From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:
Screening and vibrating equipment supplier Aury Africa hosted a media launch and factory tour to celebrate the commissioning of its newly installed gravity-pour polyurethane system. which allows the company to begin manufacturing its own polyurethane panels, liners and wedges. 
Nadine James tells us more.

Nadine James:
Aury Africa had originally imported its polyurethane panels from its sister company Aury Tianjin in China. Although the cost of importing panels did not adversely affect the pricing of its products, the volatile rand/dollar exchange rate had eroded Aury Africa’s profit margins.

Further, the introduction of this new system forms part of the company’s drive to become more self-sufficient. Aury Africa had already started producing its own wedge wire, and it hopes to import an injection-moulding machine from its Aury Tianjin in the near future.

Aury Africa CEO Mark Houchin elaborates on the reasoning behind the decision to invest in the polyurethane system.

Aury Africa CEO Mark Houchin
 

Nadine James:
Houchin points out that the investment in the polyurethane system will be repaid timeously adding that, as a result, the company is well-positioned for future expansion.

Aury Africa CEO Mark Houchin:

Nadine James:
The new system and drying room are modular, enabling the company to expand capacity when needed. Aury Africa has hired and trained two new staff to operate the system.

Production will be on a smaller scale to start with and the company will produce about 50 panels a day. However, it can easily adapt to increases in demand and, if necessary, automate the process for a faster turnaround time.  Further, it can produce a wide range of products with the

Aury Africa CEO Mark Houchin:
 

Nadine James:
Aury Africa is constantly growing its client base. Houchin says that because of the diminished activity and growth within the mining industry, larger mining companies are looking for alternatives to their regular suppliers, in an effort to reduce costs. This has allowed relatively newer companies like Aury Africa to enter the market. Aury is specifically looking to broaden its base regionally and has looked to develop contacts and distributors throughout Africa.

Aury Africa CEO Mark Houchin:
 

Sashnee Moodley:
That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.