Manufacturing - Page 1

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Manufacturing News

‘Support and commitment’ not enough to save long steel business, urgent action needed – AMSA

By: Darren Parker 16th October 2024 Government’s support for, and commitment to, addressing the removal of export tax on scrap metal, resetting the price preference system (PPS) mechanism at an appropriate level, implementing trade measures and reducing logistics and energy costs are insufficient and more urgent action is needed to... →

System enhances efficient operation, reliability in pumps

11th October 2024 Industrial equipment supplier BMG, which celebrates 50 years of business this year, says its Nord-Lock bolt securing system is being used extensively in pumps and pumping equipment to enhance efficient operation and absolute reliability. The system is included in the company’s comprehensive range... →

Securing Reliability BMG’s Nord-Lock bolt securing system is used extensively in pumps and pumping equipment to enhance efficient operation and absolute reliability

Strategic approach enables effective dewatering

By: Simone Liedtke 11th October 2024 A key challenge in dewatering operations that are electrically operated lies within the interfacing, particularly when dealing with pumps at remote mining operations. This challenge involves the design of a flexible electrical power distribution network, within an active mining operation, that... →

FLEXIBLE SOLUTION The Multiflo diesel driven pontoon offers a flexible, mobile dewatering solution

Better planned, unplanned maintenance is crucial – supplier

11th October 2024 As rail companies seek to enhance cost efficiencies, implementing a robust strategy for both planned and unplanned maintenance is crucial to improving the bottom line, says global industrial product and service solutions provider RS South Africa operations and strategic projects director De Wet... →

A portrait image of RS South Africa operations and strategic projects director De Wet Joubert

DE WET JOUBERT RS South Africa operations and strategic projects director De Wet Joubert stresses that a clear maintenance strategy must be implemented to improve on cost efficiencies

LPG rail line construction on track

11th October 2024 Global liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) value chain company Petredec and South Africa’s State-owned logistics company Transnet announced a ground-breaking rail freight solution last month, that is set to “transform LPG distribution in South Africa”. This landmark project, featuring a dedicated train... →

A representative from Transnet and Petredec sat a table with contracts in front of them at an official signing ceremony

DONE DEAL The contract between Petredec and Transnet, signed last month, is set to “transform LPG distribution in South Africa”

Pump enhances efficiency in dredging, mining

By: Simone Liedtke 11th October 2024 The OTTer-pump, developed by maritime technology supplier Royal IHC, which is present in the dredging, offshore, mining and defence industries, presents a versatile and efficient solution for dredging operations across various sectors. The OTTer-pump is designed for diverse applications,... →

OTTER PUMP The modular design of the OTTer-pump supports interchangeable heads for tasks such as handling compacted or loose materials

Coatings, cladding enhance pump performance

By: Simone Liedtke 11th October 2024 Surface engineering company Thermaspray’s thermal spray coatings and laser cladding technologies are delivering significant benefits to the pumps industry, particularly for components subjected to harsh operating conditions. With a focus on extending the life of high-wear components and reducing... →

ESSENTIAL MAINTENANCE Coatings protect high-wear areas, such as impeller lands and casing rings, which are essential for maintaining the pump’s efficiency and prolonging its operational life

Traction transformers supplied to line restoration project

11th October 2024 Transformer manufacturer LH Marthinusen (LHM), a division of ACTOM, recently manufactured and supplied seven traction transformers for State-owned transport enterprise Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (PRASA’s) key line restoration project. LHM transformer engineering services division GM... →

One of seven traction transformers supplied to Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa by LH Marthinusen

GAINING TRACTION The successful supply of seven traction transformers to Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has garnered LH Marthinusen the track record needed to supply more to the rail sector

Manufacturing records contraction in overall output for August

By: Marleny Arnoldi 10th October 2024 Statistics South Africa reports that the country’s manufacturing production decreased by 1.2% year-on-year in August, with the largest negative contributors having been motor vehicles, parts and accessories, as well as basic iron and steel, nonferrous metal products, metal products and machinery.... →

Mondi to acquire €634m worth of assets from German Schumacher Packaging

By: Darren Parker 9th October 2024 Multinational sustainable packaging and paper producer Mondi has entered into an agreement to acquire the German, Benelux and UK corrugated converting and solid board operations of Schumacher Packaging. This acquisition of Schumacher Packaging’s western European packaging assets will expand... →

Seifsa president sees new political climate as opportunity to revive metals sector

By: Terence Creamer 4th October 2024 Steel and Engineering Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) president Elias Monage has described the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) as an opportunity to revive the metals and engineering sector by fixing the basics and raising infrastructure spend. In an address... →

Steel and Engineering Federation of Southern Africa president Elias Monage

Absa PMI back in expansionary territory in Sept

By: Creamer Media Reporter 1st October 2024 The seasonally adjusted Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) increased to 52.8 points in September, putting it back in expansionary territory after having declined to 43.6 points in August. "The PMI (and official manufacturing data) has been volatile in recent months, but it is useful to note... →

Hybrid solar PV, battery system to halve Penflex' reliance on grid power

By: Schalk Burger 30th September 2024 South African stationery and plastic products manufacturer Penflex will install a hybrid solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS), which will halve its demand for electricity generated by State-owned Eskom and sustainably cut down on its biggest expense. The impact of the sustainable... →

Penflex CEO Sean Stuttaford

PPC reports continued decline in revenue from March to July

By: Darren Parker 30th September 2024 JSE-listed cement company PPC has reported a 2.1% decline in revenue for the four months ended July 31, compared with the same period last year. The decline follows PPC’s recent efforts to stabilise its balance sheet, sell non-strategic assets and improve overall profitability and returns on... →

One of PPC's South African manufacturing plants

SAS partners with Fincantieri, Vard Marine to build offshore patrol vessels in SA

By: Irma Venter 27th September 2024 Sandock Austral Shipyards (SAS) in Durban has signed a technology partnership agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and its Canadian subsidiary Vard Marine to construct the Afrika class offshore patrol vessel in South Africa. The Afrika class is designed to meet the needs of African... →

Prasheen Maharaj and Vard Marine's Derek Buxton

Increased local content, skills transfer attainable targets

By: Lumkile Nkomfe 27th September 2024 The Nedbank Manufacturing Roundtable, held on July 11, in Johannesburg, has highlighted the imperative of greater localisation opportunities and the need to facilitate comprehensive skills transfer in the manufacturing sector. The speakers at this event included financial services company Nedbank... →

A generic image of a car manufacturing assembly line

OBJECTIVE OUTLOOK Private sector manufacturing stakeholders remain hopeful in the sector’s ability to reach its production targets, despite the pressing logistical and energy challenges

Greener chemical cleaner on offer

By: Halima Frost 27th September 2024 South African industrial and retail chemicals manufacturer Reinol-Janek Chemicals’ BH-38, a heavy-duty industrial and commercial butyl-based detergent, offers a greener, all-purpose cleaning solution for “tough cleaning jobs”, says Reinol-Janek Chemicals MD Trevor Kempster, speaking at this... →

A range fo containers holding the heavy-duty industrial and commercial butyl-based detergent BH-38

KEEP IT CLEAN The BH-38 heavy-duty industrial and commercial butyl-based detergent is pink, but green

Diaphragm pumps key for chemicals sector

27th September 2024 Industrial equipment supplier BMG’s new EVO series electric diaphragm pumps – which form part of flow creation and industrial product supplier Ingersoll Rand’s ARO fluid handling products – are designed to enhance energy efficiency and improve fluid handling productivity in many industries,... →

BUILT TOUGH The new Ingersoll Rand ARO EVO range of electric pumps are used in harsh chemical applications

Hitachi introduces new excavator, backhoe machines in Southern Africa

25th September 2024 Hitachi Construction Machinery Africa has made available to the South African market its Zaxis 7G Series excavator and BX100 Shinrai-Power backhoe loader, which offer higher efficiencies and increased safety for the mining and construction sectors. Marleny Arnoldi visited the showcase. →

Hitachi introduces new excavator, backhoe machines in Southern Africa

South Africa’s coalition government triggers wave of investment

By: Bloomberg 23rd September 2024 The formation of South Africa’s business-friendly coalition government has triggered a wave of investment announcements and positive sentiment not seen in years, spurring hope that Africa’s biggest economy may finally be finding its footing after a lost decade-and-a-half. Within days of the... →

ArcelorMittal South Africa CEO Kobus Verster says there is more positive outlook for the country.

Company outlines plans to provide stable cooling solutions

20th September 2024 Energy technology provider Midea used its Nigeria offline dealer conference on August 23 to unveil its plans and preparations to launch its latest split-type inverter air conditioner, UNICOOL, from the Midea Residential Air Conditioner Division (Midea RAC). The company says that this conference... →

A generic image of air conditioning products

ADDRESSING PERTINENT CHALLENGES The innovative capacity of air-conditioning products is detailed as a way of dealing with persisting energy challenges in Nigeria

Company highlights vital role of air conditioning in hospitals

20th September 2024 Electronics company LG Electronics South Africa has outlined the key role of air-conditioning systems within healthcare facilities in ensuring that patient well-being extends far beyond medical treatments alone. LG notes that the environment plays a crucial role in facilitating healing and... →

HOLISTIC APPROACH Efforts are under way to increase the production standard of air-conditioning products for the healthcare sector

Uptick in demand for HVAC systems by OEM sector

20th September 2024 There has been a noticeable uptick in demand for the locally manufactured Booyco heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems by South Africa’s original-equipment manufacturers (OEM), says Booyco Engineering MD Brenton Spies, adding that the upswing is seen as a promising indicator of... →

INFLUX OF ORDERS A key differentiator for Booyco Engineering has been its commitment to local production underpinned by rigorous in-house testing

Potential of industrial refrigeration service model emphasised

20th September 2024 Energy company Energy Partners has outlined the innovative potential of Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS) agreements within the industrial refrigeration landscape to catalyse developments in operational risk and energy efficiency, thereby leading to sustainable businesses. The company highlights that... →

DAWIE KRIEL Under the CaaS model, customers enter into partnerships where suppliers own and operate cooling or heating systems, assuming all associated risks and responsibilities during the life cycle of the system

Kwikot launches smart geyser powered by solar PV and grid power

By: Schalk Burger 19th September 2024 Commercial and industrial geyser and boiler manufacturer Kwikot on September 18 launched its new Elon Smart Water heating system – a smart geyser system that uses solar PV-generated electricity and/or grid power. The Elon solution was developed by electricity technology startup company... →

The Elon Smart Water thermostat

Creecy sets year-end deadline for rail Network Statement amid ‘complicated tariff balancing act’

By: Terence Creamer 17th September 2024 Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says that, despite Transnet’s turnaround progress, the State-owned enterprise is not able to meet the target of increasing South Africa’s yearly rail volumes to 250-million tons alone. The Government of National Unity is, therefore, prioritising efforts to open... →

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy addressing a Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa conference in Ekurhuleni

SAB reiterates calls for revised approach to excessive beer excise tax increases

By: Darren Parker 16th September 2024 Government is disproportionately reliant on the beer-making industry for excise duties, which accounted for 34.7% of total excise revenues in the 2023/24 financial year, JSE-listed beer maker South African Breweries (SAB) has said. Over the past few years, the company has made repeated appeals to... →

Manufacturing confidence holds steady amid persisting headwinds – Absa

By: Schalk Burger 16th September 2024 Confidence levels among local manufacturers held steady at 28 points during the third quarter, driven mainly by their optimism regarding policy direction after a peaceful election and the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), the Absa Manufacturing Survey for the third quarter... →

BRICS Business Council working groups offer updates on work in the year-to-date

By: Darren Parker 13th September 2024 The BRICS Business Council has provided an update on its work thus far this year, reflecting on progress made and the challenges posed by the inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates into the BRICS Plus alliance in January. The council’s working groups have been... →

Company prioritises local sustainability pillars

By: Halima Frost 6th September 2024 As testament to its renewed commitment to sustainability and generating shared value for customers, global waste and wastewater management company EnviroServ has earmarked three key pillars to improve on its sustainability targets. EnviroServ, a SUEZ company, is in alignment with the global... →

A man and woman, in EnviroServ attire and PPE sorting through waste at one of its sites

GETTING SORTED EnviroServ has renewed its commitment to sustainability and waste management with three pillars and refined global targets

Metair boasts resilience amid tough first-half market conditions

By: Darren Parker 5th September 2024 In an operational update to shareholders for the six months ended June 30, JSE-listed Metair Investments has said its business verticals demonstrated resilience despite the challenging operating and trading conditions. The company said on September 5 that it had successfully maintained a constant... →

Rebranded WEG committed to supporting customers meet their sustainability goals

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 5th September 2024 Electrical equipment manufacturer WEG has worked for a year to internally evolve its brand, rebranding from Zest WEG to WEG, and with this comes an increased focus on sustainability. WEG has established its presence in Africa over four decades under the Brazil-headquartered Zest WEG brand. →

Photo by Creamer Media's Tasneem Bulbulia
WEG Africa CEO Eduardo Werninghaus

SEW-EURODRIVE to invest R380m in new Joburg drive service, repair facility

By: Darren Parker 2nd September 2024 Drive technology manufacturer SEW-EURODRIVE has announced an estimated R380-million investment into a new service and repair centre to be built adjacent to its current facilities in Aeroton, Johannesburg. The new 15 000 m2 facility will provide drive and gearbox repairs and servicing to the South... →

An image of the planned new SEW-Eurodrive facility on display during the groundbreaking ceremony

SEW-EURODRIVE ‘closes the loop’ with more diverse range of drives, automation, sustainability solutions

By: Darren Parker 2nd September 2024 Power train solutions company SEW-EURODRIVE has announced that it is rolling out a wider selection of planetary drives as part of its ‘close the loop’ strategy, geared at servicing more industry sectors than previously. Among the new ranges being introduced into South Africa are its SEW PPK... →

SEW-Eurodrive national sales and marketing manager Jonathan McKey

Absa PMI records sharp contraction in August

By: Marleny Arnoldi 2nd September 2024 Absa has reported a month-on-month drop of 8.8 points in the seasonally adjusted Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for August to a level of 43.6, which reflects a shift back to contractionary territory in South Africa’s manufacturing sector. The decline from 52.4 points in July to 43.6 in August... →

South Africa is losing its trade competitiveness edge

By: Schalk Burger 2nd September 2024 Enormous investments are being made in ports, rail and transport logistics in Southern Africa, as well as more broadly in Africa, including by international companies and consortia. "Global companies that are investing in infrastructure across the continent. This is happening because of the... →

Milestone in product tracking technology achieved

30th August 2024 Coding and marking systems developer LEIBINGER, together with computer consultants coilDNA, will be presenting a “cutting-edge smart code system” that enables seamless tracking of all parts of industrial semi-finished products, at this year’s globally acclaimed ALUMINIUM Exhibition trade fair... →

A metal fabrication factory with a new coding machine at the forefront

THE GO CODE Being able to code and track metals will now be easier with LEIBINGER's new aluminium and metals marking system

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