Bruce Montiea

https://staging1.creamermedia.com/

Bruce Montiea

Bruce Montiea is a Creamer Media Writer for Engineering News and Mining Weekly.

Tel: +2711 622 3744

Energy efficient steel roller benefits materials handling sector

10th July 2015 To meet the materials handling industry’s need for a cost-effective, energy efficient and long-lasting steel roller that also creates less noise pollution, conveyor rollers manufacturer and distributor Megaroller launched a new-generation steel roller onto the market in May. The roller is... →

Fluctuating steel prices affect local manufacturers

10th July 2015 A significant number of South African manufacturers have been forced to import steel over the past two years instead of buying it locally because local steel prices are high, says steel racking, shelving and mezzanine flooring manufacturer, supplier and installer Universal Storage Systems sales... →

FLUCTUATING COMMODITY While importing steel is sometimes the most economic option, Universal Storage Systems remains committed to local procurement

Steel group implements energy saving initiative

10th July 2015 Energy costs comprise a material portion of steel production costs and, in addition to using energy to melt and shape steel, auxiliary plants – such as those used for gas cleaning – also contribute significantly to energy consumption, says metallurgical processing plant supply company SMS group... →

IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY The metals industry is looking for ways to reduce its energy needs and reduce its carbon dioxide footprint

Steel companies encouraged to invest in business development

10th July 2015 South Africa’s steel production and conversion capacity is at an all- time low and, as a result, the industry has been forced to downsize by selling off less efficient assets to cover operational costs and working capital, says diversified boutique and investment holding company Africa Steel... →

MAYLEEN KYSTER Companies that invest in business development and identify new markets stand a chance of surviving tough market conditions

Industry body notes increased interest in light steel frame building

10th July 2015 The increasing popularity of the light steel frame building (LSFB) contractor course offered by industry body the Southern African Light Steel Frame Building Association (SASFA) is indicative of the country’s growing interest in this method of construction says Sasfa director John Barnard. He... →

BUILDING LIGHT Interest in Sasfa’s light-steel-frame-building contractor course is increasing

Steel-welding specialist equips young people

10th July 2015 The steel-welding industry stands to benefit from welding company Hydra Arc Group’s Mshiniwami Artisan Academy, which has been equipping young people with welding skills through theoretical, practical and in-field training since October last year, when its first learners started with their... →

WELDING SKILLS Welding-related research helps the Hydra Arc Group stay abreast of welding-technology developments

Steel producer highlights unique processing method

10th July 2015 Keeping abreast of technological developments is integral to surviving the tough economic environment and the competitive steel industry, says Cape Town-based steel production company GKN Sinter Metals sales and marketing manager Jon Kerr. He tells Engineering News that using the right technology... →

SUPERIOR END PRODUCT GKN uses the right technology to produce quality products

Local steel demand suffers 5% yearly contraction

10th July 2015 Steel demand in South Africa has suffered a steep decline over the past eight years, having contracted by an average of 5% a year since 2007, says growth consulting firm Frost & Sullivan Africa. Frost & Sullivan industrial business unit research analyst Tilden Hellyer notes that this dip was... →

Photo by Bloomberg
DOWNWARD SPIRAL Steel production fell in the first quarter of the year

South African steel industry faces global oversupply

10th July 2015 The South African steel industry is under severe stress, an ongoing issue exemplified by steel and vanadium slag producer Evraz Highveld Steel & Vanadium filing for business rescue in April and integrated steel company ArcelorMittal South Africa reducing production capacity at some of its mills... →

Photo by Bloomberg
LOW DEMAND Shrinking demand and subsidised steel imports have contributed to the South African steel industry’s decline over the past three years

Overall equipment effectiveness reduces production downtime

3rd July 2015 In the current competitive business environment, manufacturers need to ensure that their equipment remains effective and runs optimally at all times, says labelling, coding and print equipment supplier Pyrotec PackMark GM Brandon Pearce. He highlights that the performance of manufacturing... →

CODING EQUIPMENT Pyrotec PackMark provides coding equipment for primary, secondary and tertiary packaging requirements

Power event partners with local organisations

3rd July 2015 In the interest of being accepted by local communities, events such as Power-Gen Africa (PGA) should partner with local organisations such as coal and energy nonprofit trust the Fossil Fuel Foundation (FFF), says FFF media and web liaison manager Denise O'Callaghan. PGA will be held from July 15... →

Photo by Bloomberg
GENERATING COLLABORATION Events such as Power-Gen Africa are beneficial to Africa’s power sector

Power-Gen Africa highlights renewables storage

3rd July 2015 Renewable alternative energy solutions promoter the Southern African Alternative Energy Association (SAAEA) will chair a debate on renewable-energy storage at this year’s Power-Gen Africa (PGA) event, to be held from July 15 to 17 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. SAAEA energy... →

Photo by Bloomberg
IMPORTANT DEBATE Renewable-energy storage is a pressing issue in Africa

Event addresses Africa’s power, distribution sector issues

3rd July 2015 Power generation and distribution industry conference and exhibition, POWER-GEN Africa and DistribuTECH Africa’s expert advisory board has identified the integration of renewable energy into the traditional power ecosystem, universal access to power, funding and sustainability as key issues to be... →

Photo by Bloomberg
ADDRESSING KEY ISSUES The Power-Gen Africa and DistribuTech Africa event will showcase power and distribution industry solutions

BEE engineering specialist to increase power-sector presence

3rd July 2015 Black-owned engineering specialist Tswelopele Engineering is taking part in Power-Gen Africa (PGA) “to enter new markets and to reach potential solution seekers in all of Africa,” says company CEO Bongane Madondo. PGA, which Madondo describes as a product-awareness platform for engineering... →

DEPENDABLE SUPPLIER Tswelopele Engineering has established itself as a supplier of voltage regulators, surge arresters and auto-reclosers

Global energy solutions industry strengthening across Africa

3rd July 2015 Africa will play an increasingly important role in the broader global energy industry over the next several decades, hence global consulting, engineering, procurement, construction company Black & Veatch’s decision to again participate in this year’s Power-Gen Africa (PGA) event. The platform... →

From left: Power-Gen Africa event director Nigel Blackaby, and Black & Veatch VP and project director Dave Leligdon

Energy group launches energy-saving fluids and lubricants

3rd July 2015 Responding to the energy sector’s need to reduce energy consumption, African energy multinational Engen will be exhibiting new energy-saving hydraulic fluids and synthetic lubricants, which will soon be introduced into the company’s product offering, at this year’s Power-Gen Africa (PGA) event.... →

Photo by Bloomberg
ENERGY-EFFICIENT PETROCHEMICALS Engen supplies energy-saving hydraulic fluids and synthetic lubricants to the industrial sectors and provides products for petrol and diesel engines

Manufacturer showcases aftermarket capability

3rd July 2015 Boiler and cooling fan, airheater and gas cleaning equipment manufacturer and supplier Howden Africa will be participating in this year’s PowerGen Africa (PGA) event to emphasise its aftermarket capabilities and customer support services for African utilities, including State-owned power utility... →

KEY SUPPORT BASE Howden supports its installed base of equipment through comprehensive maintenance contracts, spares supply and repair services

Cleanroom ensures good manufacturing practice

19th June 2015 The successful installation of a R13-million ISO 3 cleanroom and BSL3 laboratory at national mineral research organisation Mintek was proof that the Department of Science and Technology’s (DST’s) ongoing investment in national research projects was bearing fruit, said Science and Technology... →

CLEAN MANUFACTURING Mintek's R13-million ISO 3 cleanroom and manufacturing laboratory enables the Nanotechnology Innovation Centre to follow good manufacturing practice

Embracing Industry 4.0 will boost local manufacturing

19th June 2015 For South Africa to grow its manufacturing base, which currently contributes between 12.5% and 14% of the overall gross domestic product, the manufacturing industry needs to be more competitive, says Deloitte Africa manufacturing industry leader Karthi Pillay. Pillay tells Engineering News that... →

Photo by Bloomberg
SMART FACTORY Manufacturing is one of the sectors that can help grow South Africa’s economy

Company to identify key growth drivers at Manufacturing Indaba

19th June 2015 Drying catalysts and resins manufacturer and exporter Metallica Chemicals aims to use this year’s Manufacturing Indaba to identify and understand the key drivers of growth in the manufacturing industry from industry leaders at the event, says Metallica Chemicals MD Neville Naicker. He tells... →

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING Metallica Chemicals aims to use knowledge gained at the Manufacturing Indaba to improve its production processes

Export council guides manufacturing exporters

19th June 2015 In support of the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI’s) drive to diversify and increase the base of South African exporters, the South African Electrotechnical Export Council (SAEEC) – a nonprofit public–private partnership between South African business and the DTI – has embarked on a... →

EXPORT AUDIENCE The South African Electrotechnical Export Council will facilitate the participation of emerging manufacturing exporters in a series of exhibitions this year

Enterprise development fund seeks high-growth manufacturers for R20m investment

19th June 2015 Local banking firm First National Bank’s Vumela Enterprise Development Fund will be participating in this year’s Manufacturing Indaba to identify manufacturing companies with significant growth and job creation potential, with the aim of partnering with some of them to unlock growth with... →

Photo by Bloomberg
JOB CREATION The FNB-run Vumela Enterprise Development Fund seeks to encourage the creation of jobs in the manufacturing sector

Low prices, cheap labour crippling textiles industry

19th June 2015 The reduced prices and quality of some clothing manufactured in South Africa is one of the biggest challenges facing the local textiles industry, as it affects companies that strive to produce quality clothing sold at market-related prices, says workwear manufacturer Siyasebenza Manufacturing... →

MAKING CLOTHES Siyasebenza Manufacturing is prepared to attempt most workwear designs, especially if it is what clients need and if it is beneficial to the business

More high-level delegates expected at Manufacturing Indaba

19th June 2015 The second yearly Manufacturing Indaba is expected to attract 350 high-level government and private-sector manufacturing delegates, compared with last year’s 240 delegates, says event organiser Siyenza Management. The Manufacturing Indaba, which is taking place from June 29 to 30 at Emperors... →

GATHERING The Manufacturing Indaba will host 80 exhibitors that will showcase new manufacturing trends and the latest products and technologies

Local manufacturing needs to instil resource efficiency

19th June 2015 South Africa’s manufacturing processes still need to be developed – especially in terms of resource efficiency – as the industry is still growing, says resource efficiency and cleaner production specialist the National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa (NCPC-SA) director Ndibhuho Raphulu.... →

EFFICIENT MANUFACTURING PROCESSES The National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa will be exhibiting at this year’s Manufacturing Indaba

Stained glass in modern architecture on the rise

5th June 2015 The South African stained glass market is characterised by the realisation that stained glass can feature not only in traditional designs but also in more modern and appealing designs, says stained glass artist and stained glass design company Live Light Stained Glass owner Francois van der... →

NEW BOUNDARIES Stained glass artists are beginning to push new boundaries in glass design

New long glass fibres used to manufacture axial impellers

5th June 2015 Denmark-based axial impellers developer Multi-Wing International A/S has been using chemical company BASF’s new long glass fibre-reinforced polyamide Ultramid Structure B3WG10 LFX material in the production of the hubs of its new mixed flow fans since January, when the product was introduced to... →

FIBRE-GLASS REINFORCEMENT BASF’s new long glass fibre-reinforced polyamide Ultramid Structure B3WG10 LFX is used in the production of mixed flow fan hubs

Glass manufacturer reduces waste using recovery, reclamation process

5th June 2015 Float and patterned-glass manufacturer PFG currently generates about 30% less waste for every 1 000 t that it melts, compared with the waste it generated seven years ago, owing to the manufacturer’s glass recovery and reclamation facility, says PFG sales director Bob van Schelt. The facility, in... →

COST, ENERGY SAVING It is more efficient to melt broken glass than the raw sand needed to create raw material mix when manufacturing glass

Interest in digitally printed glass increasing

5th June 2015 Decorative splashbacks specialist and wall-cladding solutions supplier Cohesion Interiors says there has been increased interest in digitally printed glass over the past year, with the company’s EVAglass print technology making it possible to capture and print any image, graphic or pattern onto... →

GLASS APPLICATION Cohesion Interiors specialises in glass splashbacks and wall cladding for residential and commercial applications

Sedimentation solution saves water, improves processed glass quality

5th June 2015 Glass-manufacturing facilities tend to use a lot of water during processing, as fine glass dust mixes with water to form a sediment that needs to be cleaned out regularly. This is one of the biggest challenges that the industry has been facing because the process of cleaning out the water not... →

WATER-CLEANING MACHINE Bohle released its first sedimentor machine onto the South African market in 2008

Efficient mixers benefit refineries

29th May 2015 Mining and refining companies are benefiting from mixers provided by designer and manufacturer of heavy-duty agitators and mixers Mixtec, as the mixers use less power to achieve efficient results, says Mixtec sales manager Brian Paxton. “Our in-house developed software programme enables us to... →

Photo by Bloomberg
MIXING THE PRODUCT Mixing operations must save electricity to achieve efficient mixing results

Dust control enhances mine machinery performance

29th May 2015 Proper dust control can significantly enhance the profitability and sustainability of a mining operation, says dust control management company Dust-A-Side corporate marketing manager Lolly Chibi. “Dust gets in everywhere – in air filters, in oil and in between moving parts of machinery. Dust at... →

TREATED SURFACE Dust-A-Side’s bituminous-based emulsion solution mitigates the effects of dust and maintains mine haul roads

African mining operations seeking modern, cost efficient mill linings

29th May 2015 An increasing number of African mines are re-examining their mill lining requirements and opting for new and modern liners that offer cost benefits in terms of the initial procurement price and total cost of ownership, says materials handling products company Tega Industries SA sales engineer... →

BOBBY STEVENS Cost pressures resulting from lower commodity prices have caused an increase in demand for well-priced mining equipment to fulfil the role of similar, but more expensive counterparts

Robust fluid coupling serves coal mines well

29th May 2015 Drive systems specialist Voith’s one-thousandth TPKL fluid coupling – installed in February at a 6.4 MW underground belt conveyor drive at a coal mine in China – is meeting all the client’s requirements, says Voith Europe, Middle East and Africa mining and metals division VP Grant Robinson. He... →

TOUGH The TPKL fluid coupling is suited to the harsh mining conditions in Africa

Pallet-free bulk bag provides optimum protection

29th May 2015 Handling high-value minerals requires the optimum protection of the transported goods, as product contamination and damage are expensive, and could ultimately tarnish a company’s reputation, says pallet-free bulk bags manufacturer Tellap director Ken Mouritzen. He tells Mining Weekly that a key... →

SAFE STACKING The integrated sleeves of the Tellap bag form a solid base and increases the safe stacking height

African countries should cooperate to improve regional logistics

29th May 2015 There is significant potential to increase the scale and technology of Africa’s materials handling, or pit-to-port infrastructure, which is generally poor, compared with that of other mineral-rich countries, such as South Africa, Brazil and Australia, says global multidisciplinary consulting firm... →

Photo by Duane Daws
STRENGTHENING LOGISTICS Transnet has embarked on aggressive investment to boost the South African freight logistics sector

African mines move towards loading automation

29th May 2015 The popularity of automation among African mining operations is increasing as the industry recognises the importance of modernising their operations to increase efficiency, says mining equipment company Sandvik Mining. Sandvik automation VP Riku Pulli says loading is one of the main areas that... →

OPTIMISED Mining operations in Africa are modernising their loading operations

Reverse running on inclined conveyors prevented

29th May 2015 The often considerable length of inclined conveyors at mines often result in mining companies’ having to prevent reverse running, owing to loss of drive, says industrial chain, gearboxes and couplings provider Renold Clutches & Couplings applications engineer and sales section leader Philip... →

Photo by Bloomberg
TRANSPORTING MINERALS The weight of material on an inclined conveyor can be enormous

Contract mining, outsourcing industry increasingly competitive

22nd May 2015 The contract mining and outsourcing industry is becoming increasingly ruthless, as big construction companies compete with smaller companies for contracts, says mining, construction and general plant hire company West Rand Plant Hire (WRPH). WRPH assistant plant manager Riaan Botes notes that... →

Web-based mining VMS to be launched

22nd May 2015 Mining sourcing company Mining Web Index (MWI) will officially launch a Web-based vendor management system (VMS) next month to enable mining companies, service providers and vendors to conduct business in a corruption-free environment, the company says. “Given the level of corruption in business... →

Photo by Bloomberg
VIRTUAL ACCESS The Web-based vendor management system can be accessed from anywhere in the world

Miners turn to contractors during tough times

22nd May 2015 Amid commodity-price pressure and high extraction costs, mining companies are looking to mining contractors for solutions to reduce costs, says surface mining company MCC Contract Mining CEO Justin Colling. He says, as a result, contracting companies have been forced to reassess their operating... →

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT Mining contractors are in a position to decrease of increase the volume of their equipment according to need

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