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Materials & Equipment News

Contractors, sub-contractors battling as late payments accelerate – MBA North

By: Irma Venter 13th May 2024 The construction industry value-chain is at risk of collapsing as shrinking margins, unfair practices and payment issues continue to undermine the sector. This is according to members of the Master Builders Association (MBA) North, who warn that “urgent dialogue and change” are needed to address... →

Raubex sees 28% bounce in its order book despite challenging environment

By: Irma Venter 13th May 2024 Raubex saw a 28% jump in its order book for the financial year ended February 29, to R25.55-billion, compared with R20-billion in the previous financial year. “This is testimony to our diversified business model,” said CEO Felicia Msiza on Monday as the group released its financial results. →

Felicia Msiza

Tunnel section installed emissions-free using battery power

10th May 2024 A standard skidding operation evolved into an opportunity for heavy lifting solutions provider Mammoet to showcase its ability to reduce the carbon footprint of civil projects while minimising disruption. Mammoet was tasked by multidisciplinary infrastructure company Stadsbader Contractors to... →

UNDER PRESSURE Mammoet was tasked to lift and skid an 850 t concrete tunnel section 40 m beneath railway lines in Belgium

Conditions still challenging, but contractors report noticeable uptick – MBA North

By: Irma Venter 10th May 2024 Last year was one of the most challenging years the Master Builders Association (MBA) North has ever experienced, with many of its long-standing members entering business rescue or closing their doors, says MBA North executive director Mohau Mphomela. The 120-year-old employers’ body serves the... →

Local product ensures efficiency

By: Simone Liedtke 3rd May 2024 Addressing global challenges such as climate change and the growing focus on sustainable development was front of mind in the development of Pratliperl by local manufacturer Pratley, says Pratley marketing director Eldon Kruger. “The perlite-based mineral aggregate is sourced and processed in... →

LOCALLY SOURCED The perlite-based mineral aggregate is sourced from a South African mine

Plastic pipes key to modernisation

By: Simone Liedtke 26th April 2024 To address the challenges of water scarcity, sanitation inadequacies and the need for efficient waste management there is ongoing reassessment of the materials and technologies used in infrastructure projects, says industry association Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association... →

PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE Given the pressing need for reliable and efficient sewer systems, the selection of materials for pipelines is of paramount importance

John Deere continues focus on innovation, technology

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 19th April 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. This was outlined by speakers on April 18, when John Deere’s Construction division showcased its equipment and technology... →

An image showing John Deere construction equipment

Photo by Creamer Media's Tasneem Bulbulia
John Deere’s Construction division showcased its equipment and technology solutions to customers

Conditions challenging, but some green shoots emerging – MBA North

By: Irma Venter 19th April 2024 Last year was one of the most challenging years the Master Builders Association (MBA) North has ever experienced, with many of its long-standing members entering business rescue or closing their doors, says MBA North executive director Mohau Mphomela. The 120-year-old employers’ body serves the... →

Institute warns of looming change in standards

By: Halima Frost 12th April 2024 As the unit standards of the current National Qualifications Framework (NQF) expired in June 2023, with the last enrolment of learners in June 2024, professional body Institute for Work at Height (IWH) continues its efforts to maintain some form of standardisation in the sector. As a result of... →

Two men on a scaffold wearing PPE and safety harnesses

STANDING FOR STANDARDS The Institute for Work at Height continues its efforts to maintain some form of standardisation in the sector

Tribunal approves Afrimat, Lafarge merger with conditions

By: Creamer Media Reporter 10th April 2024 The Competition Tribunal has conditionally approved the proposed large merger wherein Afrimat intends to acquire the entire issued share capital of Lafarge South Africa Holdings. The tribunal’s decision follows a merger hearing held on April 5, during which it heard submissions from the... →

Concrete towers selected for Impofu wind farm to bolster local content

By: Terence Creamer 4th April 2024 Enel Green Power South Africa has confirmed that the Nordex manufacturing facility being set up in Humansdorp, in the Eastern Cape, will produce concrete wind tower sections for the three new wind farms that make up its Impofu Cluster. With a combined capacity of 336 MW, the Impofu East, Impofu... →

A Nordex wind turbine

Bell Equipment advances contract manufacturing initiative

By: Marleny Arnoldi 3rd April 2024 Heavy equipment manufacturer Bell Equipment has been growing its business organically by investing in the development and enhancement of products, increasing market share in key regions, such as the Middle East, and growing the Bell Heavy Industries (BHI) contract manufacturing business. Bell... →

Bell Equipment Model 200 Grader

PPC’s Zimbabwe business flourishes while South African, Botswana businesses flounder

By: Darren Parker 27th March 2024 Revenue growth in cement producer PPC’s South Africa and Botswana cement businesses was driven by price increases during the ten months ended January 31, positively offsetting the declining sales volumes experienced in the six months to September 30, 2023. In an operational update issued on March... →

‘It’s not all doom and gloom in our space’ – WBHO boss

By: Irma Venter 22nd March 2024 With a total pipeline of work of R240-billion, up from R211-billion in June, Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon’s (WBHO’s) short- to medium-term future “should be okay”, says CEO Wolfgang Neff. “It’s not all doom and gloom in our space. I think it looks pretty good. Our earnings are at their best levels... →

Masslift Africa launches Mitsubishi Forklift’s new Grendia series in South Africa

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 15th March 2024 Forklift products and services provider Masslift Africa, in partnership with Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, this week launched Mitsubishi’s new-generation Grendia forklift series for the Southern African market, at an event held at Masslift’s Johannesburg premises. Masslift is the distributor of... →

An image of Mitsubishi’s new-generation Grendia forklift

Photo by Creamer Media's Tasneem Bulbulia
Mitsubishi’s new-generation Grendia forklift

Methanol surge expected to continue

15th March 2024 In recent years, the demand for methanol has witnessed a significant surge, particularly within the marine and construction industries, states analytical reportage company Persistence Market Research. The observation of this upward trend prompted Persistence Market Research to conduct a... →

a glass bottle with clear methanol inside and a sticker on with the chemical compound breakdown on the front

MAKING METHNOL Methanol is used as a feedstock for the synthesis of numerous chemicals, including formaldehyde, acetic acid and methyl tertiary-butyl ether

‘It’s not all doom and gloom in our space’ – WBHO boss

By: Irma Venter 6th March 2024 With a total pipeline of work of R240-billion, up from R211-billion in June, Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon’s (WBHO’s) short- to medium-term future “should be okay”, says CEO Wolfgang Neff. “It’s not all doom and gloom in our space. I think it looks pretty good. Our earnings are at their best levels... →

Image of WBHO housing project in Lesotho

Polihali dam housing project in Lesotho

Machinery heralds more efficient, environment-friendly practices

By: Simone Liedtke 1st March 2024 In a significant development for the construction sector, machine industry group Husqvarna has introduced a new range of advanced machinery, which machinery distributor Superb Construction Systems sales manager Richard Hugh says “signals a shift towards more efficient and environment-friendly... →

Prefab buildings provider celebrates five decades

1st March 2024 Prefabricated buildings provider Kwikspace is celebrating more than five decades of delivering tailor-made solutions across diverse industries. With expertise spanning schools, clinics, mining, construction and humanitarian efforts, Kwikspace consistently prioritises exceptional customer service... →

3D concrete printer stands to benefit South African construction

By: Simone Liedtke 1st March 2024 The development of fit-for-purpose machinery, made in South Africa and for African conditions, such as three-dimensional (3D) concrete printing, stands to offer the construction industry enhanced efficiency, sustainability and design versatility, says concrete equipment manufacturer Pan Mixers... →

TRANSFORMATIVE SOLUTION 3D concrete printers offers transformative solutions to the challenges faced by the construction sector

Local manufacturer seeks to ease crane buying process

By: Lynne Davies 1st March 2024 There is a risk associated with buying capital equipment, and the choice of a factory crane can be “especially tricky”, says local overhead cranes and hoists manufacturer Condra Cranes. Condra advises to look at the following elements: the cost of downtime, inherent strength, and the design... →

The above image depicts two Condra technicians working on a jib crane

Photo by Condra Cranes
PRIVATE TECHNICAL SUPPORT End-users are in direct communication with a dedicated service agent from the time their crane is commissioned

Metals, engineering output up 1.7% but still far below 2008/9 peak

By: Darren Parker 20th February 2024 While aggregate production in the South African metals and engineering sector increased by 1.7% last year, which is slightly higher than the 1.5% increase in 2022, it remains 18% below where it was in 2008/9. Overall, the 2023 index of production averaged about 4.2% below its long-term average. →

Cape Town to invest R43bn in infrastructure in the next three years – mayor

By: Irma Venter 14th February 2024 Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says the city will invest R43-billion in infrastructure over the next three years. The ten-year project pipeline is valued at R120-billion. →

Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and city manager Lungelo Mbandazayo

AMSA sees plausible pathway for salvaging longs unit, but ready to reverse closure deferral if urgent progress is not made

By: Terence Creamer 8th February 2024 Steel producer ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) has deferred the wind-down of its long-products business by six months amid widespread concern regarding the detrimental impact of the closure on downstream industry and jobs and following consultations with government and other affected... →

Photo by Creamer Media's Donna Slater
ArcelorMittal South Africa CEO Kobus Verster

Bell Equipment founder’s grandson named CEO

By: Irma Venter 26th January 2024 Bell Equipment has appointed Ashley Jon Bell (41), grandson of company founder Irvine Bell, as new group CEO, effective January 1. This follows the July resignation of outgoing group CEO Leon Goosen, who departed the company on December 31 after 16 years of service, of which five-and-a-half were... →

PPC concludes sale of Rwandan cement business

By: Marleny Arnoldi 25th January 2024 JSE-listed cement manufacturer PPC’s subsidiary PPC International Holdings has successfully disposed of its 51% shareholding in Cimerwa, in Rwanda, for $42.5-million. PPC confirms that all conditions precedent to the disposal have been fulfilled and that the proceeds have been received from the... →

Afrimat only waiting for CompTrib approval for Lafarge South Africa acquisition

By: Schalk Burger 22nd January 2024 JSE-listed midtier mining and materials company Afrimat says it is now awaiting approval from only the Competition Tribunal to proceed with its proposed acquisition of Lafarge South Africa. Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe consented to the acquisition on October 27, while the... →

AfriSam expects to start mining new Ulco limestone quarry later this year

By: Schalk Burger 18th January 2024 Aggregates and construction materials company AfriSam will soon start mining at a new limestone deposit near its Ulco cement plant, in the Northern Cape. The relocated quarry will be capable of providing security of supply for about 40 years and will deliver about two-million tons of limestone a... →

The existing Ulco operation and new mining area

PPC reorganises exec committee to drive improved profitability, return on capital

By: Schalk Burger 18th January 2024 JSE-listed cement and construction materials company PPC has approved a substantially reorganised and strengthened executive committee to drive improved profitability and a sustainable return on capital for its South African business. The reconstituted committee includes several new roles aimed... →

UK to implement carbon levy on imported goods by 2027

By: Reuters 18th December 2023 Britain will implement a new carbon import levy on some products from 2027 to help to protect businesses against cheaper imports from countries with less strict climate policies, the government said on Monday. The planned carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) will apply to carbon-intensive... →

PPC rehabilitates boreholes for Madibeng villages

By: Schalk Burger 14th December 2023 Construction materials company PPC has rehabilitated nine boreholes in Madibeng, in the North West, and handed them over to the Madibeng municipality. This project forms part of the cement maker’s local economic development commitments in terms of its mining licence, and it targeted the villages... →

A photo of one of the rehabilitated boreholes

Bell Equipment management returns to the family as it appoints new CEO

By: Irma Venter 12th December 2023 Bell Equipment has appointed Ashley Jon Bell (41), grandson of company founder Irvine Bell, as new group CEO, effective January 1. This follows the July resignation of outgoing group CEO, Leon Goosen, who departs the company on December 31 after 16 years of service, of which five and a half were... →

Ashley Jon Bell

NRCS recalls cement product over insufficient strength

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 11th December 2023 The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) is recalling the Econo Cement CEMV/AS-V32.5N product from all distributors and retail outlets across South Africa, saying it has failed to meet the requirements of the compulsory specifications for cement, NRCS acting CEO Dr Duncan... →

Mixed cement being used on a construction project

Sunward expands presence in South Africa with new distribution, service centre

By: Marleny Arnoldi 11th December 2023 Drilling, earthmoving and construction equipment supplier Sunward South Africa has unveiled its dedicated distribution facility in Jet Park, Boksburg, to serve the Southern African mining and construction markets. Sunward South Africa is part of the Sunward Equipment Group, which is a... →

Seifsa warns of dire consequences if govt fails to intervene on AMSA longs closure

By: Terence Creamer 8th December 2023 The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) is calling on government to take urgent and decisive action to support the domestic steel sector following ArcelorMittal South Africa’s (AMSA’s) announcement that it intends winding down its long-products business. In a... →

Barloworld expects slowdown in mining equipment sales as commodity cycle cools

By: Irma Venter 8th December 2023 Barloworld expects a 10% to 15% decline in the 2024 Southern African mining equipment industry on the back of slowing commodity demand and weak commodity prices. “Having said that, we are encouraged by activity in the construction space,” says Equipment Southern Africa CE Andronicca Masemola. →

Spares deal expected to boost performance of straddle carriers at congested DCT Pier 2

By: Terence Creamer 7th December 2023 Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has concluded a seven-year agreement with four original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for the supply of critical spares for equipment across its terminals, including the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2, which is the State-owned company’s largest and most... →

A straddle carrier

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