotive industry Who’s Who at 20 years anniversary celebration

Eight employees, who started together with the company 20 years ago, celebrated this milestone at the very special occasion. From the left are Marco vom Wege (vice-president and general manager South Africa) with Carolus Ruiters, Neil Thorne, Michael Terblanche, Ushy Ntshintshi, Pieter Uithaler, Bryan Gray (former vice-president South Africa and today groups vice president), Thembile Patrick Stokwe, Zamikhaya Norman Lamani, Lyndon Richard Lottering and Jacques Minnie (current general manager South Africa)

I

n celebration of 20 years of successful business in democratic South Africa, Johnson Controls brought together employees, management, vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and business associations in what was

a Who’s Who of the local automotive industry at a gala event in Port Elizabeth recently.

Among the international guests were notably David Powels, MD of Volkswagen Group South Africa,

Councillor Mafaya, vice president of the economic development portfolio committee and five out of the six Johnson Controls South African general managers who led the company during the last two decades.

“Our entry into South Africa when Nelson Mandela became president in 1994 was the fastest start-up of a plant in Johnson Controls history,” Bryan Gray, the local company’s first vice-president told guests. “We estimated that we would create 250 to 300 jobs at that stage. Over the last two decades, together with our business partners and governmental support a vital industry was created that proved to be a success story for South Africa.”

Fast forward to 2014 and the company employs over 2,000 people in South Africa, generating more than R 2.5 billion in revenues.

“We are an integral part of South Africa’s automotive supply chain, fitting vehicles for domestic sales and exports,” added the current vice-presi-

dent, Marco vom Wege.

As witnesses of the two decades of success, eight employees who have been with the company since the first day of operations were specially awarded for their commitment. In addition, Boikuhutso Mokgosi, one of the successful participants in Johnson Controls South African Graduate Program, impressively presented her impressions and personal developments through the program.

Jacques Minnie, Johnson Controls new South African born general manager said the company and its stakeholders were not only proud of their achievements but were also aware of both the challenges and opportunities the country’s automotive sector provides. This was especially so in the light of the national target of 1.2 million vehicles per annum to be produced by 2020, continuing growth in vehicle exports and the close partnership Johnson Controls enjoyed with OEMs and the players in the automotive Enquiry no: 59 supply-chain.

A proud legacy spanning five decades

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he Ford Struandale Engine Plant celebrates its historic 50th anniversary this year, signalling a proud heritage and an impressive track record spanning five decades of production in Port Elizabeth.

The plant officially opened in 1964 in the Struandale industrial area, and has produced over 3-million units covering eight engine platforms to date.

“This is an important milestone for Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, as Ford originally started in Port Elizabeth, which was the local motoring hub in the 1920s and remains one of the region’s most important sectors,” says Jeff Nemeth, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company of South

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atson-Marlow Bredel SA has started the 'no valve metering revolution' with the launch of its Qdos 30 pump range.

Developed in response to extensive industrial customer feedback for improved chemical metering, the Qdos 30 pump range eliminates ancillary equipment, enhances productivity and reduces chemical waste through more accurate, linear and repeatable metering than typical solenoid or stepper-driven diaphragm metering pumps.

"This new range of pumps can be installed in restricted environments and is suitable for chemical metering applications such as disinfection and pH adjustment of drinking water, flocculation, industrial cooling water preparation and reagent dosing in mineral processing," says WatsonMarlow Bredel SA general manager Nico van Schalkwyk.

Africa and Sub-Sahara Africa.

“The Struandale Engine Plant has endured an ever-changing automotive landscape, and remains a crucial part of our local operations. Moreover, it is a significant supplier within the global Ford network, supplying machined components and engines to Ford plants in North America, South America and Asia.”

Recognized as a global centre of excellence, the Struandale Engine Plant is the only facility in the world that performs dual roles for the Ford Ranger engine program, both machining components as well as assembling the 2,2-litre and 3,2-litre Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel engines.

According to van Schalkwyk, the pumps can safely handle caustic, abrasive, viscous, shear-sensitive and gaseous fluids, as well as those that are slurries or contain suspended solids. The Qdos 30 Universal is the premium model in the range and features a fully configurable response to the 4–20mA input signal and 4–20mA and

Arc-fault detection, containment and more.

alarm outputs. Four other pump variants are available in the range.

“Watson-Marlow has given particular consideration to customer preferences during development of the new Qdos 30 pump,” says van Schalkwyk.

He cites the display of the residual level in the tank as an example. Users can now keep an eye on the level at a glance. Linear dosing is another outstanding feature of the Qdos 30 series pumps which are described as 'valveless pumps'.

“The pumps deliver extremely accurate dosing performance, even under difficult conditions when pressure, viscosity and solids content vary,” he adds. Volume flow ranges between 0.1 and 500 ml/min at up to 7 bar.

IP66-compliant manual, analog and

All-South African management team heads up Struandale Engine Plant

John Cameron Plant Manager

Basil Raman Operations Manager

Ludwe Kawa Quality Manager

Neil Stander Programs and Engineering

Property Group wins international quality award Power Stroke 3,2-litre turbodiesel engine for the North American Ford Transit that is assembled in Kansas City. With an additional installed capacity for 31 000 engines, this the first time that Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa is exporting products Enquiry no: 60 to North America.

The no-valve metering revolution

What lies behind ABB Low Voltage switchgear?

What lies behind IBN - Ad 2 switchgear.indd 1

The fully assembled engines are shipped to the Ford Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria for installation in the new Ranger, which is exported to over 148 markets around the world. The balance of the components are exported to Ford engine plants in Thailand and Argentina.

It has an installed capacity of approximately 220 000 component kits (cylinder head, block and crankshaft), as well as 75 000 engine assemblies for the Ranger programme.

As of January 2014, the Struandale Engine Plant began producing the

New Appointments

Profibus control options simplify integration. In addition, the pumps do not require seals or valves which can clog, leak or corrode.

Other features include a menu-driven intuitive HMI and clearly visible status indicators. The keypad, display and all of the input and output connections are easily accessible.

ReNu pumphead technology ensures that the Qdos 30 is fully sealed for safe maintenance without the need for tools. Pumphead removal and replacement is quick and easy, reducing downtime for maintenance. No special tools are required to replace the pumphead, and technicians do not need special training to carry out the work.

Enquiry no: 61

he Just Property Group T has been internationally recognised and has received

a gold Geneva International Star for Quality.

The award is part of the annual program of BID Awards, designed to recognise outstanding companies, organisations, and people in business.

Recognised for its commitment to quality, leadership, technology and innovation, the organisation was one of two South African companies to receive an award. Just Property CEO John Roberts picked up the award and said: “We make quality a core focus for continuous improvement of management to maintain leadership in our sectors and the communities in which we operate.”

Nominated by an anonymous member of the International Committee for Selection of Candidates, Just Property Group had to demonstrate excellence in five of the criterion set out by the organisers.

Enquiry no: 62

Industrial and mining low voltage apparatus must provide control, futhermore it prevents damage to equipment and personnel. Your switchgear, either already comissioned, or in design can gain advantage from the inclusion of ABB solutions.

From proprietary high-end through to modular panel builder-suited solutions and components, ABB low voltage switchgear meets and surpasses the performance requirements of IEC standards.

ABB low voltage switchgear provides complete peace-of-mind. For additional information; www.abb.co.za/lowvoltage ABB South Africa (Pty) Ltd Tel. +27 10 202 5000 E-mail: LP@za.abb.com

8/15/2014 11:16:56 AM