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Equipment News

John Deere showcases continued technology, innovation focus

15th May 2024 Equipment manufacturer John Deere South Africa will continue to focus on pursuing innovation on its machines and technology as it looks to strengthen its footprint in Africa. Tasneem Bulbulia tells us more. →

Data, drones can improve local agriculture

3rd May 2024 Smart technology, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned vehicles, can counter various challenges in the agricultural sector, boosting productivity, reducing costs and assisting in preserving precious resources, says drone technology company DJI product manager Ruan Botha.... →

An image of DJI product manager Ruan Botha

RUAN BOTHA Innovative solutions are required for long-term sustainability and growth

Access to farming equipment boosts mechanisation

By: Nadine Ramdass 3rd May 2024 Agricultural technology company Hello Tractor, celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, aims to improve small-scale farming practices through its app Hello Tractor, which facilitates increased access to farming equipment. With a core focus on improving African agriculture through... →

An image of farm equipment working on a farm

FARM MECHANISATION Farm equipment can supplement the need for physical labour, minimising the impact of labour shortages on small-scale farms

Firm offers durable flooring solution, corrosion protection

By: Simone Liedtke 5th April 2024 The deterioration and corrosion of concrete infrastructure have presented significant challenges in harsh operational environments such as sugar mills. Corrosion protection, epoxy flooring and waterproofing company Verni Speciality Construction Products has, therefore, developed its Supaflor... →

SUPAFLOR PU HD Supaflor polyurethane heavy-duty offers superior resistance to the specific conditions in sugar mills

Drones deliver predator bugs for sustainable pest control

29th March 2024 Wine producer Vergelegen wine estate, in Somerset West, has partnered with collaborative venture SkyBugs to test the use of drone-delivered beneficial insects to control pests in its vineyards. SkyBugs, a partnership between integrated pest management provider FieldBUGS and agritech company... →

An image of SkyBUG's drone system for dispersing beneficial insects

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS Drone dispersal ensures more effective distribution and coverage of beneficial insects

Invicta delivers strong interim performance

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 27th November 2023 Investment holding and management company Invicta Holdings achieved a robust performance for the six months ended September 30, with revenue having increased by 12% to R4.3-billion. The increase of R461-million was made up of R178-million from the South African operations, while the rest of... →

Wacker Neuson expanding in Southern Africa as it celebrates 175 years

22nd November 2023 Construction, agriculture and forestry machinery and equipment manufacturer Wacker Neuson gave media and guests a tour of its Gauteng product centre, as part of its 175th anniversary celebrations. →

Wacker Neuson expanding in Southern Africa as it celebrates 175th years

TWK posts lower earnings amid global market pressures

By: Marleny Arnoldi 15th November 2023 Diversified agriculture and forestry company TWK Agri has posted lower earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) of R620-million from continuing operations, marking a 7.1% year-on-year decrease for the financial year ended August 31. The group generated Ebitda of... →

Solar pumps can increase crop yield

13th October 2023 A new study, led by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) under the research project Renewables for African Agriculture (RE4AFAGRI), published in Environmental Research Letters, finds that standalone solar photovoltaic (PV) irrigation systems have the potential to meet... →

Nithio invests in farming and irrigation technology

By: Darren Parker 26th September 2023 African energy finance platform Nithio has invested in solar irrigation and farming technology solutions company SunCulture. The investment was made through Nithio investment vehicle Nithio FI, which is part of the Productive Use Appliance Financing Facility (PUAFF), which catalyses the uptake of... →

Kenyan aviation specialist enhances precision agri offering with 14 new high-capacity drones

By: Marleny Arnoldi 19th September 2023 Aviation technology subsidiary of Kenya Airways, Fahari Aviation, has expanded its agricultural services offering with 14 new high-capacity drones to meet to growing demand for precision agriculture solutions. The company estimates that the additional drones will increase capacity to cover... →

Fahari Aviation uses drones to assist the agriculture sector

Unresolved problems dog manufacturing

By: Bridget Lepere 8th September 2023 The machinery and capital equipment industry is “very quiet” and many businesses are reluctant to spend on marketing or new procurement, owing to challenges such as power failures, water cuts, crime, protests and logistics disruptions, says industry organisation South African Capital Equipment... →

Image of stocks displayed on graphical interface

MAKING MOVES The country needs a steady 4% to 5% GDP growth rate for a couple of years to grow the economy

Second shift at Rainbow’s Hammarsdale facility to boost capacity, jobs

By: Cameron Mackay 4th September 2023 Local poultry company Rainbow on August 28 “revived” a second operational shift at its Hammarsdale P2 processing plant in KwaZulu-Natal, while also commemorating the facility’s 60th year anniversary. Rainbow MD Marthinus Stander tells Engineering News this “revival” forms part of a signficant... →

Rainbow’s R220-million investment was used to increase capacity at Hammarsdale

AI-engineered solutions boost fruit and nut industry resilience

1st September 2023 The 2023 season has not been without its frustrations for fruit and nut farmers, says Aerobotics GM Ken Treloar. “A host of challenging conditions domestically and across markets have pressured producers and all industry stakeholders. These include rising input costs, ongoing loadshedding, strain... →

GAME-CHANGER Aerobotics supports farmers globally with “ground-breaking" innovation-forward solutions

Firm launches smart tools range

By: Bridget Lepere 1st September 2023 Food safety hygiene, equipment efficiency, plant modernisation, sustainability and upgrades to reduce downtime are the key focus areas for the food and beverage industry, following increased local demand, says steel supplier Voestalpine High-Performance Metals (HPM) Africa marketing officer... →

MAKING THE CUT The technology developed by the food and beverage segment offers significantly reduced total cost of ownership, higher machine availability and efficiency, extended part life, prolonged regrinding cycles, less product contamination and reduced energy consumption, depending on the product.

Rainbow celebrates 60 years of processing excellence, embarks on new growth chapter

By: Cameron Mackay 29th August 2023 Poultry company Rainbow on August 28 marked the commemoration of its sixtieth anniversary with an event held in Hammarsdale, in KwaZulu-Natal. This occasion served as a tribute to Rainbow's six decades of “unwavering dedication to shaping the poultry processing landscape”, the company says. →

With the Rainbow Hammarsdale expansion, Rainbow has re-instated roughly 750 jobs, with an additional 100 jobs to be initiated by June next year

Stellenbosch, German universities to develop electric tractor

By: Irma Venter 25th August 2023 Stellenbosch University’s (SU’s) Department of Industrial Engineering is partnering with the Technical University of Munich, in Germany, to develop an electric tractor (e-tractor). The SU team, consisting largely of postgraduate students, is headed by Professor Thinus Booysen, who holds the... →

Principles help supplier maintain foothold

18th August 2023 Owing to its 100/0 principle, fastener specialist Bolt and Engineering Distributors (BED) Group’s Welkom branch, in the Free State, maintains a firm position as supplier of choice to the mining, agricultural, contracting, engineering and DIY sectors in the region. BED sells its range of lifting... →

A group of men and women in the Bolt and Engineering factory in Welkom staring up at the camera

DREAM TEAM The team at Bolt and Engineering's Welkom branch aim to make the company even more competitive in its area

Logistics giant training tomorrow’s truck drivers

18th August 2023 With the company’s core service being safely delivering customers’ goods, specialist transport company Unitrans’ drivers are one of the most critical links in the chain, CEO Terry Bantock highlights. The UniDrive training programme was first established with this fact foremost in the company’s... →

A man in a Unitrans Visivest in front of a fleet of Unitrans Trucks

UPSKILLING US The UniDrive programme is central to the positive personal development of Unitrans' indispensable employees

Company driving innovation in agricultural sector

By: Simone Liedtke 11th August 2023 South Africa’s agricultural sector plays a vital role in the country’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, food security and export revenue. The industry, therefore, stands to benefit immensely from industrial solutions supplier Bearings International’s (BI’s) expertise in... →

VITAL ROLE South Africa’s agricultural sector plays a vital role in the country’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, food security and export revenue

Company expands agri presence through Nampo Cape Show

By: Simone Liedtke 11th August 2023 Following a successful Nampo 2023 show in Bothaville, in the Free State, in May, industrial machinery manufacturer Bearing Man Group (BMG) will exhibit at the Nampo Cape Show, in Cape Town, in September, for the first time. “It is an ideal opportunity to connect with our current customers, as... →

EVENT SHOWCASE BMG will also showcase new products, including Liqui Moly oil kits and additives

Light manufacturer expands range

21st July 2023 Global lighting solutions manufacturer ams OSRAM bolstered its horticultural lighting offerings in June, announcing the addition of two new products. The company continues to provide important innovation based on customer input by creating light-emitting diode (LED) solutions that produce high... →

Firm completes KZN sugar mill project

7th July 2023 Industrial equipment supplier BMG is a pivotal player in the sugar sector, and its regional workshop in Riverhorse Valley, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), recently completed a refurbishment, fabrication and replacement project to replace worn components at a mill, in preparation for high productivity in the... →

SHREDDER LUBE SYSTEM The team works on shredder lube systems, juice heater door hydraulics, mill roll hydraulics, mill bearing lubrication, shredder hook bar removal systems, as well as many customised product designs

Firm open to investing in the ‘right’ sectors in KZN

By: Bridget Lepere 7th July 2023 Black-owned private equity investment firm Agile Capital focuses on investments that drive sustainable development and have a demonstrable track record of growth and investment returns, with Agile Capital principal Elizabeth Kolobe noting that, unlike its rivals, it does not have exit timing... →

Image of an African woman in a navy suit

ELIZABETH KOLOBE Agile Capital is looking to invest in businesses with solid management teams, strong historical track records and good growth prospects

Supplier on the pulse of market’s needs

By: Bridget Lepere 7th July 2023 Industrial solutions supplier Bearings International (BI) has been supplying industrial power transmission products to the sugar industry for 65 years, with its chains selection for the sugar mill segment setting it apart, says BI GM Christian Chipamaunga. →

Head shot of Bearings International GM Christian Chipamaunga.

KEY DETERMINING FACTOR The demand for energy-efficient products, especially in bearings and motors, is heavily influencing the buying patterns

KITE 2023 promises to be ‘bigger and better’

By: Bridget Lepere 7th July 2023 The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition, also known as KITE, will be held at the Durban Exhibition Centre from July 18 to 20 for the fortieth consecutive year. Attendance numbers are expected to exceed those of last year, at 2 716, even though the 2022 event was the first in-person... →

Head shot of Specialised Exhibitions portfolio director Charlene Hefer

CHARLENE HEFER This year’s exhibition promises to deliver insight into Industry 4.0 and the potential benefits for KwaZulu-Natal

Volkswagen signs MoU with Rwandan government to start GenFarm project

By: Irma Venter 26th June 2023 Volkswagen has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Rwanda to establish “a modern farm with electric tractors”. The MoU was signed by Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources Dr Ildephonse Musafiri, Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda CEO Serge Kamuhinda and... →

Rwanda Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources Dr Ildephonse Musafiri, Volkswagen Image of Group South Africa MD Martina Biene, and Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda CEO Serge Kamuhinda

Rwanda Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources Dr Ildephonse Musafiri, Volkswagen Group South Africa MD Martina Biene, and Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda CEO Serge Kamuhinda

UAV expo set for September

26th May 2023 The organisers of Commercial UAV Expo, the world’s leading commercial drone trade show and conference, have announced an impressive list of more than 135 top unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) companies globally that have already signed on to exhibit at the upcoming edition. This year's conference... →

Pumps for iron ore mine flooding

12th May 2023 Pump and dredging specialist Integrated Pump Rental (IPR) was commissioned to assist with an incident of flooding at an iron-ore mine in the Northern Cape that resulted in the mining company no longer having access to the floor of one of its pits. →

Local firm promotes natural solution

By: Simone Liedtke 12th May 2023 The farming industry is constantly evolving, and new technologies are emerging to help farmers increase productivity while ensuring the health and care of animals and crops. One such technology is local manufacturer Pratley’s Clinomix, a “high-tech zeolite-based feed additive”, which is... →

EXPANDED RANGE Clinomix is part of a range of mineral products produced and marketed by Pratley

Yearly convention will address industry priorities

By: Halima Frost 5th May 2023 Industry body The Road Freight Association’s (RFA’s) yearly convention, which will be held later this month, seeks to attract top executives in the trucking, logistics and warehousing sectors to discuss the industry’s priorities, strategic direction and planned interventions. The event will also... →

Truck Trailer Bus and Bakkie Road Freight Association Convention

A MEETING OF THE MINDS The 2023 RFA Convention will take place at the Fancourt Hotel in George, in the Western Cape, from May 26 to 28

Company boosts productivity, lessens environmental impact

By: Simone Liedtke 5th May 2023 Bearings and power transmission supplier Bearings International is staying up to date with emerging trends and technologies in the agriculture industry by incorporating this knowledge into its product development and innovation efforts. This includes promptly sourcing the necessary parts to keep... →

TAKING OFF The power take-off (PTO) gearboxes, planter bearings and agricultural chains help farmers to increase productivity and efficiency in the field

Solar trailers transform industry

By: Simone Liedtke 5th May 2023 Equipped with solar panels that power various farming equipment, automation company Iritron’s off-grid solar trailers are especially useful for small-scale farmers who do not have access to grid power at all times. “Solar trailers are a game-changer for small farmers. They provide a reliable... →

SOLAR TRAILERS Iritron’s solar trailers are designed to be mobile, so farmers can move them around as required

Use of soft starters, VSDs in irrigation beneficial

By: Simone Liedtke 5th May 2023 Implementing modern electric motor control technology in the agriculture industry has become increasingly important to improve efficiency throughput, reduce downtime, reduce waste, and drive tangible cost reductions. While the benefits of modern starting technologies, such as digital soft... →

ENHANCED BENEFITS By working with reputable manufacturers and experienced suppliers, users of agricultural equipment can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance their operations significantly

Increased demand for automation in agri sector

By: Tracy Hancock 5th May 2023 The growing African population and consequent rising demand for food continues to drive the need for processing equipment that can increase food production in the most efficient manner possible, says drive technology specialist SEW-EURODRIVE. This is especially pertinent considering the need to... →

A feed milling plant manufactured by Dalein Agriplan

DRIVING FOOD SECURITY Dalein Agriplan is manufacturing an MK-3 plant equipped with SEW-EURODRIVE motors and gearboxes for delivery to an animal feed supplier in Zambia, in the next 12 months

Milken-Motsepe agritech award recognises excellence of African developers

By: Marleny Arnoldi 2nd May 2023 US-based think tank the Milken Institute, together with local nonprofit the Motsepe Foundation, has named a Tanzanian biotech company NovFeed as the winner of the inaugural Milken-Motsepe Prize for its upcycling technology in the agricultural technology (agritech) space. The competition marks... →

Motsepe Foundation CEO and co-founder Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe

Diversification opportunities set to crystallise industry

By: Leah Shelene Asaram 7th April 2023 Following the announcement that there will be no tax increase for the sugar industry in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years, announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during his 2023 Budget speech, industry body the South African Sugar Association (SASA) has been able to investigate and... →

CANE UPON CANE The sugar industry can be one of the top contributors to advancing the goals outlined in the National Bioeconomy Strategy

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