Features| Business in KwaZulu-Natal

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KwaZulu-Natal Profile

Firm returns to KITE

7th July 2023 Engineering solutions provider MECAD is expected to once again attend the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) to be hosted at the Durban Exhibition Centre from July 18 to 20. Established in 1986, MECAD has cemented itself as a trusted and leading brand which has consistently... →

Innovation, partnerships can boost ESG outcomes

By: Bridget Lepere 7th July 2023 Innovation is key to driving change in the work environment and in communities, Illovo Sugar Africa group community services manager Jason Baker told attendees of the three-day Deloitte Sustainability Summit Africa 2023 which was hosted from June 6 to 8 at the Deloitte headquarters in Midrand.... →

From left to right: Royal Bafokeng Institute nonexecutive director Stacey-Lee Bolon, Illovo Sugar Africa group community services manager Jason Baker, De Beers group of companies South Africa supply chain performance and risk senior manager Laren Perumal, Live Moya South Africa director Racuni Naidoo and Lucient Engineering and Construction, South Africa director Masego Mokitimi

MORE THAN SWEET-TALK A panel of industry experts on stage at the Deloitte Sustainability Summit Africa 2023

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

Industrial supplier focuses on growth in port city

By: Nadine Ramdass 11th February 2022 Despite the challenging business landscape, industrial and construction equipment supplier Shumani Industrial Equipment regards Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal, as a city with opportunities for businesses to grow. The Johannesburg-based company has enjoyed a growing market, which is expected to... →

VICTOR NEMUKULA Durban's abundance of human capital and big industrial equipment users makes it an ideal place to operate in

Trial by fire for KZN businesses in 2021

By: Nadine Ramdass 11th February 2022 Despite the civil unrest in July last year – a setback in an already challenging year for businesses in KwaZulu-Natal – construction and generator supply company Hire It has noted an uptick in demand for cleaning and demolition equipment, particularly high-pressure cleaners. Many businesses’... →

SOLDIERING ON Despite a challenging 2021, Hire It saw an uptick in the demand for their equipment

Exhibition provides exposure opportunity for company

By: Nadine Ramdass 11th February 2022 German materials handling equipment manufacturer Jungheinrich aims to use the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Tech Expo (KITE) to break into the local market, increase its exposure in the region and build brand awareness. Durban has a price-sensitive market, and Jungheinrich is still busy establishing... →

An image of Jungheinrich's material handling equipment range

EXHIBITING EFFICIENCY Jungheinrich intends to market its wide range of material handling equipment at KITE

Vega

11th February 2022 For over 60 years VEGA has provided industry-leading products for the measurement of level, density, weight and pressure. As the inventor of the modern radiation-based measurement system and the first to introduce a two-wire loop powered radar, VEGA has a strong tradition of product development... →

Specialised services offered by engineering group

16th July 2021 Detection services company Bosch Munitech and consulting engineering company Bosch Projects – both part of multidisciplinary consulting engineering group Bosch Holdings in KwaZulu-Natal – is offering specialised services that encompass aerial surveys, laser scanning and three-dimensional (3D)... →

LONG TIME RUNNING Bosch Holdings celebrates 60 years of business this year

Industry tech event postponed to next year

16th July 2021 Event organiser Specialised Exhibitions – a division of Montgomery Group of companies – along with other organisers of KwaZulu-Natal’s premier trade show for the industrial technology sector has made the decision to reschedule the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) that was due... →

THE REAL DEAL Face-to-face events provided numerous opportunities to connect with others in a way that cannot be achieved online

Various services available to sugar mills

16th July 2021 Engineering components company BMG is working closely with KwaZulu-Natal’s sugar mill engineers in the industry’s off-crop period to refurbish and replace worn components in preparation for high productivity in the upcoming season. Original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) Dorstener brand gearboxes... →

CARRY ON BMG has designed, fabricated and installed new carriers, reducing the normal 24-week delivery period to only four weeks

The coolest, and now greenest, place in KZN

16th July 2021 Food logistics company iDube Cold Storage (iDube), based at Dube Tradeport, King Shaka International Airport in KwaZulu-Natal, handles a large amount of frozen goods, both imported and for export, daily. With a storage capacity of 12 000 t, and with most of the frozen items stored being... →

A photo of SolarSaver's solar panels installed installed on a roof

STAYING ON TOP SolarSaver approached iDube with the intent to educate and inform the company about solar energy

Fight against plastic waste being won on South Coast

17th July 2020 The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Marine Waste Network South Coast took place earlier this year at the Amanzimtoti Lagoon, in which Plastics SA played a key role. →

PVC compounder continues supply despite pandemic

By: Theresa Bhowan-Rajah 17th July 2020 Owing to its heavy investment in the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) market, KwaZulu-Natal-based PVC compounder Continental Compounders has been able to continue supplying products to essential services during Covid-19. →

GREAT EXPANSION The expansion and establishment of the engineering division was prompted by the South African Automotive Masterplan

Locally manufactured PPE ensures peace of mind

17th July 2020 Durban-based packaging and materials handling designer and manufacturer Conceptainer has responded to government’s call for assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic and now supplies a full range of personal protection equipment (PPE) to enhance safety in the workplace. →

COVERED UP Disposable coveralls provide the same degree of protection as standard washable coveralls without the need to decontaminate them after use

PVC manufacturer emphasises proper use of plastic

By: Theresa Bhowan-Rajah 17th July 2020 While the world is moving towards using less single use plastic, Durban-based polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compound manufacturer Innovative PVC Compounds (IPC) CEO Mubeen Siddiqi says the world cannot function without certain types of plastic, and people rather need to be more responsible in using... →

CURIOUS COMPOUNDS The medical-grade compounds that the company produces are supplied to vendors in the healthcare industry and have been in constant supply

Andrew Mentis

19th November 2019 Established in 1950, Andrew Mentis started as a precision engineering works and has grown into a leading supplier of steel grating on the African continent. Grating is an engineered product and Andrew Mentis manufactures it in such a way as to ensure that it has the appropriate load-bearing... →

Company invests in R100-million upgrade to meet market demand

19th July 2019 Chemical industry company Air Products was well-poised to respond when the market demanded an increase in the supply of carbon dioxide (CO2) and it took action by investing R100-million in a significant CO2 expansion and refurbishment project at its Newcastle facility in KwaZulu-Natal and an... →

Industry 4.0 the main focus at KITE

By: Khutso Maphatsoe 19th July 2019 The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) – which will be held at the Durban Exhibition Centre on July 24 to 26, 2019 – continues to adopt an increased focus on Industry 4.0, particularly its impact on the market and manufacturing, says organiser Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery... →

INFORMATION OVERLOAD The SAIMechE Seminar Theatre will have speaking slots during which various Industry 4.0 topics will be discussed

Company to further invest in 3D printing tech

By: Khutso Maphatsoe 19th July 2019 Additive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) plans to invest further in the latest technologies by adding high-end machines to its offering next month. The investment includes a production polymer laser sintering three-dimensional (3D) printer and a large-format, full-colour 3D printer. →

Logistics company invests in facilities

By: Khutso Maphatsoe 19th July 2019 Logistics company Bidvest Panalpina Logistics (BPL) has implemented several large-scale infrastructure development plans at its KwaZulu-Natal-based operations. This includes building a new state-of-the-art chemicals and general cargo warehouse in Mobeni, Durban, and taking over premises in... →

MARIA DU PREEZ The Project Thrill programme aims to review and enhance operational and financial processes, retrain staff and establish new key performance indicators

Company facilitates provincial prosperity

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 20th July 2018 With sustainable woodfibre products and solutions provider Sappi’s KwaZulu-Natal operations contributing about R11.7-billion annually to the province’s economy, the company is pursuing socioeconomic transformation in its communities of operation. “We recognise that transformation is not just a... →

ENTRENCHED PLAYER Sappi Southern Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal operations contribute R11.7-billion to the province’s economy yearly

Entrenched player furthers provincial presence

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 20th July 2018 Plastic conveyor components manufacturer IRP Engineering Plastics (IRP) continues to invest in innovation and the development of its product range to continue offering market leading solutions to the food, beverage, packaging and materials handling industries in and around KwaZulu-Natal, IRP MD... →

REGIONAL PROVIDER IRP Engineering Plastics locally manufactures conveyer components and engineers high-performance plastics at its KwaZulu-Natal operation

Future of digital project delivery showcased in KwaZulu-Natal

20th July 2018 Integrated infrastructure delivery firm AECOM is pioneering digital project delivery by adding various Immersive Technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to its portfolio of existing three dimensional (3D) models produced by a Building Information Modelling (BIM) process.... →

FUTURE VISION AECOM’s The Digital Future event at its KwaZulu-Natal office gave attendees the opportunity to walk through three different virtual reality scenes, showcasing current AECOM projects

Lighting system success to spur further projects

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 20th July 2018 On the back of its successfully executed project in the design, supply and installation of a new lighting system at consumer goods company Unilever’s distribution centre in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, energy efficient electrical solutions provider Magnet will pursue large-scale energy... →

LIGHT ‘EM UP Magnet will expand its large-scale energy solution offerings to other Unilever sites

Provincial presence benefits company

20th July 2018 Geosynthetic products manufacturer and supplier Fibertex SA’s local operation plant in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, is well positioned to meet growing demand for geosynthetic products, not only in Africa, but also from countries in Europe, Australasia and Asia, and is the largest plant in Africa... →

System installed at sugar refinery

20th July 2018 Industrial equipment group Goscor Cleaning Equipment (GCE), in partnership with authorised dealer Maverick Industrial Cleaning Solutions, recently supplied and installed a Delfin vacuum system at agroprocessing company Tongaat Hulett sugar refinery in Rossburgh, Durban, the company noted in a... →

SYSTEM SUPPLY The Delfin vacuum system was supplied and installed through Maverick Industrial Cleaning Solutions

SBS Tanks

20th July 2018 SBS Water Systems, which manufactures SBS Tanks, was established in 1998 and this year celebrates 20 years in existence and continues to grow from strength to strength. With over 18 years’ practical experience in the water storage industry, the SBS range of tanks has been engineered, designed and... →

Exhibition facilitates industrial growth in KZN

By: Robyn Wilkinson 21st July 2017 This year’s KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (Kite) will provide businesses in the province with an ideal access route to the key resources required to ramp up their operations in line with government’s extensive and ongoing investment in new manufacturing endeavours. →

GROWING ECONOMIC HUB Government investment in the Port of Durban will support trade stemming from the ramp-up of manufacturing activites in KZN

Photo by Bloomberg
GROWING ECONOMIC HUB Government investment in the Port of Durban will support trade stemming from the ramp-up of manufacturing activites in KZN

Company evolves to meet KZN miners’ needs

By: Robyn Wilkinson 21st July 2017 As mineral sands miners in KwaZulu-Natal move into the next phase of their project life cycles, mining solutions provider Multotec is taking steps to evolve its products and service offering to meet changing customer needs. →

LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS Multotec field service teams conduct regular site visits to ensure optimum performance of equipment

Futureproof solutions ensure green living

By: Robyn Wilkinson 21st July 2017 Demonstrating its capability for creative thinking, engineering and project management consultancy Royal HaskoningDHV South Africa has overcome bulk services shortages and ensured the preservation of the natural environment along KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast through the sustainable design of the... →

Solution provides protection on north coast

21st July 2017 Nonwovens supplier Fibertex SA’s geosynthetic sand containers (GSC-Bags) will ensure the protection of the natural environment in the construction of a revetment structure at uMdloti beach, on KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast. →

SPECIALLY ENGINEERED Fibertex offers a lightweight, durable and workable geosynthetic substitute for traditional revetment systems

Illegal mining threatens infrastructure development in KwaZulu-Natal

By: Robyn Wilkinson 21st July 2017 Failure to adequately regulate illegal sand mining in KwaZulu-Natal is increasingly becoming a threat to the mining and construction sectors in the region, says Aggregate and Sand Producers Association of Southern Africa (Aspasa) director Nico Pienaar. →

NICO PIENAAR Aspasa is taking steps to ensure a well-run and compliant aggregate and sand producing industry in KwaZulu-Natal

Lessons learned underpin multicontinent sugar strategy

By: Robyn Wilkinson 21st July 2017 Specialised polymer manufacturer Vesconite Bearings believes that the experience it has gained from KwaZulu-Natal sugar mills will prove instrumental in ensuring the success of its multi-continent sugar strategy and grow the company’s revenue from new markets. →

EDDIE SWANEPOEL The knowledge gained from hard-wearing African sugar applications has been essential in converting other relatively new markets to using Vesconite Bearings’ products

Sugar industry to make the most of yield recovery

By: Robyn Wilkinson 21st July 2017 As KwaZulu-Natal’s sugar cane growers start to recover from the effects of the drought, the South African Canegrowers’ Association (SA Canegrowers) is urging the industry to remain resilient and look for opportunities to diversify their operations. →

BOUNCING BACK The SA Canegrowers board of directors is optimistic about the 2017/18 season, with improved rainfall set to improve production levels

‘Durban’s best kept secret’ honoured for technical excellence

By: Robyn Wilkinson 21st July 2017 Engineering and project management consultancy Royal HaskoningDHV South Africa was awarded the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Durban branch’s prestigious technical excellence award last month for the design and construction of Main Road 577 (MR577), with SAICE calling it... →

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
The design of MR577 was fraught with technical complexity, as the route climbed along the KwaDabeka tributary of the uMngeni river and into New Germany

Royal HaskoningDHV South Africa provide an overview of the MR577. Video courtesy: RoyalHaskoningDHV

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