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Materials Handling News

Company ensures dependable systems for its customers

5th February 2021 Forklift dealer Criterion Equipment, exclusive distributors of TCM forklift trucks in Southern Africa, works closely with companies in almost every sector, including specialists in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. FMCG companies – which operate in a highly-competitive environment, in... →

Condra clinches order for 70 t double-girder crane

By: Schalk Burger 29th January 2021 Johannesburg-based cranes and hoists manufacturer Condra Cranes has received an order to not only design and manufacture a 70-t double-girder electric overhead travelling crane, but also erect the gantry and, thereafter, deliver, install and commission the crane, Condra MD Marc Kleiner says. The... →

CRANE TEST A Condra overhead crane is used to move a test-weight that is the same weight and shape as the client's machine

New dashboard assists in efficient cargo handling

29th January 2021 Cargo truck manufacturer Capacity Group introduced a newly designed dashboard with elevated instrumentation, which will reduce driver fatigue and optimise productivity, to its terminal tractors in the fourth quarter of last year. Additionally, the terminal tractors now offer synchronised seat and... →

ON TRACK The Capacity tractors offer efficient cargo handling solutions that reduce operating costs

Progress at Durban terminals commended

29th January 2021 State-owned freight logistics company Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) and network organisation Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) recently took stock of progress made to date at TPT’s terminals. An announcement to that effect – made in October – followed an industry outcry eight months... →

ATTENTION GIVEN Port users and cargo owners commended developments made to the Transnet Port Terminals during the course of the year

Two contracts keep marine transformation afloat

29th January 2021 Specialist marine solutions provider African Marine Solutions (Amsol) has been awarded two contracts which will act not only as a catalyst for continued transformation but will also ensure continuity in supply chain. The first contract awarded to Amsol is a multiyear contract with multinational... →

FUELING TRANSFORMATION The contract awarded to Amsol by Shell Downstream South Africa will extend the company’s services in fuel logistics and transportation

Manica Namibia completes first use of new hopper, bagging system

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 22nd January 2021 Logistics and marine services provider Manica Group Namibia recently invested in an advanced mobile hopper and bagging system and has successfully completed the first use of this equipment. The bagging plant allows for products to be shipped in bulk and bagged at the destination, quayside. The... →

Nectar hopper and bagger system

Forklift-centric children's book launched to spark imagination, acceptance of others 

By: Donna Slater 11th January 2021 A new children’s book Forklift trucks and their Secret Superpowers was launched late last year in a partnership between forklift manufacturer Combilift and award-winning author Emer Conlon. The CombiKids book highlights overcoming difficulties, the importance of friendship and that bullying is... →

Photo by Creamer Media
Forklift trucks and their Secret Superpowers

Construction to start on Liberia Inland Storage Facility

By: Donna Slater 7th January 2021 Infrastructure project funder InfraCo Africa, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), and Global Logistics Services (GLS) have signed an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with Liberian contractor BMC Group to build the Liberia Inland Storage Facility... →

Sarens Siba branches out into Brits to better serve its mining clients

By: Donna Slater 19th November 2020 Crane company Sarens Siba has opened a new mining-specific crane depot in Brits to service the needs of mines in the greater Rustenburg region. The depot will house mobile and all-terrain cranes in the 40 t to 120 t range that are in high demand by regional mines, and will mainly be used in the... →

Photo by Creamer Media's Donna Slater
A 100 t mobile crane at Sarens Siba's Brits depot

Materials handling system performs well in local market

By: Donna Slater 12th November 2020 The Swedish-made Flexqube materials handling system, introduced to the South African market by materials handling company Lazar in June, offers users versatility in managing the transportation of goods within warehouse and factory type environments. Flexqube is a trolley or cart system based off... →

South Africa urged to take the lead in adopting TIR system

By: Irma Venter 6th November 2020 South Africa should take the lead in adopting the Transport Internationaux Routiers (TIR) system in sub-Saharan Africa, says the International Road Transport Union (IRU). TIR is a United Nations convention and enables goods to be shipped from a country of origin, through transit countries, to a... →

Company aims to install storage solutions beyond SADC

By: Cameron Mackay 30th October 2020 Industrial racking and shelving manufacturer Universal Storage Systems (USS) is looking to broaden its footprint by exporting its storage products to African countries beyond the South African Development Community (SADC) region. The company currently manufactures and supplies storage solutions –... →

OPTIMUM STORAGE SOLUTIONS USS markets a range of warehousing and storage products and systems, including steel racking, shelving and mezzanine floors, for commercial and industrial use

Project launched to support, grow women-owned transport enterprises

By: Irma Venter 20th October 2020 The United Nations Women South Africa Multicountry Office, in partnership with the National Women Advancement Establishment, have launched a project to provide technical business support to women-owned enterprises in the transport sector in South Africa. The aim of the programme is to stimulate... →

Lebo Letsoalo

Container handlers add value to port operations

9th October 2020 Forklift and container handler manufacturer BLT WORLD’s extensive range of container handling equipment encompasses industrial lift trucks supplier Taylor Machine Works loaded and empty container handlers, as well as reach stackers. These are designed for versatile operation, enhanced performance... →

ROBUST CONTAINER HANDLING The Taylor XRS-9972 reachstacker, with a high-strength telescopic boom, is designed for versatile operation, enhanced performance and improved safety in busy container handling environments

Local industrial equipment market to drop by 30%, says EIE Group’s Malherbe

By: Irma Venter 9th October 2020 New-unit sales in the South African industrial equipment market will decline by an estimated 30% this year, says EIE Group operations director Chantell Malherbe. Most of this drop will come from the more established brands, with an uptick seen in the sale of less expensive Chinese products at 30%... →

Durban Container Terminal receives another eight straddle carriers

By: Donna Slater 21st September 2020 Another eight new electric straddle carriers have arrived at the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 fully assembled, completing the terminal’s order of 23 for the current calendar year. This followed the delivery of 13 of the electric straddle carriers in August. →

Engineering collaboration assists local development

18th September 2020 Mechanical engineering contractor Brimis Engineering is working together with air conditioning contractor Blue Hemisphere on the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) installation at the Middelburg Provincial Hospital. →

Local industrial equipment market to drop by 30%, says EIE’s Malherbe

By: Irma Venter 14th September 2020 New-unit sales in the South African industrial equipment market will decline by an estimated 30% this year, says EIE Group operations director Chantell Malherbe. Most of this drop will come from the more established brands, with an uptick seen in the sale of less expensive Chinese products, at... →

In-house-developed idler increases mine throughput, product longevity

By: Donna Slater 11th September 2020 The development of a South African-made conveyor belt idler has resulted in diversified miner Exxaro Resources increasing throughput at its Grootegeluk mine through one of its conveyor load points from 800 t/d to 3 000 t/d, says conveyor products manufacturer Brelko US and Africa manager Brent... →

Equipment reduces dust in bulk materials handling

11th September 2020 Materials handling equipment specialist BLT WORLD’s Samson travelling Eco-Hoppers have an effective dust control system that minimises the escape of dust during the grab discharge cycle in bulk materials handling. →

BREATHING EASY The Samson Eco Hoppers installed at Kenya’s Port of Mombasa have significantly improved port facilities and minimised the environmental impact of bulk handling operations at the harbour

Real-time data essential in FMCG market

By: Cameron Mackay 11th September 2020 With the Covid-19 pandemic having led to a change in buying patterns, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) value chain solutions provider MACmobile MD Andrew Dawson suggests that the FMCG industry will have to use intelligent digital technology data to curb the negative impact this could have on the... →

ANDREW DAWSON We still need clarity on disposeable incomes across different consumer brands, it’s unclear if we’re going to see see a shift to more basic staples

Company underlines lithium-ion forklift battery benefits for warehouses

By: Cameron Mackay 11th September 2020 Local industrial lithium-ion battery distributor CHASE Technologies GM Brent Frazer explains that the company’s lithium-ion phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs for forklifts present a more cost-effective, maintenance-free and environment-friendly option for forklift users. These battery packs... →

POSITIVE MARKET IMPACT CHASE Technologies’ is looking to convert 50% of the current local electric forklift market from lead-acid batteries to LiFePO4 batteries

Bell sees recovery following Covid-19, parts ways with John Deere

By: Irma Venter 8th September 2020 Bell Equipment’s plants are currently operating at roughly 70% of pre-Covid-19 levels, says Bell Equipment CEO Leon Goosen. The South African operation at Richards Bay is running a little bit below this average, however, as it had stocked up on inventory prior to the pandemic in anticipation of a... →

Leon Goosen

Heavy equipment demobilised after project completion

4th September 2020 Heavy equipment lifting and transporting company Mammoet recently began demobilising equipment it had deployed at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemical complex in Lekki Free Zone, in Nigeria. The demobilising of the equipment began in July. →

BIG DELIVERIES The components for the refinery project consisted of multiple shipments delivered to the purpose-built Dangote Quay Lekki in Lagos

Covid-19, lockdowns cost Imperial R1bn in profit, says Akoojee

By: Irma Venter 25th August 2020 Imperial has lost an estimated R4-billion in revenue and R1-billion in operating profit during the peak lockdown period of March to May, says Imperial CEO Mohammed Akoojee. Despite this, the group still managed to report a 5% increase in continuing revenue for the financial year ended June 30, to... →

Mohammed Akoojee

African Rainbow Capital further invests into transport platform Linebooker

By: Donna Slater 25th August 2020 Investment holding company African Rainbow Capital (ARC) – founded and majority owned by Dr Patrice Motsepe – has, through its relevant subsidiaries, made an additional investment into technology-led trucking business Linebooker, which has successfully disrupted the Southern African logistics... →

Synchronising operating hours one option to reduce port congestion

By: Irma Venter 21st August 2020 The Port of Durban Decongestion Task Team is looking at synchronising the operating hours of the back-of-port container depots with the port’s 24/7 operating hours. The team also wants to introduce a holistic truck booking system that could provide an integrated view of expected truck volumes... →

Focus set on intellectual support services

14th August 2020 Hard face solution provider Rio-Carb is altering its business model to focus more on providing intellectual support services and is employing its own engineers to assist customers in all aspects of liner fabrication application. Rio-Carb director Thomas Reib says the company can now provide a... →

Storage range introduced to Southern Africa

By: Cameron Mackay 14th August 2020 Local logistical equipment solutions provider Logistics Systems Engineering (LSE) has formalised an exclusive distribution agreement with storage products provider Gonvarri Material Handling, which will make Gonvarri’s range of storage systems and technologies available in Southern Africa for the... →

SUPPLY CHAIN ENHANCING The Gonvarri range will further enhance LSE’s capability to deliver projects – including providing mobile racking systems and pallet shuttles for food and beverage customers

Rising demand for lithium-ion-powered forklifts anticipated

By: Cameron Mackay 14th August 2020 “The demand for lithium-ion-powered forklifts is increasing locally, owing to companies wanting to reap the benefits of energy efficiency and cost effectiveness, as well as in preparation for changing legislation regarding emissions,” says forklift distributor for Masslift Africa national sales... →

CLEAN HANDLING The highest demand for lithium-ion-powered forklifts has been from fast-moving consumer goods applications that require clean environments for food

Tech crucial to market sales in local industry

By: Cameron Mackay 14th August 2020 Automation solutions provider MACmobile MD Andrew Dawson stresses that technology that offers mobility, automation and the ability to engage customers while maintaining social distance will be crucial to driving market sales in the local industry. “The key technology at this stage is mobility –... →

ANDREW DAWSON What’s important is enabling retailers, with their own methodology software-wise, to generate orders and use the call centres to create new sales and awareness

Efficient wagon handling lowers operational costs

31st July 2020 The safe and efficient offloading of materials from both rail wagons and road trucks improves efficiencies, lowers operating costs and protects product integrity during bulk handling, says materials handling company Specialised Container Agencies (SCA). “SCA focuses on the design of containerised... →

ON TRACK TIPPER The use of containerised bulk materials handling solutions ensures safe and efficient offloading in road and rail hauling

Specialised steel extends life of ore wagons

By: Halima Frost 31st July 2020 Stainless steel manufacturer Columbus Stainless advocates that the much longer life span of ore wagons achieved using 3CR12, makes it clear why stainless steel is the cost-effective choice for equipment in ore-handling processes. “Owing to its excellent properties in wet sliding conditions, the... →

UP ORE DOWN Wagons manufactured by Columbus Stainless using 3CR12 transport ore for substantially longer with less degradation than those made of mild steel or other materials

Manufacturer obtains welding certification

By: Halima Frost 31st July 2020 Rolling stock manufacturer Transmashholdings (TMH) Africa, which acts as the centre of excellence for narrow-gauge rolling stock within the TMH Group, announced in March that it had been awarded the ISO 3834 welding certification. The certification was awarded to the company by the Southern... →

ACCREDITED FUSION Transmashholdings Africa have been awarded an International Standards Organisation 3843 welding certification which will help draw in new clients for the company

Workshop conversion back on track

By: Halima Frost 31st July 2020 Although the conversion of railroad equipment supplier Gibela Rail Transport Consortium’s training centre into a traction motor manufacturing workshop has been delayed because of Covid-19, the project is again on track for completion by the end of the year. The company says that the electrical... →

KEEP MOTORING Although setbacks have been faced Gibela is back on track to start manufacturing its traction motors by year end

Synchronising operating hours one option to reduce port congestion

By: Irma Venter 27th July 2020 The Port of Durban Decongestion Task Team is looking at synchronising the operating hours of the back-of-port container depots with the port’s 24/7 operating hours. The team also wants to introduce a holistic truck booking system that could provide an integrated view of expected truck volumes... →

TPT facilitates export of higher-than-expected volumes of citrus

By: Donna Slater 22nd July 2020 State-owned port operator Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) is tracking ahead of a planned 13% increase in citrus export volumes across four of its 19 terminals this year. In the face of Covid-19, actual citrus volumes are 29.4% higher across all terminals combined when compared with 2019 volumes. →

A forklift manoeuvres a reefer unit

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