Kzn industrial & business news issue 103, feb mar 2017 by The Media & Events Company

ISSN NO: 1562 -5702

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Durban factory key to truck giant’s Africa expansion

OLVO Trucks’ Durban factory is at the centre of Volvo Group Southern Africa’s plans to aggressively grow its market share in Africa this year. As part of that drive, and in line with its stated commitment to road and driver safety, the group has announced new safety features that will be introduced on the Volvo Trucks Extra Heavy Commercial Vehicle range locally. “The innovations include electronic stability control, adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning and emergency braking, lane keeping and lane support, as well as driver alert support – all aimed at assisting the driver to operate the vehicle safely and responsibly. It also enhances the overall driving experience by minimising fatigue and increasing productivity,” said Torbjörn Christensson, president of Volvo Group Southern Africa. These new “safety trucks” will be assembled by Volvo Trucks at its Durban factory, which was recently renovated at a cost of over R6.5 million to enable, among other things, the assembly of these specialised units. The company already has 30 dealer sites across southern and eastern Africa, with new sites in Alrode and Angola completed in 2016 and fully operational. New facilities are also currently being developed in Pinetown, Port Elizabeth, Kenya and Zambia. Locally, Volvo Group is represented by Volvo Trucks, Volvo Bus, Volvo Penta as well as the UD Trucks brand. More than a 1000 staff are employed by Volvo Group in southern and Eastern Africa through various representative offices, brand

headquarters, as well as two factories in Durban and Rosslyn, shared back office support and a Regional Distribution Centre for parts. Volvo has representative offices in Zambia, Ethiopia, East Africa and Angola to bring support closer to customers in those regions. “The company combines the best of two worlds: synergies by having global organisations for product development, manufacturing, and purchasing but still clear leadership and responsibility for each brand to make sure that customer needs are understood and met throughout the entire organisation,” said Christensson. He said the company is also constantly exploring ways to develop and improve the way they support their customers. “There are high market demands on new financial solutions and we are therefore developing financial solutions as part of our total offering. We should be able to make some announcements in this regard during the second quarter of 2017.” In Africa during 2016, the company managed to grow its net sales by 1.2% despite challenging market conditions. Volvo Trucks claimed a 15.6% market share of the local commercial vehicle market last year with a total of 1 957 unit sold. Volvo Penta, a leading supplier of engines and complete power systems for marine and industrial applications, also continued its strong run in the local market in especially marine diesel and off-road engine sales. During 2016, Volvo Penta recorded a 20% increase in orders and a significant 55% market share of the power generation segment. continued on page three Volvo

Issue no. 103

Inside

Mega logistics park for N2 business estate - page 3 Pumps, Valves, Pipes & Fittings page 7

Forestry, Pulp & Paper - page 13 Consulting Engineers & Project Management - page 16

Launch keeps R1.4bn tug project on track

ransnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA’s) R1.4billion tug building contract in Durban continues to create jobs and develop local marine capabilities, with the launch in Durban recently of the fifth of the authority’s nine new tugs. The project is now 81% complete and still on track to deliver the ninth and final tug early in 2018, on time and within budget. Five tugs are under construction at any given time at the premises of contractor, Southern African Shipyards. Four are already delivered and at work in Port Elizabeth and Saldanha. The new tug – named Ukhozi –

will serve at the Port of Richards Bay. She is KwaZulu-Natal’s first new tug among four planned for the province’s ports. Richards Bay is expecting another of these relatively small but powerful vessels used to guide visiting ships safely into port by pushing or towing them, while Durban will also receive two. Speaking at the ceremony, TNPA Chief Executive, Richard Vallihu (pictured), acknowledged that it was essential to have welltrained people in place to support Transnet’s major drive to ramp up infrastructure and efficiency at South Africa’s ports. continued on page two

Instrumentation, Measurement & Control - page 20 Engineering & Allied Supplies page 22 Packaging page 24

Company & Product News page 25

February / March 2017

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Meet our new editor

umn for a leading Sunday newspaper. “Alan’s depth of traditional publishing experience, his in-depth knowledge of business, government and industry, as well as his grasp of the latest technology trends, means our publications are well positioned to build on and grow their solid print footprint as well as take advantage of the opportunities presented by online and digital publishing trends,” Coom said. Cooper said he was thrilled and honoured to have been offered the position. “KZN Industrial & Business News and Eastern Cape Industrial & Business News are widely regarded as the leading sources of targeted, indus-

try-focussed news in their respective provinces. “I look forward to building on the excellent work done by Janet Coom and her team. We’ve got some exciting plans for 2017 and we look forward to sharing them with you as they start bearing fruit,” Cooper said. “One of our strategies is to be more active on social media. With this in mind, we’ve set up a Twitter account, @indbiznews. I encourage our readers and advertisers to follow us there and share their news and views with us.” Cooper also welcomes comments, questions and story suggestions via email at editorial@mediaevents.co.za.

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easoned journalist Alan Cooper has been appointed the new editor of KZN Industrial & Business News and its sister publication, Eastern Cape Industrial & Business News. Announcing the appointment, publisher Janet Coom said, “With almost three decades of media experience under his belt, much of it covering government and business, I believe Alan is the ideal person to helm these two titles.” Cooper started his journalism career as a cub reporter on the Daily News in Durban in 1989 and quickly moved on to more senior beats including education, local government and politics for various publications in the Independent Newspapers stable. Over the past decade, as a freelancer, Cooper has focussed on business, motoring and technology reporting, writing for a variety of magazines and newspapers, both locally and abroad. He also pens a popular tech col-

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Transnet has set aside R7,7 billon for training over the next 10 years. The port authority will contribute in excess of R56 billion of capital expenditure under Transnet’s rolling R300 billion-plus Market Demand Strategy, or MDS, which is now in its fifth year. Vallihu noted the stories of three newly qualified Chief Marine Engineering Officers in the Port of Durban who were among a group of engineers who had the opportunity to hone their practical skills on-site during the construction of several of the tugs. They are now responsible for upholding the mechanical integrity of the port’s fleet of tugs. The men – Prince Zulu, Mlungisi Ngema and Ntuthuko Tshabalala – are part of an ambitious skills development programme to beef up marine resources and to support the Port of Durban’s transition from a four-tug to a six-tug operation in the near future. “The sheer scale of this construction and engineering project has equipped these promising marine engineers with the technical problem-solving insight that would be hard to come by elsewhere,” said Vallihu. Vallihu praised the work of Southern African Shipyards, which he said was playing a proactive role in helping to unlock the potential of the Ocean Economy. Southern African Shipyards CEO Prasheen Maharaj said the launch of this the fifth tug, again, within time and budget, has demonstrated clearly that South Africa has the capabilities to deliver world-class services locally. “The concerted efforts by TNPA and other State entities to promote localisation must be commended. It is only when we boost our own economy, that will we be able to address the current scourge of unemployment our youth face. The Maritime Sector and Operation Phakisa specifically serves as a beacon of hope for millions of South Africans,” he said. The nine tugs are being built over three and a half years, as part of a wider fleet replacement programme that also includes new dredging vessels and new marine aviation helicopters. The programme is aimed at improving operational efficiency in the ports. TNPA’s new fleet of nine tugs are each 31 metres long with a 70-ton bollard pull. They feature the latest global technology such as Voith Schneider propulsion which makes them highly manoeuvrable. Ukhozi, the isiZulu word for eagle, was named through a competition hosted amongst TNPA employees at the Port of Richards Bay.

continued from page one

Any news items, press releases, articles and photographs relating to business and industry in KwaZulu-Natal are welcome. All contributions will be considered for publication.

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Disclaimer: The editor and management of KZN 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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Mega logistics park for N2 Business Estate

HE vision of establishing the Cornubia multi-use development as an important node between King Shaka International Airport and the city of Durban has been reinforced by the announcement that a 100 000m2 logistics park is to be developed at the N2 Business Estate. The business estate is conveniently located on the northern edge of the Cornubia development with easy access to the N2 highway and once completed, the total estate could create 2 400 permanent jobs and generate R45 million per annum in rates income for the City. The multi-million rand logistics and retail park is being developed by M&F Giuricich Developments and Fortress Property Fund – one of the larger South African property owning funds listed on the JSE – in a joint venture. M&F Giuricich Developments’ expertise will be combined with Fortress Property Fund’s industrial development experience to develop this site. M&F Giuricich Developments have

undertaken developments throughout South Africa since 1993. By combining in this joint venture, the consortium hopes to develop a modern Logistics Park that will attract large national logistics tenants. “A logistics park of this size and nature is a perfect fit for the vision that we had of establishing the Cornubia N2 Business Estate as a prime commercial location,” said Karen Petersen, Development Director of Tongaat Hulett Developments. “It meets all the criteria needed to attract tenants with specific needs, and will add considerably to establishing the business estate as a prime commercial site.” Florian Giuricich, co-founder of M&F Giuricich Developments, said the logistics warehousing facilities will be established on a site covering 200 000m2, with the remainder of the usable space dedicated to retail space. “We believe the opportunity exists for this facility to meet the needs of logistics companies or major brands with significant warehous-

ing needs,” he said. “There is very little infrastructure of this nature in existence along the N2 that exploits proximity to the airport and Dube Trade Port as well as access to Durban, so we are expecting ready interest in these facilities. The location of the N2 Business Estate is ideal for companies that prefer to be closer to Durban as opposed to further north.” He said there had been considerable interest from large retail destination based tenants who enjoy the prominent exposure and easy access to site from the N2 motorway. Among those who have expressed interest are some international retail tenants that are entering the South African retail market. Access provided by the flyover bridge network that links to the Umhlanga town centre and the amenities being developed within Cornubia itself add to the site’s retail suitability. Construction is to commence this year, with

completion scheduled for end-2018. Florian Giuricich said the logistics park would be suitable for companies with larger logistics and distribution needs as the warehousing facilities will start at 10 000m2 per facility. The developer would consider accommodating one major tenant with the requirement for premises larger than this minimum size. The platform design caters for this flexibility. “The easy access into Durban on the N2 as well as King Shaka Airport make this an ideal location for companies that need to store or distribute goods. Apart from the N2, alternative routes can also be used for access to the airport,” he said.

Enquiry no: 2

Global perspective for big Durban auto show

P to 400 executive-level delegates, representing South Africa's automotive manufacturing industry will gather to confer with and learn from global experts at its official event, the NAACAM Show in Durban during April. Acclaimed London-based, global thought leader and futurist Sarwant Singh, who consults with many of the world's leading companies, will address the sector on the Future of the Automobile. A member of the World Economic Forum Transportation group, he sits on advisory boards of Nissan, ATI, Leeds University Business School and others, while his book “New Mega Trends” has since been sold in over 30 countries. Toyota, Ford and BMW are also high profile automotive companies he has consulted to. Singh will share the stage with KPMG's

German-based Global Automotive leader Dieter Becker, renowned for producing the annual Global Automotive Executive Survey and leading research on emerging issues that impact the automotive and manufacturing industry. South Africa's OEMs will also be well represented in the line-up of speakers, who will address industry in eleven sessions over two days. Speakers confirmed are Volkswagen SA CEO Thomas Schaefer, Nissan SA CEO Mike Whitfield, Gladstone Mtyoko Divisional Manager at Mercedes Benz, Toyota CEO Andrew Kirby and Senior Vice President for Manufacturing Nigel Ward, Ford CEO Jeff Nemeth and the South African OEM Purchasing Council Chairman John Astbury. SA based OEMs will be amongst the exhibitors, in some cases highlighting localisation

success stories or opportunities, whilst also being part of a dedicated black supplier profiling process. Topics at the conference include South Africa's Automotive Vision and Masterplan, The Future of the Automobile, Manufacturing Best Practice, Transformation, Leadership, and Logistics and Supply Chain Management. National Association of Automobile Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) President Dave Coffey said the conference, featuring presentations, case studies and panel discussions on April 5 and 6 at the ICC in Durban, was scheduled to have keynote addresses from South Africa's Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies as well as Minister of Economic Development, Mr Ebrahim Patel. "The Conference is an essential part of the

industry's ability to engage with current happenings informing the trajectory of the automotive sector and the exhibition will be a unified expression of the South African value chain's manufacturing capability,'' Coffey said. Other participants include: Ethekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede; SP Metal Forgings MD Ken Manners; Sumitomo Rubber CEO Riaz Haffajee; National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) Secretary General Irvin Jim; Schaefler MD Marshal Myburgh; Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) CEO Dr David Masondo; Automotive Masterplan Lead Dr Justin Barnes; Automotive Supply Chain Competitiveness Initiative (ASCCI) Chair Alex Holmes; Metair CEO Theo Loock; Transnet Chief Customer Officer Mike Fanucchi and Prof. Anthony Black of University Enquiry no: 3 of Cape Town.

Truck giant's local expansion Bus South Africa increased its market share on rear engine buses to 27% and is forecasting a total market share of between 8% and 10%. The company continued its commitment to the development of its staff and dealer employees, investing R25 million during 2016 in its Diesel Technician Apprenticeship Programme, several learnerships and bursaries – a total of 2 308 people in total. Volvo has also renewed its commitment to Star for Life, a non-profit organisation that aims to provide young people in southern Africa with essential life skills, sport training and health education. Over the next three years, Volvo continued from page one

will invest R8.1 million into the lives of learners at 17 schools in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal to provide crucial life skills support.

Enquiry no: 4

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Unlocking long-term socio-economic benefits through infrastructure development

HE Richards Bay IDZ is steaming ahead with the rollout of infrastructure development projects. This is a clear indication of the beginning of a new era characterized by sustained foreign direct investment. Critically, we are taking advantage of being located close to Africa’s deep-water port by unlocking the province’s potential in the ocean economy. There has been a groundswell of optimism since the launch of a Techno-park in July 2016. Undoubtedly, this multimillion-rand ICT infrastructure will help bridge a digital divide and in the process

create knowledge-based society located in both urban and rural areas. This techno-park will not only fast-track our entry into the global community but will enable our citizens to become full participants in programmes aimed at driving socio- economic development. Significantly, 30% progress has been made in the construction of the Technopark administration block with targeted construction completion being August 2017. As guided by the 50-year Master Plan, we are directing our energies towards the creation of infrastructure that will link RBIDZ with transport networks.

Global recognition for Durban recycling

We are celebrating a major milestone in the construction of Medway Road after reaching a 29% project progress. This road upgrade aims to improve and optimise access by doubling the lane capacity in a bidirectional mode from the IDZ linking it into the Port of Richards Bay and the adjoining arterials extending into the other national corridors. In addition, the site handover to the contractor was done in November 2016 for Alumina Allee Road construction upgrade, which aims at doubling the lane capacity for improved access in and out of RBIDZ. The engineering services have

urban’s recycling efforts have won international recognition at arguably the world’s most influential global platform, the recent World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. USE-IT, an NGO behind a number of innovative waste beneficiation projects including a pioneering brick-making initiative that incorporates building rubble into thermally-efficient and environmentally-friendly construction material, was short-listed for a prestigious accolade at the WEF. One of six award categories, collectively

fairly commenced on site and work in progress is already taking shape. The infrastructure development projects will unlock long-term socio-economic benefits by creating appealing platform for investors thereby enhancing investment opportunities that will lead to economic growth. With all these infrastructure developments, the RBIDZ is outwardly geared to expand and attract more investors in the Zone, transform the economic landscape and stay afloat on socio - economic development programmes.

known as The Circulars 2017, at the annual gathering of world leaders, the AB InBev Award for Circular Governments, Cities and Regions pays tribute to outstanding endeavours that promote sustainability through economically-sound and environmentally-friendly solutions. Although USE-IT did not win its category, founder and MD Chris Whyte is thrilled to have been selected as one of only two African finalists and the only South African finalist among the 36 contenders across all six award categories.

Pumi Motsoahae Chief Executive Officer Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone

“We’d obviously have loved to have been crowned the winner, but we’re extremely proud of our achievement as a humble Durban NGO that is punching well above its weight against some extremely well-resourced international organisations,” Whyte said. The NGO has made a substantial difference to Greater Durban’s waste reduction efforts, through the USE-IT eThekwini Waste Materials Recovery Industry Development Cluster. During the 2015/16 financial year, more than 11 000 tons of recyclable waste was diverted that saved almost 30 000 square metres of eThekwini Metro’s landfill space. “Put differently, for every Rand of funding secured, USE-IT saved R4.19 in landfill diversion, while we’ve created 2 419 jobs since inception in 2009,” he said. Whyte hopes the global recognition will build on USE-IT’s track record of growing, expanding and commercialising its innovations. “Our ground-breaking innovations and projects across all the different waste streams underlines our contribution to a sustainable future for all,” he said. Enquiry no: 5

New tile-cutting plant for carpet maker HE start of 2017 is already proving to be T a productive and positive one for South African manufacturer, Nouwens Carpets who

imported a new tile cutting plant – rated one of the top three worldwide – for its Harrismith manufacturing facility. The equipment was purchased from a prominent European manufacturer who supplies equipment to several of the leading brands in the carpet tile sector. The new equipment arrived in November and is now in full operation with results already evident with reduced waste, improved cutting capabilities and overall increased operational efficiency for the company. “Not only will we be enhancing the quality of our products and reducing waste, but the forward-thinking technology also helps us reduce our overheads so that we can continue to offer clients competitive prices while not sacrificing on the quality of our product,” said Factory Manager, Karl–Heinz Lutze. Company Chairman Oscar Grobler said, “Nouwens Carpets has built a solid reputation within the flooring industry and in order to remain world class we are continually exploring new options for innovative systems and Enquiry no: 6 machinery”.

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Managing truck drivers’ competency can strengthen the economy

HE City of Johannesburg recently announced the arrest of seven licensing department officials for illegally issuing drivers’ licenses, license discs and vehicle registrations. The misconduct is estimated to have cost the city R14.7 million and, according to Arnoux Mare, Managing Director of Innovation Staffing Solutions, it’s just the tip of the iceberg when in it comes to the damage inflicted on the economy by such practices.

“The municipality’s investigation further determined that the problem was not limited to Johannesburg. The report estimated that fraudulent transactions to the value of R155 million were made nationally between January 2008 and February 2016,” Mare said. Then there’s the human cost. “When unlicensed and untrained drivers take to the roads, they not only place their lives at risk but also the lives of all other road users,” Mare said. Equally alarming, Arrive Alive figures suggest that 27.5% of accidents on our roads are caused by trucks and light delivery vehicles. The most common factors contributing to road accidents included unroadworthy vehicles, bursting tyres, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and overtaking when it is unsafe to do so.

He said the direct cost to the economy was recently estimated at R306 billion, which includes clearing accident scenes, hospital care and police time. “There are also the indirect costs of work hours lost, delayed delivery and damaged cargos. This cost is materialising in higher vehicle insurance premiums charged by insurance companies.” While truck accidents accounted for just 4.8% of accidents, Mare believes it’s essential to reduce this figure substantially, due to the carnage caused when a large vehicle loses control. Under the holding umbrella of Innovative Solutions Group, Innovative Staffing Solutions provides a turnkey outsource solution for logistics firms, currently employing more than 5 500 full-time drivers. Mare shared some the measures the company takes to improve safety. “Each one of our drivers is subjected to a thorough background-check, their competency is evaluated and their weaknesses are addressed through training. Equally important, each driver is managed by their allocated site supervisor to address potential issues that may hamper performance, productivity and safety. “ He acknowledged that there was no single approach to ridding South Africa’s roads of incompetent or unlicensed drivers, and that a solution requires

Durban Exco green light for new revenue collection system

HE Executive Committee of T eThekwini Municipality has approved a revenue collection system of Ithala bank that will assist with what it says will be “radical economic transformation” and upliftment of SMMEs. The Ithala Development Finance Corporation Limited has developed an EBPP (Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment) Solution which is paperless and self- enhanced system at a cost of R8.8million. This system will run for the period of three years from the current financial year ending in 2019/20 period. Using the new programme, the municipality is expected to save about R135 million, which will be redirected to other social programmes and service delivery projects, the municipality said in a statement. Mayor Zandile Gumede said,

“Over the past years, Ithala has been at the forefront of the transformation of the provincial economy through wealth redistribution and creation of entrepreneurs at the bottom of the pyramid”. “This system will be able to create about 325 jobs for our youth and redistribute about R50 million to local businesses such as spaza shops and local supermarkets.” According to the municipality, the Ithala EBPP solution will assist in revitalizing township economy and give opportunities to small enterprises. “Youth will get job opportunities which will see them earning about R4400 per month through the new revenue streams.” Gumede said that residents would be able to pay their municipal bills at the local spaza shops and be able to purchase prepaid Enquiry no: 8 electricity.

a combination of regular driver evaluation and corrective training, fleet technology monitoring systems, and close management of driver schedules to prevent fatigue and negligence. “Our experience is that many logistics firms struggle to fill their quota of drivers, which often forces managers to demand longer working hours from drivers, resulting in fatigue. It

also means they cannot be taken off their shift for necessary refresher training. As staffing is our core business, we never compromise on any level of safety.” He referred to research that shows that drivers who have not slept for 17 hours are comparable to drivers with a 0.05 blood alcohol level. Someone who has not slept for 24 hours has the same driving impair-

ment as someone with 0.10 blood alcohol levels. “Less fatigue and fewer accidents mean less delays, increased productivity and an improved bottom line. This assists logistics companies to improve their operating costs and enhance their reputation among customers. It also leads to lower insurance premiums,” Mare said. Enquiry no: 7

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SA millennials buck gloomy global trend - survey A

turbulent 2016 - punctuated by terror attacks in Europe, Brexit, and a fractious US presidential election -appears to have rattled millennials’ confidence, according to Deloitte’s sixth annual Millennial Survey. Millennials indicate they’re less likely to leave the security of their jobs, more concerned about uncertainty arising from conflict, and not optimistic about the directions their countries are going. The findings were revealed through a survey of nearly 8 000 millennials from 30 countries. A more optimistic picture emerges from South Africa and other developing markets, where millennials generally expect to be both financially (71 percent) and emotionally (62 percent) better off than their parents. This is in stark contrast to mature markets, where only 36 percent of millennials predict they will be financially better off than their parents and 31 percent say they’ll be happier. “Looking at the global picture, this pessimism is a reflection of how millennials’ personal concerns have shifted,” explains Tumelo Seaketso, Talent Strategies leader in Deloitte SA’s Human Capital practice. “Four years ago, climate change and resource scarcity were among millennials’ top concerns. This year, crime, unemployment. corruption, war, and political tensions are weighing on the minds of young professionals, which impacts both their personal and professional outlooks.” Crime is a major worry for millennials in South Africa, with 46 percent of those surveyed listing it as their greatest issue of concern, followed by unemployment (45 percent), corruption (30 percent), education and training (26 percent) and healthcare (22 percent). But South African millennials are distinctly more upbeat about their prospects than many of their counterparts around the world. The study found that 41 percent of millennials here expect the overall social/political situation to improve over the next 12 months, significantly higher than the global average of 36 percent. “It’s an encouraging sign and it indicates that South African millennials feel more hopeful

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and confident in their ability to affect change, both in their professional lives and in wider society,” says Seaketso.

The ripple effect of giving back South African millennials are also more bullish about their ability to give back to society. Globally, 54 percent said they felt empowered to contribute to charities and good causes through workplace-backed initiatives. Among South African millennials this was 64 percent. This local, small-scale change has a ripple effect that cascades from the individual to the broader workplace to society at large. “The survey’s findings suggest those given such opportunities show a greater level of loyalty to their employers. But, we are also seeing that purpose has benefits beyond retention. Those who have a chance to contribute are less pessimistic about their countries’ general social/political situations, and have a more positive opinion of business behaviour,” says Seaketso. In general, millennials say they intend to stay longer with employers that engage with social issues, such as education, unemployment, and health care, and those most optimistic about their countries’ progress are more likely to report their employers getting involved with wider social and economic issues.

Millennials’ anxiety may be partially responsible for more young professionals wanting to remain in their jobs. Last year, the global “loyalty gap” between those who saw themselves leaving their companies within two years and those who anticipated staying beyond five years was 17 percentage points. This year, the balance of millennials looking to “leave soon” is only seven points. South African millennials, however, are more open to changing jobs. While 65 percent globally said that they would prefer permanent employment, just 56 percent of South African millennials expressed such a preference. South African millennials are also considerably more open to taking on freelance or consulting work with 43 percent of them expressing such a preference over 31 percent globally.

Flexibility improves performance, retention Overall, 84 percent of millennials report some degree of flexible working in their organizations, and 39 percent say their organizations offer highly flexible working environments. They believe flexible working arrangements support greater productivity and employee engagement while enhancing their personal well-being, health, and happiness. Those in highly flexible organizations appear to be much more loyal to their employers and are two-and-a-half times more likely to believe that flexible working practices have a positive impact on financial performance than those in more restrictive organizations. Three-quarters of those offered flexible working opportunities say they trust colleagues to respect it, and 78 percent feel trusted by their line managers. “Flexibility is clearly a key contributor to retention,” says Seaketso. Enquiry no: 9

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activity imperative for both Africa and China

Karl Götte

HINA is currently going through a tough phase in its development, but it is applying some clever tactics that should fire up its economic engine once again. As a critical trading partner, Africa should take heed of these changes, but also be aware of how it needs to adapt to succeed in the future too. In China, productivity gains are becoming the main engine of improvements in living standards as capital-deepening-led growth begins to wane. This has called for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship – which are also the two crucial ingredients needed in Africa today to grow its commercial and productive sectors. Creating a multiplier effect that begins with education and flows through targeted policies aimed at industrial and business sectors most in need of advancement is, furthermore, a model of success that could be replicated well in Africa. Lower barriers to entry have spurred entre-

preneurial activity and policy emphasis is shifting towards supply-side reforms that seek to ensure sustainable development. Reallocation of labour from agriculture to industry and services is seen as a major driver of inclusive productivity growth and is likely to continue in the future. It is important to place these developments in context as China initiated market reforms as far back as 1978 and has shifted from a centrally-planned to a market-based economy and experienced rapid economic and social development as a result. According to the World Bank, GDP growth has averaged nearly 10 percent a year—the fastest sustained expansion by a major economy in history—and has lifted more than 800 million people out of poverty. However, China remains a developing country (its per capita income is still a fraction of that in advanced countries) and its market reforms are incomplete. According to China’s current poverty standard (per capita rural net income of RMB 2,300 per year in 2010 con-

stant prices), there were 70.17 million poor people in rural areas in 2014. The World Bank rightly points out that rapid economic ascendance has brought on many challenges as well, including high inequality; rapid urbanization; challenges to environmental sustainability; and external imbalances. China also faces demographic pressures related to an aging population and the internal migration of labour. What it means is that significant policy adjustments are still required in order for China’s growth to be sustainable, with experience showing that transitioning from middleincome to high-income status can be more difficult than moving up from low to middle income. So while China is a good example of how investment can be driven into the right areas, it is also a reflection of why flexibility, collaboration and innovation are so crucial to true advancement. Götte is Head of Standard Bank Commercial Banking Enquiry no: 10

February / March 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

PUMPS, VALVES, PIPES & FITTINGS

Jobs saved as electric motors repairer makes successful turn-around I T’S not every day that a company faces liquidation and the prospect of devastating job losses, but survives to tell the tale. Unidrive Electric Motors Company is receiving a second lease on life, under a new majority black women ownership and youth management, following the acquisition of the majority stake in the business by Ayanda at Work Pty Ltd. Between 2012 and 2013, Unidrive experienced cash flow challenges which pushed the business into a precarious financial position with the possibility of closure. This also led the company to cede its market position in the local armature winding space and gave up business opportunities as clients lost confidence. Unidrive Managing Director, Theo Mashego, said, “Unidrive is one of the most recognised players in the refurbishment and supply of electric motors and its demise would have been very sad. Also, the jobs that were at stake with its possible closure, and the experience lost, it would have been unimaginable”. “We entered into discussion to acquire the majority stake in this business just at the right time, before a decision was taken to pull the

plug. Starting a business such as Unidrive afresh… can take you between five and 10 years. The experience of the workforce will take you forever to build again,” he said. Unidrive was established in 1984 by the Bibbey Family as a company that would specialise in the repair of electric motors, steel frame special motors, drives, gearboxes and submersible pumps. In 2013, the family sold 90% of the business to Ayanda at Work lead by Mashego and with the majority of funding coming from a consortium of black women. The two companies merged and continue to trade under the ban-

New official distributor for valves brand

FRIVALVE, part of the eDART Group of Companies, have further expanded their range to offer the Gemü Valve and Control Systems range in the mining and metal refining sector in Africa. This further compliments the eDART Slurry Control Valves, C-Tech knife gate valves, Red Roc Pinch valves and AVI range of industrial valves. “Gregor Hopton (pictured) of Afrivalve has

over 20 years of experience selling the Gemü range in South Africa and knows the quality and reliability that the brand offers,” a statement from the company said. “This gives Afrivalve the ability to offer a complete valve solution typically from mill discharge all the way through the process to the final refined metal. This was a necessary addition due to Afrivalve’s success with larger pro-

Connecting the

hydraulic

industry

HAW, a leader in the local fluid power industry for over 10 years, offers a comprehensive range of hydraulic components, accessories and tie-rod cylinders. Johannesburg: 28 Spartan Road, Kempton Park, 1620 Tel: +27 (0) 11 281 3800 Fax: +27 (0) 11 281 3812 Cape Town: 49 Auckland Street, Paarden Eiland, 7405 Tel: +27 (0) 21 511 8004 Fax: +27 (0) 21 511 8035 Durban: 37 Goodwood Road, Pinetown, 3608 Tel: +27 (0) 31 780 2100 Fax: +27 (0) 31 700 5209 E-mail: info@haw.co.za Website: www.hytecgroup.co.za

A Member of the Hytec Group of Companies

ner of Unidrive Electric Motors. The structure means the business is now 70% black women owned, 20% black youth owned whilst 10% still remains with the old shareholders. The business prides itself in being a truly black women and black youthowned and controlled business that delivers quality work in a very competitive industry. Mashego has spent the last two years refocusing Unidrive’s business model and rebuilding business confidence. The company also had to relook at its product and service offering to aligned them with the markets being serviced. Key among the initial steps to rebuilding the business, the company focused on improving quality of workmanship and securing all necessary standards required to be competitive in the industry. Unidrive is SANS 1561-1:2006 listed and also complies with SABS 0242. The company is also ISO 9001 Certified by SABS. “We are very competitive in the market for the repair of up to 450kw, up to 1000v motors, and we also comply with SANS 60079-0 and 60079-1 for repairs of Flameproof motors. We also comply with SANS 60079-0/15/19 for

jects in the mining sector and the customer’s preference for a single source solution.” The Gemü range includes metal body valves, metal body lined in thermoplastic (or Fluoropolymer lined) and full thermoplastic valves. Full bore and Weir Type Diaphragm, Butterfly, Angle Seat, Globe and Solenoid valves are commonly used in the mining sector. Both abrasive and corrosive applications are catered

spark proof motors. It is very important that we achieve these standards as they give confidence to our clients that their products are in good hands,” he said. The company is slowly regaining its glory days with a number of key clients starting to send new orders following the installation of the new management and workmanship. The company has also seen its turnover growing in double digits between 2015 and 2016, with more upside expected in 2017 with the recovering economy. “There are lots of positives in this rejuvenated business to give us indications of a positive future”, said Mashego. Unidrive’s key markets are the broad manufacturing, mining, agriculture and general industrial. Unidrive repairs and supply AC & DC motors, submersible pumps, industrial gear boxes and vibrator motors. “We have repositioned ourselves very well with some of key South African brands in major manufacturing sectors. I think word of mouth is fast spreading about our efficiency and quality workmanship as we are receiving more enquiries from some of our current client’s peers," Enquiry no: 11 said Mashego. for in the wide range of materials of construction. Control solutions including position indicators, positioners and Variable Area Flowmeters. In-house expertise within the eDART Group includes mechanical, instrumentation, process and design engineers. Control valve sizing and specialised valve training courses are also offered within the group and more information is available on request. Gemü valves are stocked locally.

Enquiry no: 12

February / March 2017

PUMPS, VALVES, PIPES & FITTINGS

KZN Industrial & Business News

PVC touted as material of choice for stormwater drains, large sewers T

HE recent introduction of 560mm and 630mm polyvinylchloride (PVC) sewer pipe is challenging the dominance of concrete as the material of choice in this market segment, according to DPI Plastics Technical and Product Manager Renier Snyman (pictured). While PVC constitutes 95% of the total sewer-pipe market in the US, it is only predominant in small to medium pipe sizes in South Africa. However, Snyman believes the myriad advantages of PVC wmb-719 SA bredel duo_Layout 1 16/06/2014 12:30 Page 1

Reduce maintenance and operating costs • Qdos metering pumps slash chemical costs with accurate and linear flow, even when process conditions vary • ReNu pumphead fully sealed for life, one minute maintenance • Peristaltic design means no costly valves, seals or liners to gas lock or maintain

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wmpg.com info@wmbpumps.co.za

• Dry running, self-priming Bredel hose pumps for flows to 100 m3/h and up to 16 bar • Ideal for abrasive products, high viscosity and shear sensitive fluids

over traditional materials such as concrete means it is ideal for stormwater drains and large sewers. Like most thermoplastics, PVC has a smooth surface, which translates into low friction or resistance. “This presents quite an advantage for pressure pipes and gravity sewers,” Snyman said. PVC is also classed as a semi-flexible material, meaning it has good resistance to ground movement. Traditional materials such as clay and concrete, on the other hand, have high stiffness and are hard. “The moment there is a little bit of movement, they can crack and spring a leak. This poses a major health risk with sewer-pipe systems in particular,” Snyman said. Another benefit is that PVC can be painted easily with either an exterior acrylic or alkyd enamel paint. “In South Africa, it is quite popular to paint soil and vent pipes, as we tend to plumb on the outside of a wall, and these external areas are highly visible as a result.” In addition, PVC has a high resistance to damage and

scratches, which means that sewer lines made from this material can be rodded or cleaned by means of water-jetting. The smooth internal bore is not only non-corrosive, but also resists algae and scale build-up. This may not seem to be an issue affecting plastic pipes, but Snyman explained that a biofilm does form inevitably, which affects the flow and volume. However, this is negligible compared to other materials such as concrete. “The end result is a pipe that still performs reasonably well, compared to a new pipe. That is quite important, especially as any pipeline is a longterm investment, with an average lifespan of 50 to 100 years.” PVC also has double the tensile strength of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), meaning a thinner wall thickness. This not only reduces costs, but means that PVC has a lower carbon footprint as it uses less raw materials. “A major advantage of PVC for sewer pipes is it has a high modulus of stiffness. A sewer pipe is empty

for most of its lifespan, with only the ground pressure bearing down upon it. Trenching plays a role here, but the pipe has to have a certain stiffness in order to maintain its round shape. “If a sewer pipe deforms excessively or collapses, it can result in blockages in the line. Hence it is important that the pipe retains its circular shape, and here PVC plays a critical role,” Snyman said. Extra benefits include the fact that PVC is formulated specifically to be highly UV-resistant, as well as having excellent fire properties. The high Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) means it is difficult to ignite. In addition to normal rubber ring joints, solvent welding can be used to join PVC pipes, which is easy-to-use and cost-effective. The normal temperature range of a sewer and drainage system fluctuates from zero to 60°C. “PVC performs well within that range,” Snyman said. It also has a low co-efficient of linear expansion, about half that of polyolefins. Enquiry no: 13

Effective groundwater control

nless there is effective groundwater control, even the best run sites can become bogged down in expensive, challenging problems. This will not only cause programme delays but could also have an adverse effect on health and safety. That’s according to Lee Vine, managing director of Integrated Pump Rental, who cautions the market that dealing with dewatering activities is as not as simple as merely purchasing or renting a pump. “It is essential that contractors deal with a supplier that understands dewatering applications and is able to provide the correct level of technical assistance as this will ensure that the most efficient method of dewatering is selected for a specific site,” Vine said. Integrated Pump Rental is responsible for marketing the Sykes range of dewatering pumps in southern Africa. Vine said these pumps have an established reputation for the fast and effective control and removal of sub-surface water. The most typical application of Sykes dewatering pump technology

The Sykes Contractor Pump is a true self–priming pump, and does not require manual priming of a suction line or filling of a priming tank in order to begin its normal operation. is on building and construction sites, civil engineering projects, local municipality works, flood disaster recovery, load-out stabilisation, slurry transfer, ash handling, water boosting and pipeline filling and testing as well as general dewatering activities to lower the water table. Sykes pumps are designed to offer

robust and reliable performance and can handle high volumes of water. The Sykes Primax Contractors Range of diesel driven pumps offers the market reliable dewatering coupled with cost efficiency. These are fully automatic priming pumps and can run dry for extended periods due to the oil bath mechanical seal assembly. This allows priming with long suction hoses and suction lifts of up to nine metres. Vine explained that as suction levels fluctuate, the pump will “snore” until the liquid is available for the pump to fully reprime itself automatically. The pumps are fitted with a 316 SS impeller and wear plates as standard and are capable of handling solids up to 90 mm. Vine says that Integrated Pump Rental is achieving successes across Africa with the Sykes brand and he attributes this to his team’s understanding of pumping application requirements and the Sykes pumps’ ability to meet the harsh operating conditions on the continent. Enquiry no: 14

SA and China plastic pipe conferences announced he Plastic Pipes Conference Association T (PPCA) has announced dates and venue for its two spin-off conferences and exhibi-

MADE IN REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

PNEUMATIC ACTUATORS Designed to operate part-turn valves such as butterfly valves, ball valves, plug valves and dampers in either DA or SR version. A unique ‘Cam’ designs generates a high break-away torque, ideal for unseating stuck valves. Other design features include: - Switch box and Solenoid mounting acc. to NAMUR VDI/VDE 3845 - Valve mounting acc. to ISO 5211 - Stainless steel female double square output drive - Stainless steel drive shaft, cam and fasteners as standard - Aluminium body, end caps and pistons, anodised for corrosion resistance - Permaglide bearings on top and bottom of drive shaft - 7 sizes with torques from 24Nm - 7700Nm

Tel: 031 700 6954 Fax: 031 700 6295 Email: info@aumanat.co.za Web: www.aumanat.co.za

tions in South Africa and China for this year. The first event in South Africa will be held on 4-5 September at the Emperors Palace in Johannesburg. The second will be hosted in Hangzhou, China on 26-27 October. The PPCA is organizing these events in close collaboration with the respective plastic pipe associations, namely the Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA) and the China Plastics Piping Association (CPPA). In South Africa, the conference will be held in conjunction with PIPES XI, the annual plastic pipes event organized by SAPPMA. At least ten papers will be included from the international Plastic Pipes Conference held in Berlin during 2016. For this reason, the duration of PIPES XI has been extended to two days. The spokesman for the events, Zoran Davidovski, forecasts large attendances. “Our industry is in a constant process of innovative change as it finds new solutions for replacing aging steel and concrete pipe systems. In the midst of these improvements, industry and government are faced with the need for new technical standards,” he said. “Our conferences will showcase new developments and enable stakeholders to consider the international work that has been carried out in the field of standards, sustainability and experience. This will be particularly interesting for the South Africa and China markets.”

Enquiry no: 15

February / March 2017

PUMPS, VALVES, PIPES & FITTINGS

KZN Industrial & Business News

Better flow with new displacement pump technology

iking Pump, a global maker of displacement pumps since 1911, has introduced its new Motor Speed which it provide up to 104 m³/hr when the pump is directly coupled to 1450 and 970rpm motors. According to the company, advantages of the new range include: • Heavy duty antifriction bearing shaft support for higher pressure and extended pump life. • Motor speed operation eliminates speed reduction equipment on thinner liquids. • Pressure lubrication system automatically lubricates the idler bushing, increasing pump life. • Space-saving mounting configurations available to better match your installation needs: • Foot Mount • Motor Mount (Close-Coupled

NEMA and IEC) • Or even Vertical Inline Mount Technological advances in the science of flow include new techniques of feeding the rotor and idler. Idler and rotor root feed grooves promote axial feeding; the liquid directing step reduces turbulence; a modified crescent boosts radial feeding, and the casing inlet port geometry has been optimized. Benefits include maximum flow of 132 m³ /hr, which provides greater flow than similar sized pumps and reduced footprint for space constrained applications. In addition, motor speed operation to 04 m³ /hr provides higher value per m³ /hr and the ability to operate 50 or 60 Hz synchronous motor speeds eliminates the need for gear reducers or gear motors and therefore reduces the overall cost and complexity. “Viking has the industry and application experts with application experience spanning more than 100 years,” a statement from the company said. “Viking invented the internal gear pump. So with this new Motor Speed range Viking can offer reliability, quality, performance as well as global service and support.” Enquiry no: 16

New progressive cavity pumps for SA

apflo recently launched a comprehensive range of progressive cavity pumps in South Africa “Our pumps are distributed throughout South Africa and are applied in different sectors, from waste water treatment plants both civil and industrial, to oenological and the food sector. They satisfy the most varied demands and application needs,” a statement from the company said. “Moreover, we can produce pumps with ATEX proof which is

required for applications in explosion areas.” The wide choice of models in the new range covers a field of capacity up to 420m³/h and pressures up to 48 bar in order to satisfy different market needs. "The constant development of new models together with the customization and innovation created, testifies to the continuous attention given to customers,” the company said. Enquiry no: 17

New pump promises safe, intuitive operation

ATSON-Marlow Fluid Technology Group, a world leader in peristaltic pumps and associated fluid path technologies, has introduced its new 530 peristaltic cased pump for metering and transfer applications such as surface coating, printing and lime addition. The cost-effective pump offers easier operation and greater versatility coupled with high levels of accuracy, the company said. “The new 530 models meet the demands of rugged and often remote environments and are built to operate 24/7 without interruption. Furthermore, it is possible to quickly check control parameters and avoid expensive errors with visual status through a bright colour display, while an intuitive menu structure makes for confident and easy operator interaction,” a statement from the company said, Users will also benefit from the 530 models’ integrated PROFIBUS networking capabilities. With two-way, real-time communications, the 530 range offers increased diagnostic capability and faster response. This helps to optimise process control and minimise plant downtime. The range offers four drive options and nine pumphead

variants. This enables users to choose from manual operation to fully automated control, including the ability to link up to 16 pumps and provide real-time communication. The pumps deliver flow rates from 0.1 ml/min to 3.5 litre/min. It is the pumphead which determines both the flow rate and the pressure that can be achieved to match the needs of the specific process. 530 pumps can be fitted with either continuous tubing pumpheads, or with LoadSure tube element pumpheads for pressures up to 7 bar. Meeting the demands of rugged and often remote environments, the new 530 pumps deliver maximum process uptime and are built to operate 24/7 without interruption. In addition, the 530 pumps have no expensive seals, valves or diaphragms, and do not suffer gas locking, corrosion or clogging.

Enquiry no: 18

NERGAS Technologies, leading supplier of high-end and specialised equipment to the oil and gas industries in Southern Africa since 2001, has completed a commission by VGI Consulting Africa, on behalf of Sasol Group Technology, to design and supply a mobile heater skid to a $210-million pipeline expansion project. The additional 127 km 26” pipeline sees an increase in transport capacity of a high pressure natural gas line between Mozambique and South Africa. The existing 865 km-long Mozambique Secunda Pipeline (MSP) natural gas pipeline from Mozambique is currently the only sustainable source of natural gas supply to South Africa, and, in order to meet the demand for natural gas in South Africa, the transport capacity of this line was significantly increased. A combination of compressors and parallel lines – at approximately 128 km per section – had to be built. Republic of Mozambique Pipeline Investment Company (ROMPCO),

Mobile heater skid for 127km natural gas pipeline owner of the existing pipeline, represents a joint initiative between Sasol, Companhia Mocambiçana de Gasoduto and South African Gas Development Company (iGas), and has played a pivotal role in commercialising Mozambique’s natural gas supply. With the backing of a successful first project, Loop Line 1, Sasol Group Technology, who were spearheading this project at ROMPCO’s behest, appointed VGI Consulting Africa as the EPCM contractor for Loop Line 2’s (LL2) undertaking. For the commissioning of LL2, the new line was filled and pressurised from atmospheric pressure to a line pack pressure of 116 Bar. The filling gas had to be preheated to ensure the temperature did not drop below the pipeline minimum design metal temperature of zero due to the Joule Thompson cooling effect while the flow rate was controlled and monitored. A flow totaliser added the benefit of measuring the normalised volume of gas consumed to achieve the required line pack.

The project specification called for the design, manufacturing and supply of a transportable skid-mounted electrical gas heater with flow control in accordance with ASME 31.8, ASME VIII and SANS 10108. Design, fabrication, complete assembly and testing of the heater skid were done in South Africa before delivery to site in Mozambique. Laetitia Botha, Energas Technologies Product Engineer said, “Energas specialises in the design, manufacturing and supply of skid-mounted pressure reduction and metering stations to the natural gas industry. Most of these skids are for sites in remote areas and being able to complete the fabrication and assembly in South Africa reduces schedule risk, site establishment and workforce logistics significantly”. Botha said another benefit of the mobile heater skid was that it could be relocated and used at different site points or locations as the new pipeline sections were being constructed. Enquiry no: 19

February / March 2017

PUMPS, VALVES, PIPES & FITTINGS

KZN Industrial & Business News

Tackling the scourge of acid mine drainage A

CID mine drainage (AMD) poses a major environmental threat on the Witwatersrand. The depletion of gold reserves in the area has meant a cessation of mining activities and related dewatering operations, which has resulted in the flooding of mining voids. AMD is generated when ore and other sulphide-containing mining waste is exposed to oxygen and water. The water in the mining voids thus becomes acidic and contaminated with heavy metals. Aecom recently received a ‘Highly Commended’ citation at Construction World’s Best Projects Awards 2016 for its work on the Eastern Basin AMD treatment plant for main client the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA). This is one of the largest high-density sludge (HDS) plants in the world, with a maximum treatment capacity of 110 Ml/d. TCTA was mandated by the Department of Water Affairs to implement the necessary AMD water management and treatment infrastructure. The project encompassed treatment plants in the Randfontein Estates area (Western Basin), the ERPM South-West Vertical Shaft area (Central Basin) and the Grootvlei Mine Shaft No. 3 area in Springs (Eastern Basin). The Eastern Basin plant designed by Aecom

CASE STUDY

in association with Golder Associates followed typical industry practice for water/wastewater treatment works, said Claire Hurrell, Senior Civil Engineer, Africa for Aecom. “Some aspects of the detailed design were verified and optimised using state-of-the-art techniques, which not only added value to the engineering, but also ensured cost-savings for the client.” Hurrell explained that, due to the size of the project, Aecom decided to standardise on tried-and-tested technology, as this has been proven to work best globally. “However, we were able to improve on the standard abstraction method.” The three 20-metre-long by 1-metre-diameter super duplex stainless steel deep-level abstraction pumps selected were installed from ground level down into the 370-metredeep shaft, allowing for the abstraction of the AMD without having to re-establish underground workings. Construction began in June 2014, and was completed in August 2016. The total construction cost was just under R1 billion. The main contractor was the CMC/PG Mavundla Eastern Basin Joint Venture, with Andritz supplying the deep-level abstraction pumps. Prior to construction, an underwater camera was lowered into the flooded mine shaft at

Pump station optimisation saves energy the Eastern Basin to check for any blockages or significant damage to the shaft. A modified underwater sonar system was also deployed to provide a wider field of view to reduce the potential risk of damage to the abstraction pumps. Such preliminary investigation was essential as the mine shaft had been in disuse for several years, and had seen a lack of maintenance, as well as vandalism by illegal miners. Properly equipped and experienced professional mining rescue teams removed debris and cleared any obstacles from the mine shaft. Additional constraints were posed by a railway on one side and a wetland on the other. The plant design allowed for the deep excavations for the thickener recycle pump station to be moved as far as possible out of the wetland Enquiry no: 20 area for ease of construction.

Pump maker gains traction

Instrupump – a division of Air & Vacuum Technologies (Pty) Ltd are proud suppliers of one of the world’s largest producers of high quality Air Operated Double Diaphragm (AODD) liquid pumps.

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0861 VACTEC (822 832)

www.vactech.co.za

ERDER South Africa is gaining traction in the food and beverage industry with the successful introduction of its new Packo range of food-grade pumps. The Dutch-based Verder Group acquired the UK-based Fullwood Packo Group in 2015, with Verder South Africa embarking on an extensive marketing campaign for the food & beverage industry in August this year. Kobus Fourie, Packo pump specialist at Verder South Africa, said the range had application in 11 niche sectors: Dairy, meat and fish, textiles, wastewater and potable water, breweries and distilleries, food and beverage, washing and disinfection, surface treatment, vegetables, animal feeds and biogas, hot frying oil, petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. “At the moment our campaign is focused on breweries and beverages, and we will target additional sectors next year,” Fourie said. Verder Packo pumps are available in capacities of up to 40 m3/hour, with the latest addition to the range capable of 1 200 m3/hour. This particular pump weighs an astonishing 1.6 t, with a 250 kW motor. In existence for 230 years, Packo was the first company ever to design a food-grade

pump. Its extensive experience has allowed it to eliminate typical problems and issues that smaller companies are only beginning to grapple with now. Some of the innovations introduced by Packo include an electro-polishing process for all internal components. This results in a mirror-like finish that helps to combat bacteria build-up. Another feature is optional heating jackets for materials such as chocolate, creams and fats, which all need to remain liquid, even if the production process is interrupted. Packo pumps also boast a monobloc design for ease of maintenance and durability. This also removes the need for a fixed baseplate, which in turn limits the vibration produced. “The affordability of these products, in addition to the quality of the range, is making a major impression on the local food & beverage sector at present,” Fourie said. Enquiry no: 24

APE pumps - Pumps at the heart of Africa Mining

Waste Water processing

Manufacturers of: Vertical industrial turbine pumps Multi-stage high pressure pumps Split casing pumps End suction pumps

Power Generation

Petrochemicals

Vertical sump pumps API 610 pumps

N upgrade of the water treatment and water supply system in Samara, Russia, has seen the implementation of innovative software-driven process optimisation built on Mitsubishi Electric MAPS SCADA. The optimisation and control solution implemented across 37 boosting pumping stations has improved operational efficiencies, reduced leaks and reduced total cost of ownership. Samara is the sixth largest city in Russia. Water treatment and supply services, as well as wastewater treatment services fall under the provenance of Samara Municipal Systems. In 2015 the company began a huge refurbishment programme with 37 boosting pump stations. While replacing obsolete or worn-out control equipment with modern, energy-efficient products was an important aspect of the upgrade, the primary focus was on true optimisation of the water supply system. The goal of this optimisation was to highlight hidden operational inefficiencies, and enable excessive water pressure at the consumer side to be eliminated - while ensuring maximum efficiency of pump operation and enabling optimal pump selection. To achieve this, Samara Municipal Services implemented Aquatoria, a software solution developed especially for the water industry and built on Mitsubishi Electric’s MAPS (Mitsubishi Adroit Process Software) SCADA package. Having refurbished the 37 pumping stations to put the various pumps under the control of Mitsubishi Electric variable speed drives, implementation of the Aquatoria solution was carried out to optimise the processes.

Water loss A particular problem that had been highlighted was excessive water pressure at the consumer side. This impacted on energy consumption, but the high water pressure also meant the supply system was prone to considerable water loss and leakage. Eliminating the need for individual pressure meters all over the city to measure consumer side water pressure and ensure that it does not exceed upper limits, Aquatoria provides virtual pressure meter software algorithms to optimise pressure. With the variable speed drives in the pumping station cabinets enabling effective pressure adjustment, Aquatoria made further pressure decrease possible. This helped to reduce the likelihood of leaks, unsustainable water usage and energy consumption, while maintaining even flow and pressure during times of high demand. Addressing the shortcomings of traditional PLC-SCADA integration tools, MAPS has been designed to offer value throughout the design, engineering and operational phases of a project. Importantly for Samara Municipal Systems had been that the solution could be easily integrated and adapted by local systems integrators. This offers assurance of simple operations and maintenance through the life-cycle of the plant, with significantly reduced reliance on outside engineering support. With the upgrade complete, the performance and energy consumption of the 37 pumping stations were monitored closely over the first four months of 2016 to see the effectiveness of the variable speed drive installation in combination with the implementation of the adaptive control algorithm. Total power consumption was reduced by 631,660KW in 2016, a decrease of over 51%. Also notable was the fact that reducing the outlet pressure led to an 8% fall in emergency call-outs while improving overall operational effectiveness.

Enquiry no: 25

26 Nagington Road, Wadeville Germiston 1400, South Africa Tel +27 11 824 4810 | Fax +27 11 824 2770 PO Box 14733, Wadeville 1422, South Africa Email: apepumps@mweb.co.za Website: www.apepumps.co.za

APE A5 ad.indd 1

2016/09/02 12:43 PM

February / March 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

PUMPS, VALVES, PIPES & FITTINGS

Locally made pneumatic and pumping solutions

more than 160 BMG branches and a wide distribution network in South Africa and across borders into Swaziland, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Tanzania. “The Pumprite portfolio - which includes a wide range of pneumatic and manual pumping

and transfer solutions for grease, oil, grout and abrasive fluids - is supported by a one year manufacturing warranty,” Kapp said. “BMG’s dependable technical support service ensures optimum safety, efficiency and extended service life of every system, even in corrosive environments. With broad technical capabilities, the team is able to solve problems, in applications where conventional components have failed after short periods of service. BMG’s fluid technology services also cover project engineering and consulting, cylinder design and manufacture, training, repair and testing, as well as onsite container services.” Pumprite equipment – a key brand in BMG’s

Taking the effort out of greasing

he traditional method of using a grease gun to purge a bearing until the grease runs out of the seals is now a thing of the past thanks to a new automated grease pump from Hove of Denmark. A first for the South African market, the new technology is being distributed exclusively by wear-control specialist Filter Focus. The Hove automated grease pump has been designed specifically to place small or large quantities of grease in an application as accurately and as quickly as possible, without any contamination entry i n the process, said Filter Focus Chief Operating Officer Craig FitzGerald. Traditionally, most industrial customers have a large pail of grease that stands open. If you rub your fingers through this grease, a colour change will occur due to the commonly seen layer of dust contamination. Dirty hands are generally used to place contaminated grease into a dirty grease gun. In addition, the process of actually purging a bearing with grease using a grease gun is both physically arduous and time-consuming, wasteful and unnecessary. “Everyone involved in greasing operations in South African industry has been taught to purge grease until it comes off the seals. This is simply the way that things have been done until now, despite the fact it is wasteful and also detrimental to bearings,” FitzGerald said. “A bearing has fine tolerances. Fill it with contaminated grease, and bearing life will be severely shortened. This effectively leads to unnecessary wearing of the lubricated surfaces of the bearing and race, and condemns your equipment to a very short service life with regular unplanned stoppages. “People simply do not understand the implications of this. Further unknown are the safety risks as many modern synthetic greases can

be toxic, which means that skin contact must be avoided at all times.” FitzGerald paints a picture of a mine carrying out routine maintenance, which requires an entire plant shutdown, followed by workers carrying out greasing operations manually over a three-day period. With the new Hove automated grease pump, these three days can be reduced to a matter of hours. The secret to the automated pump is that it uses grease cartridges prefilled under highly hygienic factory conditions in Denmark. The cartridges are available in 1 500 ml, 3 000 ml and 5 000 ml sizes, and are very easy to replace and interchange. The entire pump unit weighs only 13 kg, has wheels for easy transportation, and can even be carried in a backpack for maximum flexibility on-site. Apart from contamination, the major disadvantage of the traditional greasegun method is that invariably far more grease is used than what is necessary. “There is significant wastage in industry,” FitzGerald said. The new Hove automated grease pump not only provides the exact amount of lubricant required, but also means bearings benefit with a much longer lifespan, with improved performance, reliability and availability – which all translates into reduced downtime, longer mean time between failures (MTBF) and improved efficiencies. “It is important to note that over-lubrication of bearings has many negatives. In general, only a third of a bearing should be filled with grease. Lubricant churning not only means that the bearing has to work harder, but temperature increases occur through friction. This can cause grease to melt, and run out of the bearing.” Purging a bearing with a grease gun until grease comes out of it also runs the risk of Enquiry no: 28 bearing failure.

portfolio – has been designed for use in diverse applications, including the transfer of product, lubrication of machinery, greasing, pack setting, rock grouting, washing, fixed systems, mobile systems and drag lines. Pumprite pneumatic and manual pumps handle a wide range of products that include grease, oil, chemicals, grout and cement, air, water, petroleum, antifreeze, hydraulic oils, diesel fuel and detergents. BMG’s Pumprite grease range encompasses pneumatic grease transfer pumps, heavy duty retractable hose reels, spring feed lubricators, foot operated grease pumps, bearing packers and hand lever grease guns. Enquiry no: 26

Motorised actuator for globe and diaphragm valves

EMÜ has designed a new user can also make adjustments to the inteactuator as a response to grated stroke limiter as well as the respective increasing requirements in end positions. The power supply is via a 24 V the area of motorized valves, DC connection. while recognising the current Depending on the size, the actuator has trend in the area of process auto- an actuating speed of between 2 mm/s and mation. Pneumatically operated 6 mm/s. A mechanical position indicator and valves are increasingly being replaced with an electrical status and position indicator are electrical versions. integrated as standard. The eSyDrive also Designed on the basis of the hollow shaft features a manual override as standard. A principle in conjunction with technology that suitable emergency power supply module is does not use brushes or sensors, Gemü optionally available. Customers who wish to claims its eSyDrive sets new standards in use the actuator as a control actuator can rely terms of compact design, reliability and accu- on a design with an integrated positioner or racy. process controller. The self-locking actuator also offers a high At launch, the actuator size 2 for diaphragm level of reproducibility for positioning and is valves with nominal sizes of between DN 40 therefore particularly suitable for use in pre- and DN 65 and for globe valves with nominal cise control applications. The Ethernet-based sizes of between DN 32 and DN 100 will be eSy-web interface, in conjunction with an inte- available. The new diaphragm valve will be grated web server, enables the exchange of available under the type Gemü 649. The globe parametrization and diagnostics data and the valve will be available under the type GEMÜ networking of several devices. 549. The product range will be developed sucAfter starting initialisation, the actuator auto- cessively to cover use in globe and diaphragm matically adjusts itself to the current process valves with a nominal size of between DN 6 valve, enabling the user to carry out commis- and DN 150. Enquiry no: 29 sioning quickly and easily. If necessary, - KZN.cdr the D:\!BMG\#Jobs\Adverts\2017\022017\BMG-PUM10022017 10 February 2017 02:03:50 PM Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen

PRODUCTIVITY UNDER PRESSURE

With the recent acquisition of local valve manufacturer, KLEP Valves, BMG is well positioned to offer a full range of valve solutions to industry backed by comprehensive service and technical support both on and off site. OUR RANGE OF PRODUCTS INCLUDE: • Speed Reducers & Drive Packages • Shaft Mounted Speed Reducers • SABS & Energy Efficient (IE2) Electric

• Planetary Gear Units • Frequency Converters • Custom Built Gear Units Motors

Contact the BMG Electromecanical Division on Tel: 011 620 1500 or contact your nearest BMG branch

BEARINGS • SEALS • POWER TRANSMISSION • DRIVES & MOTORS • MATERIALS HANDLING FASTENERS & TOOLS • HYDRAULICS • PNEUMATICS • FILTRATION • LUBRICATION • VALVES TECHNICAL RESOURCES • FIELD SERVICES

BMG-DRI07122016

MG’s Pumprite range, which forms part of the company’s fluid technology portfolio, encompasses lubrication, grease, oil and abrasive fluid handling equipment, designed and manufactured locally to cope efficiently in Africa’s arduous operating conditions. “BMG’s strategy to enhance its fluid technology services to meet growing market demand in diverse industries, incorporates the introduction of new products, with the latest developments in design technologies, materials and coatings,” said Weylin Kapp, national product manager, lubrication, BMG. “The company’s expansion programme in the fluid technology sector also involves increasing product stockholdings through

PUMPS, VALVES, PIPES & FITTINGS

New pump slashes power use by up to 50 percent

HE new MasoSine CertaTM pump from WatsonMarlow Fluid Technology Group has been designed to set a new benchmark in clean pumping for all food and beverage industry applications the company says. Certa TM is latest innovation from MasoSine, the creators of Sine pump “Its launch sets even higher pumping standards in food processing. Offering EHEDG (Type EL Class I) and 3A certification as standard, Certa is extremely easy to clean for minimal maintenance and downtime,” the company said in a statement. It added that the new pump not only delivers high suction capability to handle viscous products, it offers significant advantages over alternative technologies. “Unlike traditional pumps with

rotors that cut through the fluid, Certa’s sinusoidal rotor gently carries fluid through the pump to dramatically reduce shear while cutting power consumption by up to 50% with high viscosity fluids.” Engineers in food and beverage plants are frequently faced with pumping high viscosity products, ranging from frozen orange juice, deli salads and bakery produce, through to cheese curd and savoury pie fillings. “For many years, Sine pumps have played an important and highly successful part in conveying foods with viscosities of up to eight million cP. CertaTM now completes the existing product range by offering users a fully CIP capable pump at flow rates up to 99 000 l/hr. Users can be assured that media is pumped safely and without degradation.” Enquiry no: 30

February / March 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

Sweet coating solutions for the sugar industry S URFACE engineering and thermal spray coating technology specialist, Thermaspray, is offering a range of high-quality coating techniques that it says assist the sugar industry in reducing maintenance costs by protecting both new and worn equipment parts and components against abrasive, adhesive, erosive and corrosive degradation. Maintenance costs for the multiple-process sugar industry which includes the crushing, refining and packing of cane and beet sugar can make up as much as 10% of the value of goods produced. Equipment maintenance as a direct result of abrasion, adhesion, erosion and corrosion leading to rapid wear and corrosion and subsequently expensive downtime can account for up to one-third of plant maintenance costs, including replacement and/or repairs. Thermaspray Managing Director, Dr Jan Lourens, said the company was a DQS ISO 9001 Quality Management and Eskom level 1 certified company with close to 20 years’ experience in wear- and corrosion-resistant thermal spray coatings. “The excellent protection offered by our superior quality, highly dependable coating solutions against surface wear and corrosion delivers numerous cost saving benefits including

the enhancement of equipment lifespan, a reduction in downtime, replacement and maintenance costs, and improved equipment and plant uptime, productivity and production.” Thermaspray has undertaken a strategic partnership with Plasma

Coatings in the USA to offer the South African market a new range of surface technologies and coatings to tackle the sugar, food, printing and packaging, tyre and rubber, paper and pulp, fempro/diaper and many more industries. These coatings are designed to solve many of these industries’ problems resulting in reduced maintenance, higher outputs and an increase in cost savings. These coatings combine the advantages of thermal spray (metal base)

coatings with polymer top coatings to offer benefits of wear resistance, slip and traction. These coatings can be applied to aluminium, steel, stainless steel, tool steel, copper, ceramics as well as synthetic materials. Thermaspray is also the exclusive Southern African representative of Germany-based Diamant Metallplastic GmbH, which offers polymeric solutions to metalworking industry aimed at restoring functionality to castings, thereby significantly reduce scrap. These include products for impregnating and sealing leakages, repair of blow holes and surface treatments as well as wear protection and services. Typical applications in the sugar industry include knife and trash plate replacement components in sugar mill, shredder hammers, crushers rolls, scrapers, pump casings, conveyor screws, valves covers, flanges and bearings and bearing journals. Thermaspray, in a joint venture with Cape Town-based Surcotec, offers an extensive portfolio of engineering and thermal spray coating solutions that extend component life cycles to assist OEM and end-user clients across southern Africa in reducing costs and increasing production. Enquiry no: 31

Up the uptime with quality, locally made electrical products

omponent, equipment and system specialist Hudaco company, Powermite, is a supplier of locally manufactured electrical products for a wide range of mining, marine and industrial machinery including mobile generators, pumps, welding machines, continuous miners, shuttle cars, tunnel borers, and transformers. According to Marketing Director, Donovan Marks, quality

High Pressure Pumps Power: 0.9 - 39.5kW Volume: 4 - 120 L/min Pressure: 120 - 500 bar Options for direct drive to:   

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and reliability are prerequisite for extending the lifecycle of products operating in the notoriously stringent mining environment. Powermite’s ISO9 0 0 1 :2 0 0 8 compliant electrical products are manufactured locally by sister companies Proof Engineering a n d Ampco under one roof in a new

manufacturing facility on Johannesburg’s West Rand. Both companies carry SABS approval to IEC60079 Part 1 and 2, and SANS 1489 – 2005, and to 60309 Part 1 and 2 respectively. “Pooling the talents and resources across both businesses has created the largest plug and socket manufacturer under one roof in Africa. In addition to lowering our cost base, combining the strengths and synergies of the two companies has improved efficiencies across the board and has resulted in more streamlined processes and logistics,” Marks said. He added that local manufacture ensures rapid product and spares availability, another vital element to maximising production levels. Proof Engineering is a flame- and explosion-proof product specialist with over 45 years’ experience in the manufacture of world class components, equipment and systems for Southern African industry. The company produces PLM366 and PLM415/515 plugs and sockets as well as an 11KV 800A tunnel coupler and adaptor for open cast applications, 22kV 400A couplers for draglines and more recent additions include a new 35kV 400A coupler and adaptor for overhead line skids. An extensive series of plugs, sockets, couplers and adaptors, ranging from 120A 1.1kV to 400A 12kV, is also available from Proof for underground equipment. Its unique phase-to-phase segregation eliminates the risk of phase-to phase-faults which can cause costly downtime and lead to serious injury to personnel. Another innovation from Proof Engineering is the unique ProAlloy coupler. Manufactured from a non-theft zinc, copper and aluminium combination material, the coupler a remarkable 33% lighter than its brass counterpart and most importantly, holds no resale value. “The subsequent reduction in theft risk lowers the potential for unplanned downtime and subsequent production losses.” Available from the Ampco stable are plugs and sockets suitable for certain underground operations. The company also manufactures a range of products that focusses primarily on industrial applications and is ideally suited for mobile generators, pumps, welding machines, factory installations, etc. The Ampco range features a unique interlocking design which prevents the end user from removing the plug under load. Enquiry no: 32

February / March 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

forestry, pulp & paper

What was the first paper product you touched today?

Jane Molony

aper, in its countless forms, touches our lives every day and it’s a relationship that often goes unnoticed. Paper products are an enabler. Without them, many industries would not be able to convey their messages, ship their products and protect their goods. As the basis for tissue, paper is a bathroom essential and helps to improve lives through personal hygiene. As a medium through which learning is facilitated, paper educates and informs.

Quite simply, paper is part of every facet of our lives and has a good environmental and economic story to tell. Representing more than 90% of paper, packaging and tissue manufacturers in South Africa, the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) has been actively advancing the ‘story of paper’ since its foundation in 1992. Even though some of our industry members have global footprints, their origins are firmly rooted in this country, as forest and land owners and producers of renewable and recyclable products.

PAMSA, acknowledged as the ‘voice of the pulp and paper industry’, promotes the use of paper as a renewable and recyclable material for communication, packaging and a myriad of other applications. With our member companies continually striving to improve the way they do business, PAMSA supports their efforts by bringing them together on pre-competitive issues of mutual concern. These include education and training, energy production and use, water and waste, and research and development. As a platform for engagement on common views and industry chal-

lenges, PAMSA has the active member participation at an executive and operational level as well as on its education and environmental committees. Through the Process Research Unit (PRU), members invest in precompetitive research and innovation in partnership with a number of South African universities and tertiary institutions. Inextricably linked to PAMSA is the Paper Recycling Association of South Africa (PRASA) which has a member base of paper recyclers and processors. PRASA steers awareness, educa-

New minimum wages: Forestry SA reacts

he National Minimum Wage Agreement has now been signed. According to Forestry SA the most important points of the agreement are: • NMW set at R20.00 per hour to take effect from 1 May 2018. • All Sectoral Determinations, collective bargaining agreements and individual employment contracts to be aligned with NMW when implemented. • However, Agriculture and Forestry minimum wage at 1 May 2018 to be 90% of this amount (i.e. R18.00 per hour). • A code of good practice for collective bargaining, industrial action and picketing, as well as an accord on collective bargaining and industrial action will accompany the Agreement. • Employers can apply to DoL for an exemption. Such exemptions will only be granted if financial hardship can be substantiated and will only be granted for a maximum of 12 months. • A National Minimum Wage Commission (NMWC) will be established to review the minimum wage adjustment every year. Forestry SA points out that before the NMW Bill can become law, it will

have to follow due process, “which will undoubtedly take some considerable time”. This includes: • being drafted and Gazetted; • going through the Parliamentary approval process; • going through a public engagement process; and • being subjected to a SocioEconomic Impact Assessment. It also flags several issues “which we as an Industry would like clarity on”. These include: The minimum wage contained in the current Forestry Sectoral Determination is based on the Industry norm of a 45-hour working week, not a 40 hour working week as provided for in the NMW Agreement. • The new minimum wage for forestry workers in terms of the current Forestry Sectoral Determination will be increased by 8% to R3 001.13 per month or R15.39 per hour with effect from 1 March 2018. By 1 May 2018 this will increase to R18.00 per hour - an increase of R2.61 or 17.0%. • “However, if looked at from a monthly perspective, and based on a 45-hour week, the monthly wage could increase from R3 001.13 to R3 870.00 - an increase of R868.87 per month or 29.0%. How can this

substantial increase be ameliorated?” Forestry SA asks. • “Theoretically, in terms of the current Forestry Sectoral Determination, a new minimum wage, based on CPI +1% will become effective on 1 March 2018. However, it is envisaged that the NMW would become effective on 1 May 2018 - only two months later. What, therefore, would the minimum wage be for the two-month gap between 1 March and 1 May 2018?” • It also asks: “Following the introduction of the NMW, what would the future status of Sectoral Determinations, including our own, be - would they remain in place or fall away?” • According to the provisions contained in the NMW Agreement, the Agricultural and Forestry NMW would be 90% of R20.00 per hour (i.e. R18.00 per hour) with effect from. from 1 May 2018 rising to 100% of the NMW with effect from 1 May 2019. “Would the new NMW on 1 May 2019 be R20.00 per hour or 100% of whatever the NWM may have increased to by that date?” it asks. Forestry SA said organised agriculture will be given an opportunity to comment on the Bill once Gazetted for

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16 15

9 14 13

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The Zest WEG Group has been servicing the paper and pulp mining sector for more than 35 years and by leveraging best practice engineering and manufacturing capabilities, the group is able to offer a range of standard off-the-shelf products as

Enquiry no: 34

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Overhead Lines Distribution Transformers Motor Control Centres All Weather Outdoor Control Panels Diesel Generator Push Buttons and Pilot Lights Motor Protective LV Switchgear Direct Online Starters (DOL) LV Motors and Drives Invicta Vibrator Motors Mini Substations MV Motors MV Generators Automation Control Room MV Switchgear Tiger Ring Main Unit Power Transformers

facilitate a safe and reliable mine and plant with operational stability and the highest possible production levels as an objective.

Reduced maintenance and ease of serviceability assist in lowering the total cost of ownership for operations. From single product installations to Supporting customers is key and individually customised solutions, which the Zest WEG Group operates a are application specific, the latest strategically situated network of technology is used to ensure optimum branches and distributors across the performance and reliability without continent. This ensures the highest compromising on energy efficiency. levels of technical support as well as WEG products are engineered to easy access to product and parts.

ZestWeg_761_adv_PulpPaper_KZIBN_205x150.indd 1

ensure that our members' interests are not adversely affected.”

for the entire paper and pulp industry.

well as end-to-end energy solutions. An in-depth understanding of the operational conditions found within the paper and pulp sector and years of experience have ensured that the Zest WEG Group service offering is fit-for purpose.

Enquiry no: 33

RELIABLE ENERGY SOLUTION

The Zest WEG Group, a subsidiary of leading Brazilian motor and controls manufacturer WEG, started out as a South African company and maintains its strong commitment to contributing to the development of the African region.

Molony is executive director of PAMSA

public comment. “We will of course keep members informed of developments and working with Agri SA, make the necessary submissions to

Affordable weighing of heavy items

AGATRONIC have been supplying the crane Industry in SA for the past 21 years and is now offering a more affordable weighing solution to all industries. Bradley Liebenberg from Sagatronic said while they do sell crane scales, “we find that anything over 20 Tons becomes extremely heavy and prohibitively expensive”. “For cost and accuracy, we offer two types of tension link load cells, one connected to a monitor via a cable and the other a completely wireless system.” Where a 50-ton crane scale for example would retail for around R50 000 in South Africa, a tension link Load Cell system can be supplied from around R18 000 with a SANAS certificate. “This makes the occasional weighing of heavy items far more affordable, he said, adding that complete wireless systems start from around R11 000 and these can be supplied with wireless scoreboards. “For overhead cranes we offer an industry first ‘all in one’ scoreboard that links to a load cell and power supply. The scoreboard can be supplied with a set point to prevent overloading of the crane and has robot lights to indicate if the crane is operating in a safe working range.” There is an option of data logging from the scoreboard system for companies who want to keep track what has been lifted by their cranes. “Weight measurement needn’t be expensive if customers are offered all the various options available to them,” Liebenberg .Enquiry no: 35 said.

tion and skills development initiatives with the aim of improving the paper recovery rate in South Africa. This diverts valuable paper fibre from landfill and secures a supply of quality fibre for the industry. The efforts of PAMSA and PRASA, along with those of our members at a company, regional and mill level, have positioned the South African pulp, paper and paperboard sector as one that is conscious of its role in the economy, the environment and society as a whole.

SCAN HERE

for more about our offerings.

Tel: +27 11 723 6000

www.zestweg.com

2016/12/02 12:10 PM

14 Wood protection company awarded for South Coast community project Wood Protection’s outLof ONZA reach to the educational needs its local community has been

February / March 2017

FORESTRY, PULP & PAPER

recognized at the prestigious 78th Annual Chemical and Allied Industries Association (CAIA) Awards Ceremony. Lonza was announced as the runner up in the Responsible Care Initiative of the Year, which Kesun Govender (Lonza honours companies in the South African chemical industry for out- Operations Manager) and Denise Conradie (Lonza Compliance standing achievements in sustainable corporate social responsibility Manager) receive the runner-up CAIA Responsible Care Initiative projects. of the Year Award Over the past six years the company has invested more than R700 000 towards the develop- communities in which we operate. ment of the Vulingqondo Crèche As an industry leader, our commitinto a well-structured educational ment is to create sustainable value institution where each child is nur- through an educational facility that tured and receives a healthy meal will form the foundation for the each day. children’s schooling career,” said “It is Lonza’s philosophy to be Doug Sayce, General Manager of a responsible neighbour by con- Lonza Wood Protection. .Enquiry no: 36 tributing to the quality of life in the

KZN Industrial & Business News

Tracking technology to boost safety, efficiency in forestry

S a sector where mobile machines and workers on foot regularly share the same space, forestry can improve both its safety and its productivity with proximity detection systems (PDS). According to Anton Lourens, managing director at leading PDS supplier Booyco Electronics, the technology allows for intervention where a potentially dangerous situation exists between a pedestrian and a machine like a logger, forklift or truck. Essentially the PDS is a sensing device that detects the presence of an object, an interface that provides an audible and/or visual alarm to the equipment operator, and wiring between the two. Both the vehicle operator and the pedestrian can then be warned of potential collisions and danger. Warning zones are stable and predictable, and can be adjusted to suit the specific forestry application and standardised to particular equipment. In addition to avoiding accidents on a site, the data from the PDS can be analysed for patterns, allowing forestry managers to identify unsafe behaviour and design an appropriate intervention. In terms of productivity, monitoring of machine movements by the PDS can also help managers to make better use of equipment at work in plantations and sawmill sites, for instance

As a sector where mobile machines and workers on foot regularly share the same space, forestry can improve both its safety and its productivity with proximity detection systems (PDS)

by optimising cycle times. Linking the proximity detection hardware products and the monitoring devices is Booyco’s Electronics Asset Management System (BEAMS) – a web-based application used on a robust database. BEAMS is essentially a central information hub, and provides a reliable single source of information that can be leveraged for greater insight into all aspects of the operation. “BEAMS provides an effective asset management solution that will allow forestry operations to feel

secure in the control of their assets,” said Lourens. BEAMS offers better control, accountability and a single point of contact for the end-user. It can be set up to generate a standard set of reports, or it can be customised to suit the specific requirements of a forestry operation. This flexibility provides users with a strong tool facilitating a comprehensive and in-depth view of the operational infrastructure as well as the performance of assets. Enquiry no: 37

Clear strategies and processes basic to effective maintenance

T is essential for companies to identify key business goals and set associated performance targets in order to remain competitive and profitable, says SKF Asset Reliability Consultant, Greg Sassen. “The overall objective in this effort should be to create a strategy aligned to business goals and then follow a well-defined process to drive down total cost of owner-

ship whilst maintaining or even increasing production time,” said Sassen. While maintenance is usually seen as a necessary cost of doing business, “one train of thought suggests that manufacturers could make a return on their investment in maintenance and even that maintenance should be seen as a profit centre”. Implementing maintenance as

a key part of overall strategy can improve profits by reducing the scourge of machine downtime. For maximum effect, he said, maintenance should work in partnership with other elements of the business including engineering and production, to pinpoint how a reliability-focused maintenance process can deliver specific business goals. Sassen recommends an integrated strategy and technology approach. “A strategy will ensure these programmes are implemented cohesively throughout a plant. SKF offers a new generation of integrated approaches that take the needs of the entire organisation into account. “Once implemented, these strategies enable maintenance requirements to be analysed, assessed and managed simultaneously, raising uptime and productivity and improving the bottom line.” Investigation of maintenance procedures is a good starting point, recommends Sassen. “Factory maintenance has historically been done reactively, linked to set time intervals, and machine or component failure, giving little control of production assets (people and machines) and drags productivity down.” A more proactive, holistic approach offers better asset control, minimised unexpected downtime and boosted productivity. This is the basis of SKF’s AEO plan, a work management process structure that, according to the company, delivers maximum efficiency and effectiveness from activities focused on the overall business aim of the plant. The plan takes account of top-level business forecasting and systemwide analysis. It is a shift away from the reactive approach, to a selective mix of scheduled, proactive, predictive and reactive maintenance. It has in-built sustainability and provides rapid results and payback on investment. “A strategic tool like AEO helps a company to manage its assets more effectively – ensuring smooth running and minimum downtime across the entire plant." "It boosts profitability by increasing output for the same cost, or maintaining output for less cost,” a statement from the company said. There are four integrated elements to an AEO programme: maintenance strategy, work identification, work control, and work execution. .Enquiry no: 38

February / March 2017

FORESTRY, PULP & PAPER

KZN Industrial & Business News

Energy in the pulp and papermaking process E nergy is required in various forms to turn a tree into paper. In some cases, both fossil fuels (petrol, diesel, gas, oil and coal) and renewable fuels (biomass and black liquor) are used to power these processes. Black liquor - a by-product from digesting pulpwood chips in the chemical pulping process - is a mixture of spent cooking chemicals and dissolved wood solids. This is concentrated during the chemical recovery process to yield a fuel which is rich in organic material. The black liquor – regarded as renewable and carbon neutral - is then used to produce energy. Some mills generate all or some of their own electricity by way of condensing power generation and co-generation. Energy is used for direct process heating and the generation of steam which is the main heating medium in the papermaking process. Steam is also used for energy-efficient electricity generation.

Condensing is the term used for the electricity generation process typically employed by conventional coal-fired power stations. As the industry uses a combination of fos-

sil-based and renewable fuels, the energy produced has a lower carbon impact than power production relying exclusively on coal. Co-generation refers to the generation of electricity

from steam created as a by-product approximated to have less than half of the papermaking process. the GHG impact of electricity importCo-generation is the industry’s ed from the national grid (mostly main method of generating electric- from coal-fired sources). ity. Steam produced by boilers and Co-generated electricity derived furnaces is typically at a temperature from gas (and not only coal) has an and pressure which is too high for estimated smaller carbon impact of use in the pulp and papermaking approximately 25% of the impact of process. This high-pressure steam electricity imported from the national is passed through a back-pressure grid. turbine where it expands, thereby Since there is very little water loss spinning within the turbine which attributable to electricity generated generates electricity. via co-generation, this further implies Co-generation offers a number of that this method of power generaadvantages over condensing power tion is a suitable option, within the generation: water scarce context of South Africa. • A greater portion of the It is important to note however, that input energy from the base fuel can although the pulp and papermaking be used in the production process; industry does generate a significant • GHG emissions attributed portion of its own electricity, it presto generated electricity are signifi- ently remains reliant on the national cantlyTerex lower; and KZN Industrial & Business Newsgrid TER001_30 Feb-Mar 1 2 for theCrane balance of 2017.qxp_Layout its power • Water consumption attribut- needs. Supplied by the Paper Manufacturers ed to electricity generation is almost Association of South Africa (PAMSA) negligible. Electricity derived through co-gen.Enquiry no: 39 eration (using coal only) has been

New low cost overhead crane for emerging markets

ONECRANES recently launched an economically priced overhead crane, the CXT UNO. Aimed at small and medium-sized SME’s in southern Africa, it is based on Konecranes’ existing CXT hoist and, according to the company, delivers many of its strengths at an affordable price. “The CXT UNO combines a strong range of features based on a simpler set of components and technical solu-

tions compared to existing CXT products. This straightforward design, together with easy access to spare parts, means that the CXT UNO will be easy to maintain,” the company said in a statement. “The reliable crane is designed for everyday lifting. By focusing on the essential features and core components, such as the CXT hoist, the product can be offered at a very sensible price without compromising on quality.” The CXT UNO crane has a radio controller and it can lift up to 10 tons and has inverter-based bridge travelling, two-speed for trolley travelling and hoisting movements. The CXT UNO is sold and delivered as a predesigned package with a selection of functions and limited options “The CXT UNO is important for us in today’s market because it expands our product offering into a segment where we haven’t been present before,” said

Group consolidates presence in the French market

recently signed agreement gives the Fassi Group the majority share of CTELM, the holding company to which the French brands FASSI FRANCE, MILTRA and MARREL belong. “It has been confirmed that Roger Boutonnet will continue as president of CTELM, and he took the opportunity, during the signing, to underline the excellent results obtained in 2016, both in terms of sales for Marrel and also with regards to the strengthening of all the subsidiaries,” the goup said in a statement. Boutonnet, also a partner in CTELM, emphasized the objectives of growth and continuity that the company has set for the near future, adding that the new role that the group would play in CTELM was a further step towards its consolidation in the French market. “This is an excellent opportunity to develop new commercial synergies for the CRANAB and JEKKO brands, which already form part of our group,” said Giovanni Fassi (pictured), CEO of the company of the same name, which is a world leader in the lifting sector. “The Fassi group thus confirms its intention to consolidate its market position as a point of reference on an international level in the logistic, construction, recycling and forestry .Enquiry no: 41 sectors,” the group said.

Knut Stewen, Director Africa, and MD of Konecranes South Africa. “The CXT UNO offers customers in this category access to Konecranes’ quality and reliability at a very sensible cost in what we believe is a very attractive and competitive overall package. We are confident that it will be a very popular crane in Southern Africa.” Capable of lifting loads up to 10 tons up to nine meters off the ground, the CXT UNO features a two-speed hoisting and travelling design with 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. Thanks to its simple, standardized design, the CXT UNO will be available with “very competitive” delivery times, the company said. .Enquiry no: 40

February / March 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

CONSULTING ENGINEERS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Durban river revitalisation project good for the environment and creating jobs Y EARS of human settlement, including sugar cane farming, have left the banks of the Ohlanga River in Cornubia degraded and filled with alien plants, but that’s changing, thanks to an initiative led by Tongaat Hulett Developments. Corporate Director Bongani Gumede said they had teamed up with Wildlands Conservation Trust to rehabilitate the stretches of land on either side of the river, known as the riparian zone. David Moldenhauer Strategic Manager – Technical Support of Wildlands said, “By removing the alien vegetation and replacing it with indigenous flora we can restore the valuable habitat to its original state.” Thorough research has been undertaken to ensure that the correct historic plants – those which used to be in this location before the sugar cane fields – are planted. This is the best way to ensure that the correct biosphere of both flora

and fauna is created. The initiative is also creating jobs and providing skills and training to the local community. There are several different programs that they have been developed which aim to empower the community. The first is a team of individuals who have been employed to work on the rehabilitation of the riparian zone itself. These people clear the floodplain tract on either side of the banks of the river using the “chop and drop” method: the alien vegetation is chopped down and left on the ground in place. Considering the 9.2km length of the river, and the fact that the riparian zone can extend anywhere from 10m to 100m from the riverbank, this is a considerable undertaking. The rehabilitation began on Arbour Day 2014 and thus far some 54 ha of initial clearing and 51 ha follow-up clearing of sometimes very dense bush have been effected.

Bongani Gumede, Tongaat Hulett Developments Corporate Director is pictures holding an indigenous tree that was planted at Cornubia with Louise Duys, Wildlands Director of Partnership, Marketing and Events

Mega refurb for dilapidated Durban tower block

ebruary 2016 marked the start of an estimated 15-month restoration project on one of the largest apartment blocks in the Southern Hemisphere. The site is the T-shaped Bencorrum Towers in Durban’s beachfront precinct, comprising 334 units and housing over 1000 people. Built in the early 1930s, the once well maintained Bencorrum Towers, one 16 storeys high, the other 23 storeys high, had deteriorated to a state of total disrepair. Sika’s Technical Sales Consultant, Mark Duckham, is advising onsite. With the scope of works, which includes moderate to severe concrete repair, refurbishment and protection; Curasure KZN, a building maintenance consulting company, specified products from Sika’s renowned MonoTop range of readyto-use mortars. The Ikusasa Group undertook quantity surveying for the project while the application contract was awarded to Coating Worx KZN. Sika MonoTop-610, a cementitious, polymer-modified, one-com-

ponent bonding slurry and primer is applied for protection of the reinforced steel. Active corrosion inhibitors in Sika MonoTop-610 meet international standards for corrosion protection while its excellent adhesion to concrete and steel provides high resistance to water and chloride penetration. Sika MonoTop-612 is a cementitious, polymer-modified, low permeability mortar containing silica fume and synthetic fibre reinforcement, and is used as a high strength repair and reprofiling system. Its excellent slump resistance allows for easy application on overhead and vertical surfaces. For thick layer concrete repairs, Sika MonoTop-615 HB was used. This is a high build, cementitious, polymer-modified, one-component repair and reprofiling mortar containing silica fume and Ferrogard corrosion inhibitors. According to the company, it displays excellent thixotropic behaviour. For thin layer rendering on horizontal and vertical surfaces, Sika MonoTop-620 was the product of choice. A cementitious pore sealer

To date, 31 jobs for the alien plant clearing have been created for people from the local community. A new team has just been trained to use chainsaws and both Wildlands and Tongaat Hulett aim to use this training and practical application as a basis to incubate a future working environment for those trained. “It is essentially the same as teaching a man to fish,” explains Moldenhauer, “and he will never go hungry again. The hope is that these skilled workers can go forward and apply their trade as woodsmen and subcontract their services to residents and businesses in the area. This is the very definition of a business incubator.” In addition, the local community is to be involved in growing the desired indigenous plants. Members are to be trained in the cultivation of the specific plants that will restore health and balance as well as increase the biodiversity of the floodplain.

“We are not looking at the easy to grow landscaping plants, although in time we expect that the growers will also be able to provide nursery services to the greater Cornubia region, including residents and businesses.” A clear benefit in the initial stages of this initiative is the ready market for the indigenous plants. Those working on the restoration team will hopefully use the stimulated productivity gain out of this initiative as a springboard to undertaking other productive activities. “Tongaat Hulett is serious about harnessing the capacity of the local community and about creating a sustainable ecosystem as well as social environment,” concludes Gumede. “We are rolling out a programme of training and skills development that will be to the advantage of both the biosphere and the community. This is only the beginning of a far larger undertaking.”

Enquiry no: 42

Umhlali engineers take on storage tank design project U and levelling mortar containing silica fume, it provides excellent adhesion to mortars and concrete. All Sika MonoTop products are sprayable by the wet spray method and provide several advantages including adjustable consistencies, excellent workability characteristics and good mechanical strengths. Since Bencorrum Towers is situated on a busy street, a mere stone’s throw from the Durban beachfront, and due to its level of dilapidation, falling debris is of major concern. To exacerbate the challenges facing the contractor, the body corporate of Bencorrum Towers imposed a restricted working schedule; 09h00 to 15h00 Mondays to Fridays, with no work permitted on weekends and public holidays. Every window in the block will be sealed with Sikaflex-11 FC, a onepart, moisture-curing elastic joint sealant and multi-purpose adhesive based on polyurethane. Its non-sag consistency greatly facilitates sealing of overhead and Enquiry No: 43 vertical joints.

MHLALI-based Nautilus Engineers recently took on the design of a hydrogen peroxide storage tank for South Durban fabrication company SHM Engineering. According to Nautilus Engineers, it completed the mechanical design of the storage tank in accordance with ASME VIII Division 1 and Sound Engineering Practice (S.E.P.). “This project required a ‘first principle’ design due to its square shape, therefore professional engineering expertise were applied to determine the minimum required thicknesses while taking into consideration the applied wind loading and nozzle loading,” the company said in a statement. Separate finite element analyses were conducted to determine maximum stresses on the nozzles due to the nozzle loading. Nautilus Engineers also generated a 3-D model of the storage tank and produced detailed engineering drawings for fabrication. It said SHM Engineering was able to manufacture the tank with all quality control checks and testing completed successfully. Nautilus Engineers was formed in 2002 to tap into the growing demand

from small to medium size fabricators and engineering plants in South Africa for a capable yet cost-effective and flexible mechanical design consultant. The company is based at Lali Office Park, Umhlali north of Durban and is fully owned by Graham Peter Bartholomew (Bart) (pictured) who is also the Principal Engineer. He manages a small, dynamic team that, he says, “prides itself on its hands-on and service-orientated approach”. The company employs the latest design and CAD software to compliment their in-house expertise and has an extensive digital and regular technical library, containing up-to-date international standards (American; British; European and South African) and technical literature by leading authorities. It services a core market of fabricators, process plants and inspection authorities, offering mechanical engineering design, specialising in pressure vessels, heat exchangers, reactors, storage tanks, code calculations, 3-D modelling, finite element analysis (FEA), piping stress analysis, engineering draughting as well as design verification and vessel re-certification. Enquiry no: 44

February / March 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

CONSULTING ENGINEERS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Engineers to the rescue at KZN wetland

ATCH’S Environmental Services (ES) Group provides a focused delivery platform for a range of environmental, social, and sustainability solutions, including a KZN waste water plant. ES Group Regional Director – Africa, Middle East and Europe Jannette Horn (pictured) said while they used to be involved mostly with engineering projects, the team has been expanding its environmental service offering to external clients, where Hatch is not the primary engineering consultant. She said Hatch had been part of many projects that either prevented the destruction of biodiversity, mitigated the impact where this

could not be prevented, and in some cases which have even increased the biodiversity footprint within project sites. An example is the Darvill Waste Water Treatment Plant in Pietermaritzburg. The facility was unable to accommodate the sporadic high storm-flow volumes, which had a negative impact on the surrounding environment. To mitigate the environmental impacts associated with these stormwater-flow events Hatch, in conjunction with Umgeni Water, recommended the use of a wetland habitat to partially treat the overflows from the storm-flow storage dam.

The contribution of wetland habitat towards improving the quality of water flowing through a wetland system has been well documented. The wetland provides additional attenuation capacity for the effluent originating from the storage dam during high-flow events, potentially enhancing the provision of wetland ecosystem services within a substantially transformed landscape. A second example was where Hatch undertook the concept, prefeasibility, and feasibilities studies, and managed the environmental authorisation process, for Kangra Coal’s Savmore Colliery expansion project in Mpumalanga. This was aimed at including the Kusipongo coal resource to the west of the existing operations.

This project was very close to significant and ecologically-valuable wetlands, supporting numerous fauna and flora species of conservation importance. Hatch’s environmental consulting team was able to advise the engineers in repositioning the mine infrastructure in such a way that the wetland could be avoided and left undisturbed, without having an impact on the overall project cost and schedule. Horn has expanded Hatch’s ES Group service offering to Cape Town, Durban, and Abu Dhabi in the Middle East. “We will also expand it to the Eastern Cape region in early 2017,” she said.

Enquiry no: 45

Luxury estate’s stormwater dilemma solved

NGINEERS working on Izinga Ridge, an exclusive residential property development at Umhlanga, North of Durban, recently faced a tricky dilemma. Strategically placed attenuation ponds had been constructed to prevent stormwater from flowing from the into the eThekwini stormwater system. But the challenge posed was to prevent potential stormwater from breaching these ponds, impregnating the surrounding embankments and damaging newly-built roads and residences. When various options for the water containment of Phase 2 of the project were proposed, consultants from Hatch Goba decided that a proven manufactured geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) would be the best possible solution. The went for Kaytech’s EnviroFix Thermal Lock GCL, a needlepunched and reinforced

composite clay liner produced by sandwiching a uniform layer of sodium bentonite clay between two layers of durable geotextile outer layers. Sodium bentonite is a naturally occurring clay mineral that swells on contact with water. When this hydration occurs under confinement, as in EnviroFix, the sodium bentonite swells to form a low permeability clay liner with the equivalent hydraulic protection of approximately one metre of compacted clay. Vumani Civils commenced the project by excavating one metre below the base of the attenuation ponds. EnviroFix was then strung up as a curtain liner behind which backfill was compacted in layers. The process was repeated until a height of approximately six to eight metres was reached, resulting in an installation of 749m² of EnviroFix X1000.

By needlepunching fibres through the sodium bentonite clay, a completely uniform, reinforced GCL is produced. The Thermal Lock proprietary heat treating process is then used to modify and permanently lock the needlepunched fibres into place. This procedure gives EnviroFix its unique properties; including increased internal shear resistance and long term creep resistance. The clay component in this most versatile product is therefore no longer the limiting factor, allowing EnviroFix to be used on steep side slopes, ensuring low permeability without sacrificing slope stability. “The exceptional ease and speed of installation of EnviroFix impressed the contractor who was able to substantially decrease his total construction time,” the company said in a statement.

“Since EnviroFix is subjected to an intensive quality control programme during manufacture, the expensive and time consuming onsite quality assurance testing required for compacted clay liners, was significantly minimised. Compared to using a HDPE liner or a compacted clay core, EnviroFix was by far the easiest and most economical solution.” Enquiry no: 46

Making a difference in the civil engineering industry AVING a committed and proactive bargainH ing council makes all the difference to an industry sector, says Nick Faasen, secretary

general of the Bargaining Council for the Civil Engineering Industry (BCCEI). During 2016 the BCCEI completed a programme of workshops in all the major centres. Despite this, Faasen said it still appears that many companies in the civil engineering industry do not understand the numerous functions of its own bargaining council. “In fact, we have been inundated with questions regarding the role and function of the bargaining council. A bargaining council is not just about collective bargaining for wage increases.” The BCCEI is a sector-specific bargaining council created in terms of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (LRA). Some of its main powers and functions are to: • Make and manage collective agreements; • Prevent and resolve labour disputes; • Establish and manage an administration and dispute resolution fund; • Promote and establish training and education workshops; • Establish and manage schemes or funds to benefit its parties or members; and • Make and submit proposals on policies and laws that affect a sector or area. “The BCCEI has a responsibility to the employer (companies) and the employees, and although it is a creature of stature, it is not state sponsored. It is funded through levies paid equally by employers and employees. The BCCEI operates for the benefit of the industry itself.” Faasen said he and his team are determined to level the playing fields in the civil engineering industry, and ensure fair competition. Enquiry no: 47

It is one thing to imagine a better world. It’s another to deliver it.

Spring Grove Dam KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

aecom.com

CONSULTING ENGINEERS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT

February / March 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

Prolific dams engineer scoops top industry award

ANIE Badenhorst (pictured), Dams and Hydropower Lead at Aecom, won the prestigious title of Engineer of the Year at the 2016 SAICE-SAFCEC Civil Engineering Awards. Badenhorst was honoured for a 40-year career that has seen him working on more than 120 dam projects in Africa. One of South Africa’s premier dam-design engineers, Badenhorst won the Engineer of the Year award at the event held at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg. He has carried out numerous tasks as an approved professional engineer, a requirement in South Africa in terms of the Dam Safety Act. In addition, Badenhorst has contributed to national and international best practice in dam engineering, including safety designs, and has also excelled as a meaningful mentor to many young engineers. In line with creating awareness for civil engineering in South Africa, Badenhorst has represented the country at the annual meetings of the International Congress of Large Dams for several years. He has been Chairperson of the South African National Committee of Large Dams (SANCOLD) for the past seven years. Badenhorst’s work with Aecom has seen him involved in leadership roles with some of the most prominent current dam projects. These include the Itare Dam Water Supply Project in Kenya, the Mooi Mgeni Transfer Scheme for the Spring Grove Dam and Appurtenant Works, and the Umkhomazi Water Supply Project, together with the rehabilitation of 20

large dams for the Department of Water and Sanitation. Badenhorst is currently Project Manager and Study Leader for the engineering investigations for the bilateral Noordoewer/Vioolsdrift Dam Feasibility Study. On this project, he is training client and sub-consultant staff on various aspects of dam-design considerations at the feasibility level. He was also involved in managing repair works at the 145-metre-high Mohale Dam during Phase 1B of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, together with his role as Dam Design Engineer. His mentorship on this project saw him win the BKS Prize for Innovative Engineering for the design of a river diversion mechanism using a breaching section for the coffer dam. Badenhorst says his most challenging project to date was Corumana Dam on the Sabie River in Mozambique, where his project proposal was accepted by the World Bank, resulting in considerable cost and time-savings for the client. Skills development is a key focus, with Badenhorst currently mentoring six candidate engineers at Aecom to build technical and professional skill sets in dams and hydropower. The SAICE-SAFCEC Civil Engineering Awards is an annual celebration of engineering excellence, whereby civil engineering companies, projects, institutions and individuals are all honoured for the most outstanding civil engineering achievements during the previous Enquiry no: 48 year.

Ingeniously simple - display guide for the perfect setting

SANDF students taking part in a LSFB training course.

Army takes a shine to light steel frame building

HERE has been an encouraging growth in Southern Africa in recent years in the awareness of light steel frame building as an environmentally friendly and sustainable building method. That’s according to the Southern African Light Steel Frame Building Association (SASFA), and its director John Barnard believes that training has been fundamental to this growth. “Education is the foundation for getting the advantages of a new method understood as well as for protecting and enhancing quality of building through the growth phases and beyond,” said Barnard. The latest to come on board is the SANDF to whom, on their request, SASFA presented a five-day training course for light steel frame building (LSFB) contractors at the Old Fort Rd Military Base in Durban. The intention of the course was to qualify their foremen and artisans in LSFB, in preparation for a building project comprising five three-storey blocks of flats and offices. The students of Regional Works Unit Kwa Zulu-Natal - under the command of Capt (SAN) S. Mashigo - included, amongst others, plumbers, electricians, and project managers. Col E Jacobs coordinated arrangements for the course from the SANDF’s side. SASFA members who supplied support for the course and made it possible were SaintGobain, Martin and Associates, and Simpson Strong-tie. Bosch Tools illustrated its wide range of equipment suitable for use in the LSFB industry. The course was split into two sections.

Releasing agents for every concrete purpose

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Centurion, Durban, Rustenburg, Port Elizabeth, Vaal Triangle, Klerksdorp, Richards Bay, Lydenburg, Cape Town, Northern Cape, Namibian Subsidiary

The first, steel frame materials, components, and erection over three-and-a-half days, covered introduction, the steel making process and properties of coated steel sheet, followed by sections on foundations, manufacturing of light steel frames and trusses, construction tools, wall frame set-out, handling, loads, floor framing, wall framing, roof structures, planning and the installation of services. The second, internal lining, external cladding and insulation lasted one day and covered the properties, manufacturing and benefits of glasswool insulation, acoustics, energy efficiency, environmental issues, storage and handling of glasswool and tools and installation methodology. This was followed by a section on gypsum plasterboard, covering properties, storage and handling, cutting, tools and application for walls, ceilings and finishing. Finally, fibre cement board for external cladding was addressed, including the installation of the vapour permeable membrane, sizes and availability of fibre cement - boards and planks, fixing accessories, installation guidelines, and door and window frame installation detail was presented. As part of the course, the students had to write two tests to assess their understanding of the subject matter. “Generally, this course is growing in popularity as an increasing number of building contractors, developers, architects and engineers want to become more knowledgeable about LSFB in general and also on a practical level,” Enquiry no: 49 said Barnard.

ELEASING agents are a valuable part of any construction project, ensuring that concrete does not stick to formwork or moulds, but getting the best results requires choosing the appropriate agent. That’s according to Hannes Engelbrecht, general manager: inland at Chryso Southern Africa, who said this is an important choice as there are specific formulations for all options including timber formwork, manmade formwork and decorative concrete, as well as wet or dry precast. “It is false economy to just use the cheapest releasing agent available as the cost is relatively low when compared to the value of the formwork or mould. The Chryso Dem range ensures easy, clean release of the formwork or mould from the concrete, without damaging either.” He said the products reduce the likelihood of any imperfections and surface damage to the concrete, such as blow holes, creating more durable and attractive concrete surfaces. “It is important to remember that the quality

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+27 (0) 861 111 544 www.dosetech.co.za

of the Chryso Dem range ensures there is no adverse effect on the adhesion of subsequent finishes and coatings. This allows plaster, paint or other coatings to be applied to the concrete with no associated problems; the release agents are also water repellent, so are not affected by rain.” He added that these products do not have any negative effect on the hydration of concrete as it cures, and they are inoffensive to apply as they have very little odour. The range includes a vegetable-based, environmentally friendly release agent – Chryso Dem Bio 10 – which is biodegradable and non-toxic, making it safe to use in confined applications such as mining and tunneling, or any other poorly ventilated area. Reducing blow holes is the specialty of Chryso Dem Elio LSM, with its low viscosity oil lowering the surface tension against the sides of mould and allowing air bubbles to escape. Chryso Dem Elio SP is designed for dry precast spun pipe production with the added benefit of the release of dry concretes that have been exposed to the high temperatures of steam curing. Chryso Dem Oleo FW is a mineral-based release agent suitable for all types of formwork on site. Enquiry no: 50

February / March 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

CONSULTING ENGINEERS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT

How SA platinum mine tapped into 5D project design technology A

S WorleyParsons’ global centre of excel“This is the first project where the integrated lence for mining, WorleyParsons RSA technology was applied to its fullest potential expends a substantial amount of energy and it has proven to work efficiently. We were and resources on developing advanced solu- able to quickly identify value improvements tions for its customers that will increase accu- by picking up optimisation from the previous racy and efficiency while reducing risk. design by using 5D technology. The project delivery and engineering consul“Optimisation is usually done after a project tancy has been developing a 5D project design is finished – in this case, we used 5D technolplatform that integrates sophisticated technology in parallel with optimisation, saving the ogy tools in order to provide a greater degree customer time and money, while concurrently Ind Bus News 300 x 205* 4/25/16 9:24 AM Page 1 of predictability throughout the lifecycle of an KZN identifying risks and value improvement propoasset, ultimately increasing profits, even in the sitions.” ongoing volatile commodity market. “We ‘orchestrate’ the best available standard systems so that they can plug into each other,” said Henry Jonker, ‎General Manager – Mining at WorleyParsons RSA. “There are a number of powerful engineering design processes and programmes that are used to improve efficiencies in the mining and other sectors. We are one of the first engineering consultancies in the mining sector to develop methods that integrate these products to combine the benefits of using them together. “Essentially we’re taking individual puzzle pieces and figuring out how to slot them together to show our customers the bigger picture of their project.” WorleyParsons RSA began developing its integrated design project platform over five years ago, by integrating 3D intelligent design data mapping with over 20 different engineering design processes and programmes to create a visual 5D design scope that incorporates schedule and cost. This 5D integrated project platform approach has already been applied to a number of projects. Mushir Khan, Manager of Engineering at WorleyParsons RSA, said that by applying the integrated technology to the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) contract for Royal Bafokeng Platinum’s (BRPM) second phase 100 ktpm Merensky Concentrator, the project was completed speedily and successfully.

Alternative building methods – the case against

here are some very good reasons why alternative building methods aren’t that feasible in the South African market. They can potentially be more expensive than traditional methods, don’t inspire customer trust and may not be as aesthetically pleasing. That’s according to Bert van den Heever, Immediate Past President of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS), who said alternative building methods also come with a hidden price tag that can impact on quality and finish. “There is a resistance to alternative methods in South Africa. Most of the alternative construction methods have concentrated on providing alternative walling and roofing systems, the two largest elements you see when looking at a building,” said Van den Heever. But, “trying to save money on walling using alternative building methods is sometimes a futile exercise as walling normally comes in at less than 10% of the total project cost”. He said the use of clad walling systems has resulted in a negative perception in the lower end of the housing market called the Knock Factor Effect. “People knock the walls, if they sound hollow they instantly perceive the build as not solid or secure. They want the solidity of brick – the traditional materials - over the perceived flimsiness of panels – the alternative ones.” In addition to the impact of perception, alternative building materials are not always readily available in South Africa and often have to be imported. This pins on a price tag that few can afford. As a result, there is some growth within the high-end market, but limited uptake in the lower end of the market. “The value of using alternative building methods is hard to quantify,” said Van den Heever. “We can show a client how using method B compared to method A will affect costs and often the answer isn’t in favour of alternative solutions." Enquiry no: 52

Khan explained that the norm is to first com- undertaken quickly and very accurately, resultplete a feasibility study and then address all ing in a predictable construction cost. the risks that were identified in the feasibility Khan said this high level of accuracy is stage, followed by establishing value improve- obtained by plugging real-time costs into a 3D ments to bring costs down and improve con- parametric design module to create a coststruction schedules. based estimate. “We can now seamlessly inteFor the BRPM project, by using the integrate 3D parametric design in a 5D platform, grated technology model, WorleyParsons was making detailed engineering much easier and able to do the feasibility study and value quicker, and enabling us to give our customers improvement simultaneously and determine a far clearer overview of their projects.” 90% of the dimensions and costs, enabling the C M Y CM –MY Enquiry no: 51 next phase – the detailed engineering to CY be CMY K

February / March 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

INSTRUMENTATION, MEASUREMENT & CONTROL

New handheld sensor option for SA engineers

HE SIM-1 SensorSimulator, from GHM Messtechnik, offers engineers working across all sectors of industry a quality handheld device with superior functionality supported by the latest available measurement technology. “GHM Messtechnik is renowned for its quality measurement offerings,” said Jan Grobler, Managing Director of GHM Messtechnik SA. “The SIM-1 SensorSimulator manufactured by Imtron, part of the GHM Messtechnik stable of companies, is

age signals. With additional return measurement of feed voltages / currents; the SIM-1 SensorSimulator can also provide optimal, true-to-the-original simulation of sensors like Pt100 and strain gauge sensors. The device can be used to compare and check displays and measuring transducers. It has a transmitter and measuring function for voltages and currents. It has a graphic LCD, compact dimensions and is batterypowered. “We believe that the introduction of the SIM-1 SensorSimulator to the South African market raises the benchmark in high accuracy measurement testing devices” said Grobler. Enquiry no: 53

Compact evaluation and interface for mobile machines

obile machines are becoming ever more complex and complicated to use as individual components take on more tasks. IFM claims its RadioFrequency Identification (RFID) system can help users simpify handling and avoid errors. Individual components or attachments are identified by means of an RFID tag and the corresponding set-up is set automatically in the controller. “Set-up times are minimised. Automatic identification simplifies the creation of user-specific system set-

a recognised supplier of measurement components and systems for industrial applications in development, manufacturing, and testing.” Grobler said the device measures or simulates loop calibrations on PLC systems with great accuracy. “Research and development has greatly enhanced the device’s measurement capability. It is compact and easy to operate, protected in a robust silicone case, and offers simulations of various sensors such as strain gauge, Pt100 and TC.” It issues various current and volt-

ups. Wrongly set process parameters are a matter of the past,” a statement from the company said. The robust RFID compact units with CANopen or J1939 interface have been developed for identification tasks in agricultural machines, municipal vehicles and construction machines. “This guarantees a quick and safe change of the attachments. The machine operator knows which units are connected at any time. He

also receives exact information on operating times and maintenance intervals.” The RFID system is also suitable for industrial applications in which CANopen controllers are used. “In this environment the DTM4xx RFID identification system is ideal thanks to its excellent price/performance ratio.” RFID antenna, evaluation and interface are integrated in one compact, robust M18 or M30 stainless steel housing. In contrast to conventional solutions with separate antennas and evaluation systems the wiring complexity and required space are reduced, the company said. Enquiry no: 54

High temperature infrared thermometer

LUKE, represented locally by The control where there is monitoring Comtest Group, is offering the of temperature during the process; highly accurate Fluke 572-2, high and, temperature infrared thermometer for • Petrochemicals: maintenance of the extreme heat conditions over long disexterior of the kiln (temperature), tances. Typical applications are: monitoring the surface tempera• Manufacturing: repair and mainteture of the reformer tubes. nance of motors, pumps with data The Fluke 572-2 measures logging; between -30°C to 900°C • Electrical HVAC installation: repair with ±1% accuracy. and maintenance of panels, fuses, Measurements from circuit breakers, compressors, further away are accuducts, and remote access vents; rate with a 60:1 dis• Power utility: measurement of tance-to-spot ratio with nodes between power transmission dual laser sighting for and distribution; fast, accurate target& C maintenance August.qxp_Layout 2016/12/07ing. 9:13 It AMdisplays Page 1 current temperature • High_P Metals: and1 quality

plus MAX, MIN, DIF, and AVG temperature with adjustable emissivity and predefined emissivity tables. The unit features a multiple language (user select) interface and is compatible with standard K-type mini-connector thermocouple probe (KTC), and is shipped with a USB 2.0 computer interface cable; FlukeView Forms Documenting Software and the standard Fluke two-year warranty. Enquiry no: 55

Smart process gating

pecialist sensing solutions company Countapulse Controls is making Leuze’s smart process gating (SPG) technology available across subSaharan Africa. Countapulse Controls managing director Gerry Bryant said SPG offers a compact, space saving design as the bridging of a protective field can be done without additional muting sensors. “Leuze has developed the SPG on the basis of the type 4 safety light curtains in the MLC 500 series, so muting sensors are no longer needed. There is also reduced risk of tampering by operating personnel,” said Bryant. The SPG system reduces installation and service costs because there is no setup or alignment of muting sensors; even interrupted parts and pallets with gaps between loading can be safely transported in sequence. The safety system offers high reliability and availability, since there is no risk of misaligned or damaged muting sensors. Countapulse Controls, headquartered in Johannesburg, has agents in major centres and has

been operating for more than 45 years in sub-Saharan Africa. Its engineering and technical support includes a hotline open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Explaining the SPG process, Bryant said a signal is sent by the process controller (PLC) to the safety light curtain shortly before the protective field is entered, in order to interrupt the protective device while the transported material is passing through. The first gating signal comes from the system control (PLC), whereas the second one is generated by the safety light curtain itself when the protective field is interrupted. SPG therefore requires knowledge of the position of the transported goods so that the necessary PLC control signals are within the correct time window at the safety light curtain. The MLC 530 SPG safety light curtain specification is designed in accordance with international safety standards. The sensors and the associated documentation concerning the integration of the solution are independently certified. Enquiry no: 56

Handheld solarimeters ew to ASSTech’s product N line-up from French manufacturer Kimo, is handheld solarim-

eters dedicated to photovoltaic and thermal installation control. The SL 100-SL200 can be used for the following functions: • Insolation study (exposure to sun rays) - direction and masking effect • To specify type of generator to use (photovoltaic or thermal) • To specify optimal direction for the solar panel installation • To control installation conformity

• To control installation in use and efficiencies expected • Technical specifications: • Measurement and spot check of solar power from W/m² to 1200 W/m² • Spectral response: from 400 to 1100 nm • Calculation of energetic exposure in Wh/m² • Values saved (SL100) and values recorded (SL200) Kimo has also developed the CR 100 to allow for continuous monitoring under stationary conditions.

Enquiry no: 57

February / March 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

INSTRUMENTATION, MEASUREMENT & CONTROL

Heavyweights join forces to develop industrial IoT architecture

OKOGAWA Electric Corporation has announced that it will work with Microsoft, FogHorn Systems, Bayshore Networks and Telit IoT Platforms to integrate their technology into an industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) architecture for the delivery of new services. Yokogawa says it aims to use this technology to transform its business model, expand its business scope, and help its customers run their businesses more efficiently. “IIoT technology is now ready for practical use thanks to advances in network technology, the availability of low-cost, large-capacity data communications, and the shifting of corporate

information systems to the cloud,” the company said in a statement. However, the use of IIoT technology presents many technical challenges in such areas as sensing, automation, and security, and it is also costly to build such systems and develop the necessary applications. With its wide range of expertise in fields ranging from sensor technology to control logic and applications technology, Yokogawa hopes to be able to help its customers address issues they face in their business by providing end-to-end solutions that incorporate sensing, control, and cloudbased processing. Through this architecture, business process

applications can be configured that enable plug-and-play sensors, sensing clouds with automatic provisioning, database clouds, data storage clouds, and application development environments to work together. “These four companies each possess technologies that will be key components of this IIoT architecture,” Yokogawa said. This undertaking will be led by the Architecture Development Division California, which was set up in November 2016. Yokogawa’s IIoT architecture will integrate the cloud-based Microsoft Azure IoT Suite, FogHorn’s fog computing software, Bayshore’s security technology and Telit’s communication modules, sensor

onboarding, and device management. “The IIoT architecture that Yokogawa will develop under this agreement will revolutionize the way in which value is delivered in sensing and plant information management,” said Tsuyoshi Abe, a Yokogawa vice president and head of the Marketing Headquarters. “By working with these four companies, Yokogawa will rapidly establish its IIoT architecture. Under the corporate brand slogan of ‘co-innovating tomorrow,’ we will seek to expand partnerships such as these with leaders in each industry.” Enquiry no: 58

Compact, unified factory automation range

smaller, standard component height across all of Omron’s family of factory automation (FA) control devices allows for standardised wiring ducts and component placement, thereby optimising space. That’s according to a statement from the company which added that a standardised, unified design means design simplicity for panel builders. The complete Omron portfolio has been redesigned into 600 different FA devices, across 18 different product categories, all built to a common design platform. In addition, the new FA devices are also built with Omron’s proprietary Push-In Plus wiring technology. According to the company, moving to a uniform design avoids the dead space that results from specifying components of differing height, and also reduces the design work required. Most importantly, the ‘hot spots’ that build up in small spaces in the panel are greatly reduced, which can impact component reliability. “The lifetime of an electronic component, like a power supply containing an electrolytic

capacitor, may be halved for every 10°C rise in temperature, as in accordance with Arrhenius’ Law,” said Lars de Bruin, the company’s Marketing Manager, Panel Solutions, EMEA. Omron’s complete new range of compact in-panel components includes electromechanical and solid state relays, I/O relay terminals, terminal blocks, temperature controllers, timers, measuring and monitoring relays, power monitors and (uninterruptible) power supplies.

These products also offer features such as LED status indicators, simple front wiring and Push-In Plus terminals, all helping panel designers to optimise panel layouts, without impacting issues such as usability or maintenance. Double DIN-rail fixation, both at the top and bottom, allows customers to remove the product from the DIN-rail in a straight move, which is highly convenient in case of replacement/ refurbishment. The range encompasses slim in-panel component designs that offer widths of as little as 6.2 mm, as well as on-panel components with reduced depth. The dead space in a panel can be reduced by as much as 50% horizontally, 20% vertically, and 30% by volume, compared to an older model. Due to reduced power consumption, and therefore generating less heat, side-by-side mounting is possible for each model at an ambient temperature of up to 55°C, which leaves additional space in the panel. Enquiry no: 59

Keithley, a leading Source Measurement Unit (SMU) instrument developer since 1980’s, and locally represented by Comtest, has on offer a comprehensive range of voltage, current, and power units available. Recent innovations include the embedded TSP® Test Script Processor, industry-first graphical touchscreen interface, and other performance enhancements. More than 20 models and systems have been designed for demanding applications in research labs, on the engineer’s bench, and in high speed ATE systems. Instruments with DC and pulsed output levels from 10W to 2000W are available. Some more popular options include 400 Graphical Series SourceMeter 1 channel; 20 – 1000W; Optical SourceMeter 1 channel; <50W; 2600B SourceMeter – 1 or 2 channels; 30W DC / 200W Pulse;2650 High Power SourceMeter; 1 channel and 200W DC Enquiry no: 60 / 2000W Pulse

Tailored control and switchgear packages for Africa

OCKWELL Automation Sub-Saharan Africa is marking seven years of successful collaboration with panel and cabinet assembler Low Voltage Switchboards. According to the company, it’s a collaboration that is leveraging increased market competitiveness by maximising the capabilities of the industrial automation specialist to package its IEC-rated drive and control equipment in tailored, fully compliant panel technology solutions to industrial markets in sub-Saharan Africa. “The fruits of this collaboration are today seen in some of the largest mining and industrial projects across the region,” the company said in a statement. The association includes the assembly of Rockwell Automation switchgear and controlgear in Low Voltage Switchboards’ modular panel and cabinet configurations. “Our collaboration with Low Voltage Switchboards broadens our project delivery capabilities with synergies from both sides,” said Adrian van Wyk, Business Manager – Power and Components Business, Southern & Sub-Saharan Africa, Rockwell Automation. “As Rockwell Automation, we supply a product and the technical ability to deliver solutions required from a customer perspective; which Low Voltage Switchboards then integrates into a structure so that the solution meets both customer and local specifications.” He said the the association demonstrates Rockwell Automation Sub-Saharan Africa’s continuing strategy to align with independent suppliers to facilitate attractive, competitive and innovative product solutions to industrial end users. “We seek out strategic alliances and col-

laborators that fit with Rockwell Automation’s view of maximum quality standards through a solution with maximum compliance,” Van Wyk said. Stephan Smit, Operations Director, Low Voltage Switchboards said the company was an SABS-certified assembler of IEC 60439and 61439-compliant electrical switchboards, “aligning ourselves with the CUBIC modular panel system brand”. “These systems provide solutions for main distribution boards, marine panels, MCCs, fully withdrawable systems, PLC panels, 19” modular racks and desks in a range of steels.” Since its formation in 2009, the collabora-

tion has supplied EC&I systems to some of the largest mining projects in the world, including the world’s two-largest gold mines, located in Central Africa. “These are systems providing critical control functions in tremendously hostile environments, with high ambient temperatures and high humidity in extremely remote locations,” Van Wyk said. “We’ve supplied equipment to a large portfolio of mining projects in sub-Saharan Africa that cover a range of minerals, from a large ilmenite plant in Madagascar to uranium mines in Namibia. Outside of mining, we’ve supplied critical solutions in oil and gas; food and beverage; and water and wastewater treatment plants.” Enquiry no: 61

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February / March 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

ENGINEERING & ALLIED SUPPLIES

Adding value, cutting costs with latest laser cutting tech

inisa Steel Solutions recently took what it describes as a “quantum leap” forward in its production and processing with the purchase of a BLM Adige LT Fibre tube laser from local distributors First Cut. With 60 years of industry experience, First Cut is a leading South African distributor of a range of cutting consumables and capital equipment. “We chose BLM and First Cut on the strength of our previously positive experience with them at BSI Steel. During installation, commissioning and training phases, we were pleased with the professionalism and unstinting assistance which both companies afforded us,” said Qinisa’s Managing Director Jerry Govender. Both Govender and Director Grant Mackenzie have many years of experience in the engineering and steel industries, most recently having been COO and CEO of BSI Steel respectively. Qinisa Steel Solutions focuses on supply-

ing infrastructure development projects in the renewable energy sector, as well as in the rail, automotive, mining, and power generation sectors. The new fibre tube laser is now playing a pivotal role in offering a technologically superior service to its customers in these industries. The company’s steel processing capacities includes band saw-cutting, CNC beam and structural steel drilling, fabrication and managing hot dip galvanizing after primary processing. Now, Qinisa is able to add state-of-the-art fibre tube laser cutting to its customer offering, resulting in significant manufacturing gains for its customers. “Importantly, we are able to project manage and quality control all aspects of the supply chain, from procurement of raw materials until final delivery to site,” said Govender. Andrew Poole, Managing Director of First Cut said fibre tube laser was revolutionising the laser cutting industry globally - and now locally in South Africa - as it reduces process-

Split cylindrical roller bearings

MG’s comprehensive range of bearings - which extends from miniature bearings for specialist applications, to large steel mill bearings - includes HKT split cylindrical roller bearings. This series is designed for efficient installation, simplified maintenance and reduced downtime in arduous applications. “HKT split cylindrical roller bearings have a robust clamp ring design that offers cage alignment and simplified maintenance procedures. Split bearings are recommended for improved performance in difficult applications, particularly when the replacement of standard mounted bearings involves the removal of machinery and components, like large gearboxes and couplings,” says Rouff Essop, general man-

ager, bearings, BMG. “The main components of HKT split bearings are made in two halves for simple assembly, without the need for conventional axial threading and special mounting requirements of sold bearings. “This range is designed for interchangeability with competitor split bearings to enable quick and easy replacement, be it for the bearing, housing or pedestal, thus reducing downtime. “HKT spilt roller bearings can withstand operation in arduous conditions where dust, moisture, chemicals, heat and dirt would normally affect performance. Split bearings cope with high radial loads, have greater speed

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ing times to a fraction of those of conventional CO2 lasers. “In addition, with electricity being a major input cost in manufacturing, fibre tube laser cuts power consumption by approximately 50%. “The LT Fibre tube laser from BLM which we supplied to Qinisa offers the highest cutting precision, quality and consistently repeatable accuracy in thin to medium wall thickness tube processing. In addition, the laser can cut metals with highly reflective surfaces such as stainless steel, aluminium, copper and brass – as well as normal carbon steel - without impairing its functioning in any way,” Poole said. With the new LT Fibre tube laser, complex cutting and slotting of mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium tube can now be done in far less time than previously. The machine can handle closed and open section sizes from 15mm to 152mm. “A major advantage of the new machine is capabilities and operate efficiently at elevated temperatures. “If split roller bearings are used in conjunction with suitable lubricants, service life is further extended, maintenance requirements are minimal and downtime is significantly reduced. Because the volume of the grease injection varies according to specific operating speeds and different bore sizes and various types of sealant are applied, it is important to get professional advice from BMG’s technical team.” HKT manufactures various kinds and sizes of cylindrical bearings, including split cylindrical roller bearings with a housing and support and alignable split cylindrical roller bearings with a standard plummer

From left, Grant Mackenzie, Director, Qinisa Steel Solutions; Jerry Govender, Managing Director, Qinisa Steel Solutions; Neil Labuschagne, Technical Sales – Tube Division, First Cut. that the cut components are cleanly and accurately cut and are burr-free,” said Mackenzie. “Virtually any profile can be cut into the end of a tube or along its length with applications not limited to innovative jointing in tubular steel structures but also in the automotive, office furniture and decorative industries.”

Enquiry no: 62

block – the SPL series. The HKT split cylindrical roller bearings range consists of the 100 series for light applications, the 200 series for heavy industries and the 300 and 400 series for extra heavy and high speed applications. Components include a bearing which has two halves, consisting of the outer and inner ring, the clamping ring, cylindrical roller and cage assembly, housing (cartridge) and support (pedestal). The outer and inner rings have angle joints to ensure continuity of contact with rollers and the two halves of the inner ring are fitted on the shaft by two clamping rings. There should be a gap at the joint (between 0,35 mm to 0,55 mm) to ensure full contact between the bore of the inner ring and shaft. Enquiry no: 63

February / March 2017

ENGINEERING & ALLIED SUPPLIES

KZN Industrial & Business News

Ensuring consistent gas purity

n the business of industrial gas production, consistent product quality is an absolute requirement. To ensure this consistency is maintained, raw gas from production facilities is tapped off their main supply lines for analysis. However, this gas is often saturated with water, which hampers reliable analysis. Here RTS Africa Engineering, a Tshwane-based engineering solutions provider, has come up with an innovative solution in the form of the RTS Africa desiccant dryer. “Our desiccant dryer ensures reliable analysis and, consequently, stable and consistent quality for users of industrial gases,” said Ian Fraser, Managing Director of RTS Africa Engineering. In some applications, moisture in gases used in industry can cause serious damage to plant and loss of production, he added. ‘Wet’ gas is piped into the dryer through its 1/4” NPT stainless-steel needle valve, which regulates the gas flow. The dryer consists of a transparent PVC or Perspex tube fitted with PVC ends. The gas passes through a waterabsorbing bed consisting of fused-alumina pellets. While the RTS Africa desiccant dryer is most commonly used to dry hydrogen or oxygen, it is suitable for drying numerous other gases. The dryer can be installed in plants of varying sizes, as it will handle a flow rate of between 100ml/minute and 1000ml/minute and a maximum pressure of 0.5kPa. In its operating environment, it will function efficiently in temperatures of up to 75˚ C. For plant operators, the fact that the dryer is transparent greatly aids in its monitoring. The desiccating pellets, when dry, are bright orange, progressively turning to dark blue when they are loaded with water. Operators can easily observe this and either change the saturated pellets for dry, or place the pellets in an oven at 110˚C for an hour to dry them. “Installation of our desiccant dryers in the sample line after the pressure regulator and before the analyser is very simple,” said Fraser, adding that, apart from changing or regenerating the pellets, the dryer is maintenance-free. He advised that unions should be fitted at both the inlet and outlet connections to facilitate removal of the dryer for desiccant regeneration or replacement. Fraser said RTS Africa desiccant dryer fits in with the company’s gas analyser business, particularly its H2Scan hydrogen analysers, which provide hydrogen-specific monitoring solutions that are able to detect and measure hydrogen against virtually any background Enquiry no: 64 gases, without false readings.

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New bearings simplify the woodworking industry

oth speed and precision are desirable attributes for the bearings used in spindles for machine tooling applications. High-speed capability and accuracy are significant factors also for woodworking and other ‘soft material’ industries, Add the increasing pressures of a globalised market – productivity, efficiency, competition – and the buyers of bearings for electrospindles are eager for ways to improve quality without increasing costs. SKF is a major supplier of bearings for HSD, one of the world’s leading producers of electrospindles for woodworking applications. As such, SKF decided to work with its long-time customer to develop a new series of bearings that would meet the needs of its client and the industry as a whole. HSD (the name stands for “high speed development”), located in Pesaro, Italy, represents 60% of the world market for electrospindles for light applications, and, as such, is the industry’s point of reference. HSD and SKF have been collaborating since 1992, when the former was founded. SKF provides a bearing not only for HSD’s spindles but across the customer’s product range, including boring heads, 5-axis heads, and aggregates. “From the outset, the Italian company was drawn by SKF’s reputation for quality and its technical support, as well as the breadth and depth of SKF’s assortment of super-precision bearings,” a statement from SKF said. So in 2012, Mario Mattia, SKF Sales Manager Machine tools Italy, and Massimo Sandri, SKF Account Manager Machine tools

Italy, sat down with the managers of HSD to define the requisites for a new competitive bearing specifically for woodworking sector spindles. “Our challenge was to develop a standardised product that would satisfy the requirements of different clients. We realised it was a demanding task,” said Mattia. SKF also talked with the technical offices of other clients to define the main requirements of spindles dedicated to this application. The next six months were devoted to internal development and testing. By 2013, SKF was ready to supply prototypes to HSD. “We got it right the first time because HSD was fully convinced after testing the prototypes,” said Mattia. By mid 2014, SKF was supplying a series range of bearings and at the end of the year it signed an 18-month contract with HSD. SKF had developed what is now the S70 W series, sealed super-precision hybrid angular contact ball bearings for woodworking applications. “Listening to our customers’ needs, we found that an18° contact angle was the optimized solution,” said Sandri. The bearing was also designed to deliver accurate preload, prior to mounting, equal to zero and is available in a range from 25 to 55 mm shaft diameter. The solution has an optimised PEEK cage with patented design that reduces noise and vibration, especially at low to medium speeds.

It combines very high stability at low/medium speeds with the ability to accommodate very high speeds (speed factor A = 1.6 million n dm). “As a result, the client perceives a betterrunning product,” said Mattia. The rolling elements are made of bearing grade silicon nitride Si3N4 and rings of bearing steel. These hybrid bearings offer higher speed capability, more rigidity, less energy consumption, reduced frictional heat, reduced centrifugal and inertial forces within the bearing. They are also less prone to damage in situations of rapid starts and stops. The bearings have non-contact seals fitted on both sides and are filled with premium grease. These sealed bearings have been filled with the appropriate amount of high-quality grease under exacting conditions at the SKF factory. The seals hold the lubricant inside so the client can use the bearings directly without having to lubricate. Therefore, mounting time for the client is faster. This feature also avoids possible contamination or introduction of impurities and has been so well received that, according to Mattia, other clients who had not previously considered sealed bearings are now using them. Special packaging with 15 bearings per box means the result is less handling and materials disposal for the client, and easier logistics for both supplier and customer. Enquiry no: 66

New app makes for easy product identification

he frustration of manually typing a product’s details or serial number into a registration form for product identification is now a thing of the past thanks to the new Bosch Pocket Assistant app, which provides such data automatically via smartphone. Bosch Pocket Assistant helps tradespeople find the right tool or accessory quickly and effortlessly. “It is all possible thanks to a new product identification function implemented by Bosch in this form for the first time worldwide,” said Bosch Professional Senior Brand Manager Campbell Mhodi. This combines various technologies, such as image and text recognition, to ensure that

EXELTOP

reliable results are obtained in a single scan. As an extension of the Bosch Toolbox app, the new Bosch Pocket Assistant is available free of charge as an add-on. “All it takes is three simple steps: just open the Pocket Assistant app, scan the Bosch product or accessory packaging using your smartphone, and you will have access to all available information about the product, including technical details and application videos,” Mhodi said. The Pocket Assistant goes a step further in not only recognising the scanned product, but also giving recommendations as to which accessories are best suited. In addition, tradespeople have the added convenience of being able to order tools and accessories directly online via the app.

Due to its cloud-based solution, it is easy to access product information anytime. Requesting repairs, is also simplified by the Pocket Assistant. Tool registration is simple and quick thanks to TrackMyTools, the cloudbased Bosch system for administration and localisation of workshop equipment. “Automatic registration saves time and rules out errors resulting from manual transfer, placing the Pocket Assistant at a distinct advantage.” The Pocket Assistant is now available as a free add-on to the Bosch Toolbox app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store for smartphones with Android and iOS operating systems. “The Pocket Assistant app is confirmation that Bosch is systematically utilising the possibilities of networking and the increasing use of smartphones to deliver innovative solutions Enquiry no: 67 for professionals,” Mhodi said.

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February / March 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

PACKAGING

KZN packaging company’s merger plans blocked B ANKS are not the only ones feeling the heat from the Competition Commission. African News Agency reports that the commission recently prohibited two merger bids on the part of KwaZulu-Natal-based Corruseal Group. The packaging giant intended to acquire two privately-owned sheet board makers, Boxlee and Pride Pak Packaging. Corruseal owns varying interests in several businesses, most of which operate in the industry for the manufacture and supply of packaging products including containerboard paper, corrugated board as well as corrugated packaging. Johannebsurg-based Boxlee and Pride Pak

manufacture and supply corrugated boxes and packaging, including single face board, regular slotted containers, dye cut self-erecting containers and trays. The merger assessment primarily focused on coordinated effects likely to arise in the market for the manufacture and supply of corrugated board and in the market for the manufacture and supply of corrugated packaging. The commission said it conducted this assessment in light of ongoing collusion investigations in the industry and in the affected markets. The commission also said it found that the industry and the affected markets were characterised by high levels of concentration along

the value chain, market transparency, multi-market contact, high and increasing barriers to entry, amongst other considerations. Therefore the Commission found that the proposed transactions were likely to substantially prevent or lessen competition as a result of strengthened coordination in the affected markets. "There are significant concerns that the proposed mergers would make the market more conducive to coordination on prices by firms in the corrugated board and packaging markets," deputy commissioner, Hardin Ratshisusu said

in a statement. "Further concentration in these markets would significantly lessen competition to the detriment of consumers." – Staff reporter/ANA Enquiry no: 68

Polystyrene recycling in SA exceeds expectations

OLYSTYRENE recycling in South Africa has continued to grow in 2016, contrary to international reports that labelled this

versatile product as challenging to recycle and sometimes even as being unrecyclable. According to Polystyrene Packaging Council Director, Adri Spangenberg, the reprocessing of expanded and high impact polystyrene has increased by 106 % between the period 2013 and 2015 in South Africa owing to the fact that more end-markets were developed and knowledge of the fact that the material can successfully be reused in various different applications, continued to grow. “We are still awaiting the official recycling figures for 2016, but early indications show that approximately 3 600 tons of recycled polystyrene were added to the traditional recycling figures – making this our best year to date,” Spangenberg said. “We have managed to prove that polystyrene can successfully be recovered from households and industries by working closely with waste management companies and municipalities. Moreover, our recycling projects are undoubtedly successful and yet another proof that South Africa is a truly unique country. “We may be small, but we have our own way of doing things and have an ability to find solutions to problems that the rest of the world might find insurmountable,” she said. Polystyrene is widely being used by spaza shops, take-away vendors, cafeterias and supermarkets around the country. It’s popular because it insulates food and beverages, protects food and contents, is costeffective, lightweight and convenient.

Although it is a single-use plastic item, it gets recycled into items that continue to improve lives and create jobs in a variety of different industries, ranging from building and construction, to picture frames, cornices and home décor, clothing hangers and stationery. “Last year alone, 2 036 tons of polystyrene

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Enquiry no: 69

Investing in skills development

TAFF and skills development is an important priority for Pyrotec PackMark, a brand within the privately-owned Pyrotec stable which offers a comprehensive range of labelling, coding, print and apply labelling equipment, and consumables. To do this, Pyrotec invests in various training activities that include on-the-job training and ensuring staff are exposed to new systems and

Founded in 1969, Air Products South Africa has built a reputation for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety, quality and the environment. In addition the company aims to continue its growth and market leadership position in the Southern African region.

were successfully recycled for use in lightweight concrete through our Project Build,” Spangeberg said. Hilton Cowie (pictured) of Greenlite Concrete in Cape Town and Hennie Snyman of the Get Connected Group in Gauteng represented the two biggest projects the PSPC currently supports, and uses recycled, postconsumer polystyrene for large commercial and residential construction projects around the country. “We needed to have hammer mills installed at both these premises last year in order to assist with the processing of the large volumes of polystyrene that are required for their construction projects. These mills are capable of palletizing 150 kg of expanded polystyrene per hour in order to keep up with the demand,” she said. Another area that has seen impressive growth in the amount of recycled polystyrene it used, was the home décor market. More than 1 377 tons of expanded and high impact polystyrene were recycled last year for use in picture frames, cornices and curtain rods through the PSPC’s Project Dècor. “Apart from the fact that it helped divert polystyrene from landfill, we are particularly pleased that this is another market where jobs and products were manufactured locally as opposed to relying on cheap imports from the Far East that have a detrimental impact on our own markets,” Spangenberg said.

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technologies. Additional training for personal development is also provided in the form of attitude, diversity and presentation skills. “From a technical point of view, each year at least two of Pyrotec PackMark’s technicians receive the opportunity to attend training abroad at Markem-Imaje and ALTech’s facilities in Europe, depending on the equipment and new technologies being released,” said General Manager, Brandon Pearce. “This training ensures their expertise remains up to date with the latest technological advances in our fields, and equips them with the skills needed to provide input into the development of the department and add value to our businesses objectives. It also ensures service excellence, delivered by staff who feel empowered and have the skills and efficiency to assist customers to achieve their operational goals. “Besides the training our staff receive at our principal’s prem-

ises, they also benefit from meeting other distributors and have the opportunity to share knowledge, best practice and experiences with their global counterparts,” Pearce added. “Staff training is of vital importance to ensure that our business grows and continues to set the industry benchmark in terms of service excellence, technological advancements, and delivering industry-leading equipment and products. Also of great importance is that our staff continue to feel valued and that they achieve personal growth and recognition as their skills develop. “We live in an ever-changing world and everyone needs to stay abreast of technology to ensure the company’s success and that of its customers.” Enquiry no: 70

February / March 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

Big jump in turnover, profit for Durban IT group D URBAN-headquartered IT services group Adapt IT has reported a 48% increase in turnover and a 32% jump in profit for the six months ended 31 December 2016. Turnover for the six months ended 31 December 2016 increased 48% to R460.7 million, the group said. This was largely driven by its acquisitions during the period. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation

(EBITDA) increased 44% to R89.9 million. Operating profit increased 32% to R69.5 million. Organic growth was 4% and acquisitive growth was 44%, it said. Acquisitive growth was boosted in the period by the inclusion of the CQS group (CQS) which was consolidated with effect from 31 December 2015 and had no contribution to turnover in the prior interim results. “Utilising significant gearing for the

first time to acquire CQS was beneficial for our shareholders, as Adapt IT could quite comfortably take on the debt, avoiding unnecessary shareholder dilution,” said CEO Sbu Shabalala (pictured). For the first time, the company has disclosed normalised headline earnings per share (HEPS) as a result of the high non-cash expenses in terms

of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) due to its acquisitions. HEPS were declared at 24.41 cps, while normalised HEPS was reported at 34.74 cps. The company reported an interim dividend of 13.40 cps. “Despite the challenging market conditions, our outlook remains positive as we continue to

build on the strong, well-diversified foundation, to create a sizeable, leading ICT business that delivers above ICT sector average growth and returns,” Shabalala said. Adapt IT provides software solutions and services to the education, manufacturing, energy and financial services sectors. It has customers in 40 countries across Africa, Australasia, Europe and North America. Enquiry no: 71

‘SpotLight’ on tech innovation for supply chain industry Adri Clayton (left), EIMS portfolio manager and Thula Dlamini, TPT KZN Regional Manager: Business Planning and Performance Monitoring

RANSNET Port Terminals (TPT) recently hosted a demonstration and interactive workshop at its Durban Container Terminal to educate its supply chain about how to use is new SpotLight app to quickly and easily track and trace vessels, containers and trucks within TPT’s respective container terminal operations. TPT said in a statement that it had identified technology as an area where it can “evolve and adopt digital innovations that will add real value to TPT’s customers and stakeholders”. “In 2017 we are looking to promote the use of our SpotLight App to all customers and stakeholders because we really believe the convenience of this portal will not only add value to the customer, but it will also assist us in improving relations with our

customers and clients,” said Thula Dlamini, TPT KZN Regional Manager: Business Planning and Performance

Monitoring. “Transnet prides itself on a culture of innovation. The SpotLight Application is proof that Transnet aims to consistently improve our customer experience and excel in the customer value creation.” The SpotLight App, which is available for free on the Google Play Store for Android phones and Apple iTunes for iPhones, was developed internally by TPT over a period of three years. It allows for better planning and awareness of weather conditions that may affect TPT terminals by providing updates on the weather and wind speeds in all major cities. Push notifications have been built into the app to also further assist users with any relevant announcements – such as congestion or delays that are loaded and received instantly via the

application. According to the GM of ICT at TPT, Deirdre Ackermann, the app is an exciting first step to realising the desired goal of Intelligent Ports in Durban and other major port cities. “Transnet still has some way to go before our major Ports in South Africa

are regarded as Intelligent Ports but our SpotLight App is an important and exciting part of this journey”. “There are many benefits for stakeholders dealing in containers to enjoy when using this app that includes tracking, planning and the overall streamlining of operations - plus the

peace of mind that there is no risk of containers being stolen. The information provided through the application is the information that transporters have access to now, which is real-time,” said Ackermann. Enquiry no: 72

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February / March 2017

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

KZN Industrial & Business News

Cementing sustainability through energy efficiency initiatives J udicious energy usage is not just a passing concern, but should now be a fundamental part of every organisation’s operational philosophy. That’s the view of AfriSam and to this end the cement maker is focused on reducing its consumption of both thermal and electrical energy, while simultaneously increasing its use of renewable energy. Hannes Meyer, cementitious executive at AfriSam, said energy accounts for almost 40% of all costs related to the manufacturing of its products, so not only do the company’s energy efficiency initiatives reduce its carbon footprint, but it also makes good business sense. AfriSam launched its energy efficiency drive in 2000 when it embarked on Project Green Cement, which resulted in the reduction of the clinker content of cement and a subsequent lowering of the total energy required for manufacturing. Since then, the organisation has promoted a number of projects that support its original energy reduction programme. In 2004 the company undertook a major upgrade to the Dudfield Kiln 3 with precalciner and this was followed by the signing of the Energy Efficiency Accord (replaced by the Energy Efficiency Leadership Network in 2012) between a number of companies and the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME). The installation of the Vertical Roller Mill at AfriSam’s Roodepoort cement factory in 2009 saw the company producing cement at the lowest possible electricity usage. In an industry first, in 2010 the company

launched its Eco Building Cement, which resulted in the lowering of its carbon footprint to half that defined by the World Resource Institute and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. This led to recognition of its energy reduction initiatives by Nedbank. A further award, the Mail and Guardian’s Greening the Future accolade, was presented to AfriSam in 2011 for its emissions reduction and energy management programmes. The following year, AfriSam became the first cement company to pledge support for Eskom’s R49-million campaign to demonstrate its commitment to the global agenda of energy efficiency. More recently, the company has implemented the co-processing of tyres in kilns as part of the manufacturing process at its Dudfield and Ulco operations, thereby reducing the usage of traditional fossil fuels. The company also introduced an Energy Policy aimed at actively further reducing its consumption of non-renewable energy and

the installation of the Cement Mill 6 (CM6) separator at Ulco forms part of this. This will change the circuit to a closed circuit mill, allowing AfriSam to mill cement more efficiently. The project is anticipated to result in a 10% energy efficiency improvement for the mill. Another project, currently in the pipeline at the Ulco operation, is a Waste Heat Recovery System. High temperature gas, normally vented through the kiln stack, is utilised to generate electricity which will be recirculated for use in the plant. Enquiry no: 73

New fork level detector a world first

MERSON Automation Solutions has launched the Rosemount 2140, the world’s first wired Hart vibrating fork level detector. It says the device, which offers enhanced ease-of-use, smart diagnostics, and remote proof-testing capability, also provides reliable level detection while helping increase safety and efficiency of both plant and workers. “The Rosemount 2140 performs in applications with high temperatures and harsh conditions unsuitable for other level monitoring devices. It is easy to install and maintain as there are no moving parts,” a statement from the company said. It added that the device is virtually unaffected by flow, bubbles, turbulence, foam,

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vibration, sediments content, coating, liquid properties and product variations. It can be used to monitor not only liquids but also liquid-to-sand interface, which enables the build-up of sand or sludge deposits in a tank to be detected. Compatible with the Hart 5 and Hart 7 hosts, the Rosemount 2140 enables operators to continuously monitor electronic and mechanical health. Frequency Profiling functionality immediately detects any build-up, fork blockage, or excessive corrosion, indicating maintenance may be required and allowing this to be scheduled during periods of downtime. In addition, Power Advisory functionality monitors voltage and current drawn over the device’s lifetime with a Process Alert for potential issues that could become a problem, such as corrosion. An optional inte700 6250 E: marketing@rubberengineeringsa.com gral LCD display shows switch output W: www.rubberengineeringsa.com states and diagnos-

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tics so an operator can inspect the device locally. Also, selectable Media Density and Media Learn functions help configure appropriate density settings to calculate and maintain optimum and consistent switching points in fluids of unknown properties so the device always switches with the highest degree of reliability. For safety-critical applications, a dedicated version of the Rosemount 2140 certified to IEC61508 is available with a 97% safe failure fraction and 96% diagnostics coverage, making it one of the safest devices in the current SIL2 market. For installations within safety instrumented systems, a fully-integrated remote proof-testing capability eliminates the need to access the top of the vessel for extracting the device from the process. “This saves time and increases process availability, worker safety and efficiency,” the company said.

Enquiry no: 74

February / March 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

Protecting goods in transit

HE transport and logistics sector faces a unique challenge when it comes to securing goods end-to-end throughout the transport process. While areas like warehouses are fairly straightforward to monitor, when it comes to goods in transit things become a little more difficult. This is according to Laurence Smith (pictured), an Executive at Graphic Image Technologies Surveillance solutions have in the past proven tricky to effectively implement, as transport vehicles are moving targets that often range great distances through very remote areas, and the mobile coverage and bandwidth required to transmit footage has simply not been available. While mobile coverage has improved in South Africa, the real solution lies in surveillance solutions that utilise very low bandwidth and can continue to transmit even when signal drops to Edge or even GPRS. This makes live, proactive monitoring of transport vehicles a viable option throughout their journey, significantly enhancing security. Making use of a Mobile Digital Video Recorder (MDVR) that enables high quality live streaming of video footage using cellular and wireless technologies is a central component of such a solution. This footage can be streamed live either to a mobile device or to a central control room, or both, and can also be recorded. This enables proactive security to be implemented on vehicles carrying goods that are frequently subject to heists, as well as vehicles traveling through remote or dangerous areas.

An intelligent mobile DVR solution should incorporate full GPS support as well as a chassis that is anti-shock and vibration resistant to withstand conditions on the road and ensure complete reliability on the move. Multiple cameras need to be supported and able to connect to a single DVR, to cover various areas and angles. It is also important to be able to incorporate door sensors to improve vehicle monitoring and increase the safety of drivers and personnel traveling on the vehicles. USB modems should be included to allow for video to be constantly streamed, and built-in Wi-Fi will enable wireless backup of stored video to be sent to a storage server. Another essential characteristic is the ability to utilise advanced compression capabilities to enable video streaming using any mobile data available, from 3G right down to GPRS. This means that footage can be recorded and streamed in any mobile coverage situation, maximising coverage while minimising the cost of bandwidth. Built-in Wi-Fi can also help to further reduce costs since it enables transmission over Wi-Fi link when available. Securing goods in transit as well as protecting the people charged with transporting goods is an essential, and often challenging task. Proactive surveillance and live monitoring can make all the difference, allowing for action to be taken swiftly and capturing footage to help identify and convict the Enquiry no: 75 perpetrators.

New boss for space agency

r Valanathan D Munsami (pictured) has been appointed

as the successor to Dr Sandile Malinga as the new CEO for the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). Malinga left the Agency in August 2016 following five years as inaugural CEO and Board member, Potlaki Maine

was appointed as interim CEO to manage the agency during the appointment process of a permanent CEO. Munsami has held a number of positions within the Department of Science and Technology, with the latest position held being the Chief Science and Technology Representative since February Enquiry no: 76 2016.

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COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

R1,3m robot for Pinetown auto accessories company

fter a successful 2016, Pinetown-based premium automotive accessory manufacturing company Maxe is looking to take its production to the next level this year with the purchase of a plasma robot. Partnering Toyota in the supply of accessories for the launch of the new Hilux and Fortuner, Maxe came up with several innovative designs to complement the new styling and looks of both models. The louvre design was carried through to the sports bar, side steps and rear step, styling which is exclusive to Maxe and which is now becoming a common sight on Hilux and Fortuner models across the country. Maxe also received Toyota SA’s Supplier of the Year Award, which recognises innovative designs, service delivery, and product quality. “Maxe was able to support all pro-

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jects timeously, was able to achieve 95.5% supply rate within a two-day period and was able to develop an exciting range of styling products for the New Hilux. We are quite proud of the achievements and the dedication of this supplier,” a Toyota SA spokesperson said. According to a statement from Maxe, the R1.3-million investment in

the new robot was prompted by higher quality standards, requirements for precision manufacturing, and its desire to create further innovative designs and products, “Not only will this raise the bar of the current superior quality levels of the products produced by Maxe, but it will enable them to continue to produce innovative designs, allowing them to keep up with market trends, and continue to be the leading manufacturer of stainless steel and mild steel accessories for motor dealers in South Africa and beyond,” the company said. “Further investment is planned for the current year which will enable Maxe to cement its position as the leading supplier of premium automotive accessories in this category.” Enquiry no: 77

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February / March 2017

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

KZN Industrial & Business News

New HVAC drives for big pharmaceutical distributor

EW-Eurodrive has successfully supplied Movitrac LTP-B Eco HVAC drive units to DSV Healthcare of Meadowview, Johannesburg. Designed and engineered specifically to optimise fan and pump performance in HVAC applications, the drive was launched at Electra Mining 2016. This is the first application of the new technology in South Africa. The new HVAC drives are an integral part of DSV Healthcare’s facilitywide Building Management System from Johnson Controls. Maintenance Manager Peet van der Linde said the Medicines Control Council, which regulates the Medicines and Related Substances Act for the manufacture, distribution, sale, and marketing of medicines, requires the facility to

maintain a constant humidity of 60% and a temperature of 22°C. “If the humidity and temperature level of our facility goes out of range, it becomes a reportable deviation after 24 hours. This means we end up with critical stock that cannot be distributed. Therefore, it is vital that the internal environment be maintained within the prescribed parameters,” Van der Linde said. DSV Healthcare decided to opt for the Movitrac LTP-B Eco HVAC drive units from SEW-Eurodrivef ollowing lightning damage of existing competitor units. Despite heavy storm conditions following the successful installation, the drive units have performed flawlessly, said Mechatronic Sales Engineer Hendri Oosthuizen.

“These units were supplied to run the centrifugal evaporator fans for the client’s building air-conditioners. They offer exceptional reliability and longevity due to the fact that they are supplied with built-in line filters.” Oosthuizen noted that the design specifications were three-phase 400 V supply, 15 kW HVAC drives, while the installation requirements were IP55, analogue setpoint control, and relay feedback for running and alarm status. The main advantage of the new HVAC drive is that it is designed for maximum motor-control efficiency. Efficiency is improved by up to 4% compared to standard AC drives, whilst also reducing supply current total harmonics distortion (iTHD), improving the Real Power Factor and reducing total input current, leading to cost savings on installation through reduced cable and fuse ratings and smaller supply transformer rating. Enquiry no: 78

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Africa’s largest product sourcing expo rebranded to ‘meet buyers’ demands’

RADE buyers arriving in Johannesburg this year are promised an exciting new SAITEX event, offering more new products that meet the demands of increasingly discerning African consumers Africa’s largest international product sourcing expo has been rebranded and relaunched this year to meet the needs of a fastchanging African market, which has seen a surge in affluent buyers. For more than 20 years SAITEX, in Johannesburg, has attracted retail and trade buyers from across Africa who meet exhibitors with products from all over the world. In Africa, the number of middleincome consumers has rocketed with online shopping enjoying one of the fastest growth rates in the world as affluent shoppers take advantage of the latest technology. “In Africa, more people now own smart phones than televisions,” said Christine Davidson, vice president of show organiser DMG EMS Africa. “Consumers browse retail sectors from around the world, so they are more selective and understand the market – whether that’s electronic goods or clothing or a thousand products in between. The competition has never been greater and consumers have never been more aware. “The retail industry knows this

and SAITEX provides the forum for them to source the right products, where they can also meet face-to-face with those suppliers and establish successful partnerships,” Davidson said. The success of SAITEX draws buyers from across the continent, offering South African businesses exhibiting at the show the same export opportunity to set up new supply chains. SAITEX was acquired last year by DMG events Middle East, Asia & Africa. “The rebrand and repositioning is reflected in everything we do in terms of content, visitor and exhibitor engagement, show collateral and website,” said Davidson. “SAITEX is a unique show with a unique heritage, which DMG Events is proud to own. Last year it attracted more than 400 exhibitors from 25 countries. In 2017 we will incorporate the changes in the rapidly changing retail sector into this great show, on the most exciting continent in the world.” Alongside SAITEX a new conference Trade Buzz 2017 offers attendees information on the latest trends, challenges and outlook for the retail and wholesale trade in Africa. SAITEX 2017 is at The Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg, from June 25 to 27, as part of Retail and Hospitality Week 2017. Enquiry no: 79

February / March 2017

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

KZN Industrial & Business News

Leveraging software for smart control

New BACnet touchscreen thermostat

OHNSON Controls recently launched a new line of BACnet thermostats which it says was designed to grow. the network thermostat market. The T8800 series features Building Automation Systems (BAS) integration capabilities that enables remote monitoring and programmability for efficient temperature control and supports 2pipe or 4-pipe FCU applications. “We are seeing a growing trend with the increasing requirement to integrate multiple HVAC and BAS components and systems in the South African market,” said Neil Cameron, Johnson Controls Area General Manager: Building Efficiency: Africa. “The T8800 series is allowing companies to seamlessly incorporate an aesthetically modern yet simple to use touchscreen device into their existing BAS and fan coil HVAC environments. “Temperatures and timers can now be modified through the thermostat, enabling businesses to drive more efficiencies with regards to energy consumption

whilst delivering more flexibility for a comfortable and productive environment. An additional benefit is that the thermostat can be used with heating and cooling fan coil units.” Features and specifications include: • BACnet MS/TP communication - Supporting BAS integrations for up to 100 devices on Metasys Engines • Modern Design - Touch screen featuring easy user interface • Wide applications for Fan Coil Units - Models available are ON/Off, Proportional with 3 speed Fan control • Energy Saving - Occupied/ Unoccupied mode selection • Accepts remote temperature sensors - Connect to remote type II 10K NTC (e.g. TE-636S-1) • BTL Certified - BACnet Testing Laboratories Protocol Revision 12 (BTL) Listed BACnet Application Specific Controller (BASC) • Colour options - customised colour options for orders of 300 or Enquiry no: 80 more in quantity.

onveyors are the arteries of any bulk materials handling system. Irrespective of whether undertaking new conveyor construction or an upgrade, it is not only necessary to have access to in-depth engineering and design knowledge, it is critical to be able to execute a project no matter how remote the location. FLSmidth Roymec has a strong background in structural engineering, fabrication and successful project implementation for conveyor systems. According to the company, its major differentiator is its use of a sophisticated proprietary software programme which facilitates absolute control of all elements of the conveyor build. Patrick Smith, manager for scoping and business improvements at FLSmidth’s South African operation, said that while many companies

have the capability to fabricate conveyor structures and supply ancillary components for conveyor systems, none has access to this type of sophisticated process control. “Being fully aware of the need to optimise project schedules, and still retain absolute control of all aspects of a project, FLSmidth made a significant investment in developing this resource,” Smith said. “It allows us to partner effectively with customers from concept to completion, and access information whenever needed allowing an active responsive interface with all throughout the entire process. This allows significant productivity increases with associated cost reductions.” The FLSmidth smart numbering system uses the source information from the initial design through to the end of the project. Smith explained that it is a seamless process with integral capability to handle revisions. There is no manual input required and tracking continues through

design, in-house detailing, fabrication, galvanising, painting, trial assemblies, where relevant, through all logistics functions to final on-site installation. “Each project is controlled from the design phase where the smart number is conceived and this makes it easier to control the flow of materials to site,” Smith said. Jaco van der Westhuizen, senior developer, at FLSmidth’s South African operation has overseen the software design and implementation of the FLSmidth expedite system using an API interface to the Tekla drawing data. This allows the information to be made visible to all and facilitates the tracking process. “The software stores all the information from the Tekla models in one single database allowing easy access at any stage. This is an important advantage as it allows everyone involved on the project to access the information, and mine the information using the API interface,” Van der Westhuizen said.

EVERY PART MATTERS

Hose, electrical industries look to ID tagging

HE electrical, hose and general installation industries are demanding identification systems that are easy to read and install to allow for the traceability of hose or similar product. Band-It believes its Easy Read system offers increased peace of mind that all installations are tagged effectively. The benefit of having product marked clearly once out in the marketplace has become increasingly important, said Banding & Identification (ID) Solutions Africa Sales Representative Matthew Campbell. “Major players in the power utility, petrochemical and hose-

assembly industries deem the tagging of any installations or assembly to be essential.” In addition, such tags must be able to withstand highly-corrosive environments. This is where Easy Read from Band-It comes into its own, he said, as all the characters, carriers, strips and cable ties comprising the system are manufactured from Grade 316 stainless steel. Campbell said the system is easy to use as the characters are simply slid onto the carrier or strip in the necessary configuration, which is then installed using a Band-It stainless-steel tie. Enquiry no: 81

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Enquiry no: 82

February / March 2017

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

KZN Industrial & Business News

Fix that door before it breaks

OR optimum performance and to extend the life of your car, it is recommended youhave routine services done and change parts when required. Maxiflex believes the same advice applies to automated doors. “If you require your entrance systems to be safe and work continuously without breaking down, it is recommended to do preventative maintenance by a reliable company with trained technicians using original parts,” the industrial door systems company said in a statement. The Maxiflex portfolio includes Albany high speed doors, Crawford sectional doors, and Crawford loading dock equipment from ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems and the Teckentrup range of industrial roller doors. It said its technicians are trained and able to perform any service, repair or upgrade required on any of the products in the range. “Your doors and docking systems are vital

to the operation and sustainability of your business. They provide access to your facility and improve the flow of goods and people, and they help to prevent energy losses so a preventative maintenance program is key to extending the life of your equipment and avoiding problems before they occur.” An important consideration is the replacement of key components before they break. A door that breaks down may stand open needlessly causing a security risk and wasting energy. “With regular maintenance you can ensure that your equipment operates reliably and efficiently for peace-of-mind and consistent,

sustained energy savings. Combine this with upgrades and modernization you can extend the life of your equipment too. “When choosing entrance solutions for your business be sure to consider quality products from a company who is able to offer you service, maintenance and upgrades,” the company said. Maxiflex has over 25 years’ experience in servicing, maintaining and repairing industrial doors and loading dock equipment, with branches in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth. Enquiry no: 83

On-site mobile, energy efficient air delivery

ompressors are the lifeline on any job site for the reliable supply of quality portable air that is essential for powering air-dependent equipment. Atlas Copco Construction Technique’s Portable Energy division recently further extended its compressor offerings. The XAT(V)S 186 compressor range as well as the 8 Series have been boosted by the recent introduction of the new electric portable compressor, the XATS 900E. Portable Energy Business Line Manager David Stanford said the electric portable compressor combines smart engineering, proven technology and quality components. “The XATS 900E is perfectly suited to job sites with a ready supply of power. The unit’s corrosion-resistant canopy, designed for operation in all weather conditions, delivers both cost and time savings for the end user

as the need for additional rooms and enclosures is eliminated,” Stanford said. “This extremely userfriendly compressor can be conveniently placed anywhere at any time, ready to supply air when needed.” The XAT(V)S 186 and 8 Series compressors incorporate the latest advances in Atlas Copco’s pioneering air element design which delivers a number of cost saving benefits: Improved efficiency, reliability, reduced weight, increased machine lifetime and longer service intervals which for end users mean a reduction in operating costs and lowest overall cost of compressor ownership. “This is Portable Energy’s value proposition

that is embodied in all our air compressors and which differentiates us as a preferred supplier of portable energy products,” said Stanford. The 8 Series line-up, introduced in 2016, currently comprises ten models ranging from the XAS 38 Kd to the XAS 88 Kd with a free air delivery of 2m3/min and 5m3/min respectively. Two models in the range are supplied with built-in generators. The 8 Series compressors consume significantly less fuel (12% on average) and are up to 150kg lighter than comparable models. “The compact compressor which incorporates a full-size fuel tank, aftercooler and generator weighs less than 750kg,” said Stanford, adding that the largest compressor in the range (XAS 88 Kd) can be conveniently towed by a standard passenger vehicle. The 8 Series boasts a new and updated HardHat canopy. The company says easily accessible parts ensure simple service and that the 8 Series only requires an hour’s total service time over two years of operation. Enquiry no: 84

Condensation and corrosion control for metal roofs

he extensive range of Fibertex geotextiles, which is designed for use in the construction sector, includes Absorex - a non-woven material, that enhances the value of a building and protects its contents by preventing condensation and limiting corrosion. “Absorex is designed to control

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condensation and corrosion problems on metal and steel roofs in all climate conditions, including installations in harsh coastal environments,” said Lance Woolley, business development manager, Fibertex South Africa. “This durable material prevents water from dripping into buildings causing damage to furniture,

equipment and stored goods. Absorex also protects against mould growth and reduces reflective noise from rain. “In addition to protecting the roof against corrosion and keeping the building’s contents dry, the polyester layer improves aesthetics of the ceiling,” said Woolley. When temperature and humidity conditions of the roof structure reach dew point, Absorex applied on the roof panels absorbs moisture and contains it until conditions are back above dew point. The moisture is then released back into the air as vapour. Absorex is designed for easy application directly on the roll forming line of the steel metal at the roof manufacturer, where it is cut into sheets. This material, which is resistant to tearing and cutting through, has a self-adhesive coating and a siliconised foil protection layer which is removed

before application. There are three different materials in this range, with various qualities for water absorption – Absorex 416 09,5 CF 95 g/mᶟ, Absorex 416 09, 11 CF 110 g/ mᶟ and Absorex 416 09, 14 CF 140 g/mᶟ. This range is tested to stringent EN ISO 13501-1 specifications for fire retardancy, to meet new global standards for fire resistance, smoke development and burning drops. All roof panels applied with Absorex can be classified B-s1, d0. Absorex is also fungus tested to EN 14199 method A2 as a guarantee against mould growth. Fibertex offers support to its extensive range of woven and non-woven geotextiles with a technical advisory and back up service throughout Africa. Enquiry no: 85

February / March 2017

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

KZN Industrial & Business News

Enquiry Service

Safety first with range of workplace protection gear

URBAN-based Magnet is now offering the Dromex range of personal protection equipment (PPE) which it says offers optimum protection for workers from harmful hazards and ensures safety in dangerous conditions in the workplace. The Dromex range encompasses respiratory masks and cartridges, eye protection spectacles and goggles, ear plugs and ear muffs, gloves for hand protection and shoes or boots in the footwear range. Also available are lightweight flame retardant and acid resistant body protection garments. Key products include DW-NOMEX flame retardant suits and SABS D59 flame and acid suits, which are resistant to abrasion, tear and chemicals. “This durable work wear, consisting of jackets, pants and overalls, meets stringent local and international safety

specifications, including the SANS 434 standard for mark bearing work suits,” the company said in a statement. Dromex footwear is certified to ISO 20345:2011 standards for safety footwear. An easy to follow selection chart contains relevant information on classifications, categories and performance requirements, to ensure selection of the correct shoe or boot for the intended operation and potential hazards. DroVision goggles have a clear polycarbonate mono, scratch resistant lens and an elasticated and adjustable headband for optimum protection and maximum comfort. These goggles, which offer 120° lateral vision, are compatible with other respiratory equipment. Dromex personal protection equip-

For more information on product or service news please circle the number relevant to the article then return it to: KZN Industrial & Business News P O Box 1322 Wandsbeck 3631 or fax this coupon to enquiries at (031) 266 7514 or log on to www.mediaevents.co.za.

Name: ______________________________________________ Surname:____________________________________________ Designation:__________________________________________ Company: ___________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________ ______________________________ Postal Code:___________ ment complements Magnet’s portfolio of electrical equipment, industrial instrumentation and automation systems. PPE offers workers protection in diverse sectors, including mining and quarrying, construction and civil engineering, chemical plants, electrical installations, fire defence and shipEnquiry no: 86 ping.

Consistent, flexible performance and control OR panning operations pany said. pensing period to ensure proper coatF already using central fluid The AccuCoat ing weight. delivery and a hot water supsystem compoClaimed benefits include a 50% ply, the AccuCoat Central Panning System provides simplified control and significant cost benefits. That’s according to a statement from the company, which adds that the system ensures the proper coating weight is accurately and uniformly applied on the target – even if users need to change the spray time. “You’ll experience improved product quality, reduced use of costly coatings and decreased downtime,” the com-

nents include a control panel with touchscreen HMI and a fully jacketed liquid line and spray nozzle. A pressure transmitter is used to calculate the flow rate of liquids. The total weight added to the product is automatically tracked during the dis-

reduction in coating waste and batch times cut in half compared to manual ladling systems. Weight additions are tracked during spray coating and are fully programmable for operating flexibility, while the fully jacketed system maintains an optimal coating temperature. In addition, it decreases adhesion for light products such as coffee beans and provides precise application of a variety of coatings, including chocolates, glazes, oils and slurries.

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Enquiry no: 87

Go-anywhere rock drill for varied construction jobs

inding a rock drill that is versatile enough to work in all areas, regardless of space constraints and underfoot conditions, is a top requirement of construction fleet owners who additionally require power and reliability to ensure uninterrupted drilling when the pressure is on. “In this type of application, the Furukawa PCR200 rock drill is the perfect companion,” a statement from the company said. It is compact, yet powerful enough to undertake heavy drilling jobs in terrain that would be inaccessible to larger rigs. Simultaneously, due to its smaller footprint, it is also able to operate in the type of comparatively confined spaces that are often encountered in geotechnical and civils-types of applications. According to James Linton, national product manager for ELB Equipment, the sole distributors of Furukawa Rock Drill in southern Africa, the reason for the success of the rig is its go-anywhere versatility and simplicity. “Today a contractor might be drilling for foundations in an urban environment and tomorrow may require drill-

ing to be done on top of a rock outcrop in a rural environment,” Linton said. “The Furukawa PCR200 therefore provides them with an opportunity to tow it behind a vehicle across the roughest terrain where it can be pneumatically driven to the endlocation where drilling will take place.” This has earned it the nickname, Klipspringer, after the small and agile antelope that can jump from rockto-rock while maintaining speed and stamina to elude predators. Linton said the rig is a fully pneumatic crawler drill with a top hammer operation. Despite its size, it is a very powerful machine that has the ability to drill up to 102mm (4 inch) holes up to 20 metres in depth which is ideal for smaller-scale blasting. It also has a manual rod feed up to

20m with the ability to swing the boom horizontally and drill holes for foundations work and for pin bolts in ground stabilization etc. The Furukawa PCR200 also features dual control systems, on the platform and on the mast, which enables the operator to control drilling without an assistant. This makes it idea; for civils, small opencast blasting, pipeline installations, geotechnical, oversize boulder drilling, electric pylons or wherever holes are required. “Furukawa filled the niche for this type of drill so well that the PCR 200 has been around for 40 years. In its latest guise, it provides the perfect mix of ruggedness with ongoing technological improvements that make it more productive and even more reliaEnquiry no: 88 ble than ever before.”

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KZN Industrial & Business News

Tackling joblessness by plugging the ‘leaky bucket’

ecently, hundreds of residents huddled in a hall in Ixopo on a rainy day to celebrate an initiative named “Abashintshi” or “changers” in isiZulu. It was a graduation ceremony to honour 36 unemployed youngsters drawn from the surrounding rural areas, who have helped their communities become more self-reliant by using a system dubbed ABCD, or Asset-Based Community Development. It involves personal development training, budgeting and “the leaky bucket”, a term bandied around gleefully at the colourful ceremony of song and dance that drew in villagers, local leaders and corporate big wigs. The genesis of the story is this: DevCom, a multi-faceted company headquartered in Pretoria, was tasked by forestry and pulp & and paper company Sappi Southern Africa to improve stakeholder relations in the communities around its operations in KZN. After research involving 600 people in nine communities, the scale of poverty was determined. Over 90% unemployment, especially among residents aged between 18-25 yearsold. Most people with jobs in the area were either employed by Sappi or were Sappi contractors. Sappi and DevCom wanted a lasting intervention. Dr Terry Stanger, Managing Director of Sappi Forests in South Africa said the research revealed communities were “disillusioned and

often felt desperate and angry”. “We decided that we needed to start making a change in these communities,” and the exercise has had multiple benefits, including having improved relations between Sappi and neighboring communities. DevCom CEO Mari Lee said they introduced the ABCD, first pioneered in Canada, to provide dignity and self-sufficiency. “The sense of entitlement is a common narrative in South Africa: somebody must give me something, but that reinforces a bad belief, that you are not worth anything and you can’t do anything. People become paralysed by that mindset and then they become angry.” Enter the leaky bucket. After months of fieldwork in impoverished communities in forests around Ixopo, DevCom recruited 18 unemployed youngsters and subjected them to rigorous personal training. And, they introduced the leaky bucket. Essentially it calls on changers to raise awareness around community assets and to utilise these better. They drew literal maps of their areas, logging the resources, from pumpkin patches to crèches run by grandmothers. Then they got discussions going about how to utilise these resources and ensure that as much of the money in the community, stayed there, from earnings to social grant money. Plug the bucket, encourage local buying and

Port scoops top performance award

February / March 2017

INDUSTRY PEOPLE

ransnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA’s) Port of Richards Bay earned another feather in its cap during its 40th anniversary year by scooping the Top Performance Award at the 2016 Transnet Group Chief Executive’s Awards held in Johannesburg recently. The port’s big win over three other Transnet operating divisions followed an earlier victory in the same category at the TNPA Chief Executive’s Awards in August. Port Manager, Preston Khomo, said:

“Despite being a challenging year for the global economy, 2016 was a watershed year for the Port of Richards Bay as it marked 40 years since opening in 1976. Clinching this prestigious Transnet Group award is a great validation of the tremendous effort put in by our terminal operators and employees and we salute them for this.” During the year the port smashed a number of performance records, exceeded various financial targets and surpassed benchmarks under Transnet’s Shareholder

make sure the money doesn’t leak away. Over two years the 36 unemployed youngsters became agents of social change, helped by DevCom. The dropout rate was zero and their impact Abashintsh- An example of some of the on their communities has been enormous. DevCom’s Christine Breet headed up much start-up businesses that were inspired by the of the fieldwork and said recruits who were Abashintshi are these women that have started a chicken business originally obsessed with bursaries became seized with how they were empowering themselves and their neighbours. “We got them to keep money diaries. We Mthobisi Shezi, 23, was hanging about at asked them to call meetings, keep attendance home watching TV before he was recruited registers and start taking on responsibilities as an Abashintshi. Now he sells second-hand and to be accountable. They responded bril- clothing to his neighbours, significantly cheapliantly. They got involved in 92 initiatives that er than that on offer by chain stores in towns created or bolstered 258 jobs and reached faraway from where they live. about 18 000 people. It is not grand, it is at a Shezi makes R12 000 a month from this and micro level, but it works.” it emboldened him to open a spaza shop that By reflecting on local talents, skills and pulls in another R4000 a month. assets and mobilising these, the initiative drew Sappi’s Terry Stanger said his staff reported on youngsters and elders, harnessing talent improved relations because of Abashintshi. and wisdom. “We are ever-optimistic that through educaBreet said a “glass half full” rather than the tion and awareness the people in our com“glass half empty” mind-set was emphasised munities will grow in the appreciation of their by story telling and leveraging valuable culture assets and prosper as a result of this initiative. and tradition. Through development and engagement, comThe Abashintshi did all manner of things munities will realise economic upliftment and from organising holiday clubs for school chil- the value of communication. We see the future dren to rejuvenating chicken farms and brick- as one where neighbours work together and building enterprises. support each other for the benefit of all.” Enquiry no: 89 Participants described it as a huge success. Compact with its shareholder ministry, the Department of Public Enterprises. It also entrenched its position as South Africa’s leading port in terms of cargo volumes, handling its highest volume ever of 99.2 million tons. Another record-breaker was the port’s servicing of 2000 vessel arrivals for the first time in its history, representing 4000 vessel movements. The port also ensured that its surrounding communities were not forgotten, by delivering on various Corporate Social Investment initiatives that had a positive impact on disadvantaged communities in the region.

Khomo said a combination of competitive advantages had reinforced the Port of Richards Bay’s status as one of the preferred industrial hubs in the country. The deepwater port boasts a 22-metre-deep and 300-metre-wide entrance channel and a draught of 17 metres capable of handling Cape Sized Vessels of up to 200 000 tons. Six world-class licensed terminals ensure that clients can compete in the global arena. The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone linked to the port also encourages international competitiveness through its worldclass infrastructure. Enquiry no: 90

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