Kama more than doubles capacity in response to growing demand

Turnkey solutions provider Kama Industries more than doubled its manufacturing capacity when it moved to a new facility in August last year to meet escalating demand for the company’s products, which includes its Banshee explosion-proof range.

“This strategic transition not only facilitates meeting the escalating demand for our product ranges but also affords additional storage capacity for raw materials and finished goods, enhancing operational efficiency and scalability,” says Kama management system representative Istene Seiler.

The company was recognised for its growing exports when it was named the winner of the R25-million to R50-million a year category at the South African Capital Equipment Export Council’s (SACEEC’s) Exporter of the Year Awards in November last year.

“Being named the Exporter of the Year by the SACEEC is a prestigious achievement that brings numerous benefits to Kama, including enhanced credibility, market recognition and opportunities for further growth and development,” advances Seiler.

African countries are the main driving force behind export demand for Kama’s Banshee explosion-proof range, which accounts for 28% of the company’s exports.

The company believes Africa is most likely the primary destination for the specialised products comprising its Banshee explosion-proof range, owing to the continent’s extensive mining and petrochemical facilities.

The company’s flameproof range encompasses a diverse array of fast-moving and slow-moving items. With orders received monthly, the Krugersdorp-based manufacturer has successfully fulfilled numerous deliveries to satisfied customers so far this year, emphasises Seiler.

Kama’s Banshee flameproof products are the “preferred choice for demanding applications in hazardous environments” as they offer superior safety, durability, customisation options, technological innovation, and global support compared with alternative solutions on the market, she states.

“Our Banshee Ex Sounder and Ex Siren stand out as our top-selling units, primarily because of their exceptional versatility. Renowned for their broad application spectrum, these products excel not only in safety alarm systems but also in process notification alerts, underscoring their adaptability across diverse industrial environments.”

Introduced in 1989 with the launch of the Banshee motorised sirens, Kama’s flameproof range now comprises 29 distinct types of explosion-proof products, varying from sirens to trip switches.

With an initial focus on creating reliable and effective audible and visual devices for various applications, the company noticed a gap in the South African market for specialised flameproof equipment. Having secured multiple certifications globally, today Kama complies with various international safety standards, adds Seiler.

The company ensures that its flameproof units are rugged enough to withstand the harshest mining conditions through a combination of rigorous testing, meticulous design, and the use of high-quality materials.

Seiler highlights that the company makes it a priority to source most of its components locally, which facilitates efficient lead times, supported by the cultivation of strong relationships with its suppliers.

In terms of capacity, Kama’s factory is structured to facilitate bulk manufacturing and can produce batches of 10 to 200 units at a time, depending on the specific model.

Kama employs a comprehensive array of processes to maintain optimal stock levels, encompassing economic order quantities, production forecasts and material requirements planning.

“Our standard manufacturing lead time target of two weeks necessitates meticulous management of raw material inventory and production capacity. Given the persistent challenge of loadshedding affecting our operations and those of our suppliers, we have prioritised rigorous planning and fostered robust supplier relationships to uphold our commitments to customers,” elaborates Seiler.

Additionally, where international exports are concerned, Kama remains vigilant of global export dynamics, staying abreast of regulations and procedures to ensure timely delivery of its international orders, she concludes.