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Food industry specialist expands into ventilator production

By: Irma Venter 10th July 2020 Dale Automation has developed a prototype emergency ventilator as a joint effort between its engineering department and medical professionals to assist with the treatment of Covid-19 and other respiratory diseases. Dale Automation, based in Johannesburg and established in 1999, is active in the... →

Drones being used to help governments fight the Covid-19 pandemic

By: Donna Slater 10th July 2020 With the onset of Covid-19, technology has come to the fore, as people have been forced to work from home or increasingly remotely to ensure physical distancing, thereby increasing reliance on remote, and even autonomous, methods of conducting duties, with keen interest in the potential use of... →

New monitoring system introduced into market

10th July 2020 Engineering components provider BMG’s Light Materials Handling division has introduced a new condition monitoring system, the Plast iCOF, which has been developed to automatically monitor the coefficient of friction in bottling or canning lines, ensuring consistently high productivity levels. The... →

HALL MONITOR The Plast iCOF has been developed to automatically monitor the coefficient of friction in bottling or canning lines

Home automation add-on launched

10th July 2020 Global electrical and digital building infrastructure specialist Legrand has launched its Arteor-with-Netatmo which is a simple home automation solution that uses traditional house wiring and is controlled through WiFi. The company explains that it expanded on its Arteor range of wiring devices,... →

PLUGGED IN Legrand has add to its home automation solutions that use traditional house wiring and is controlled through WiFi

Upgrades enhance compressors

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 10th July 2020 Tru Compressor Solutions is an authorized distributor of compressor manufacturer Detroit Air Compressors. Detroit has upgraded its DT, DB, and Gen2-DB range of screw compressors to enhance their stability, especially in very harsh environments. Tru Compressor Solutions sales director Phillip... →

QUALITY ENSURED Detroit Compressors provide customers with a five-year warranty on the drive train of a rotary screw compressor and a two-year warranty on the complete unit

Manufacturer launches new rotary screw compressor

10th July 2020 Air compressor manufacturer Ingersoll Rand Company has launched the new RM220i Oil Flooded Rotary Screw Compressor which features a range of cost saving improvements, says air compressor supplier Dintsu Engineering Technologies MD Pierre Doman. Dintsu Engineering Technologies is an authorised... →

EXTENDED RANGE The RM220i model is part of Ingersoll Rand’s R-Series compressors, which offer the best of time-proven designs and technologies

Manufacturer develops new range of liquid ring pumps

10th July 2020 Vacuum products developer and manufacturer Edwards Vacuum has developed a range of new liquid ring pumps called the ELRi series. Made for use in wet, humid as well as corrosive conditions, this product offers a range of features and benefits that will distinguish itself from other competitor... →

Company introduces quiet, dry pumps range

10th July 2020 The HiScroll models from vacuum pump manufacturer Pfeiffer Vacuum’s new range of scroll pumps are oil-free, hermetically sealed vacuum pumps with high nominal pumping speeds of between 6 m³/h and 20 m³/h. The new pumps are characterised by their compact design and quiet, low-vibration operation.... →

SUPERIOR QUALITY The proven quality of Pfeiffer Vacuum products ensures a long service life as well as lower operating costs

Manufacturer offers solutions for energy efficiency

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 10th July 2020 With a concentrated effort and focus on improving energy efficiency, industrial equipment manufacturer Atlas Copco offers a variety of compressed-air solutions. “Electricity is the most prevalent energy source for industrial compressed-air production and accounts for up to 80% of the life-cycle... →

ELECTRIC ENERGY Electricity is the most prevalent energy source for industrial compressed-air production and accounts for up to 80% of the life-cycle cost of a compressor

Manufacturer introduces quiet cordless compressor

10th July 2020 Harnessing the power, performance, and run time delivered by M18 FUEL technology, heavy-duty, portable electric power tools and accessories manufacturer Milwaukee Tool has developed the industry’s quietest cordless air compressor for professional carpenters and remodelers. New “The M18 Fuel... →

EASE OF USE The compressor has a quick-change coupler connector and a single-turn regulator

Sappi closes some operations in Germany and the US

By: Simone Liedtke 9th July 2020 Pulp and paper company Sappi has announced the closure of the Paper Machine 2 (PM2) at its Stockstadt Mill, in Germany, as well as Paper Machine 9 (PM9) and the energy complex at its Westbrook Mill, in the US. This will cumulatively remove capacity, reduce costs, improve machine use and increase... →

DTIC establishes industrial parks association as part of revitalisation efforts

By: Marleny Arnoldi 9th July 2020 The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has invested more than R760-million in its Industrial Parks Revitalisation programme since its inception in 2015. The department, together with stakeholders, are in the process of establishing digital hubs in a number of industrial parks... →

South Africa's manufacturing output down 49.4% on Covid-19 impact

By: Simone Liedtke 9th July 2020 South Africa's manufacturing production decreased by 49.4% year-on-year in April. Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reports that the largest contributors to this decline was the motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment sector, where output decreased by 98%... →

Covid-19-impacted brands could lose as much as 15% of value – Brand Finance

By: Donna Slater 9th July 2020 As the Covid-19 pandemic wreaks havoc on the global and domestic economies, South Africa’s top 50 most valuable brands could lose up to 15% of brand value cumulatively, a drop of more than R65-billion compared with the original valuation date of January 1, according to the latest 'South Africa... →

Saisi supports govt’s step towards export tax on scrap metal

By: Marleny Arnoldi 8th July 2020 The South African Iron and Steel Institute (Saisi) has welcomed government’s directive for the scrap metal supply chain to be supported. Saisi believes it is of national importance that the viability of the ferrous scrap and steel sectors be maintained. →

CSIR to roll out 10 000 locally made ventilators to hospitals

By: Irma Venter 8th July 2020 The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in collaboration with a number of local partners, has completed work on a local ventilator to be rolled out nationwide to patients showing respiratory distress in the early phase of Covid-19 infection. The development forms part of... →

GreenCape partners with Swiss foundation to promote cleantech companies

By: Marleny Arnoldi 7th July 2020 Green economy solutions company GreenCape has entered into a collaboration agreement with Solar Impulse Foundation through the International Cleantech Network (ICN). GreenCape will help the foundation to find, select and promote 1 000 clean and profitable solutions that contribute to protecting... →

UJ engineers develop 3D-printed ventilator that supports multiple patients

By: Irma Venter 7th July 2020 An engineering team from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has designed and developed a portable 3D-printed mechanical ventilator that has a customisable base plate to treat multiple patients. The ventilator, named Aura Imprimere – meaning a breeze of air provided by printing – also allows... →

The UJ team with the ventilator

Tongaat's starch sale receives competition approval, but MAC dispute still unresolved

By: Marleny Arnoldi 7th July 2020 The Competition Tribunal has approved, without conditions, the disposal of JSE-listed Tongaat Hulett’s starch business to fellow-listed Barloworld. However, the transaction still awaits approval from the competition authorities in Indonesia, while a third-party investigation into a material... →

Seifsa eagerly awaits scrap metal industry relief

By: Marleny Arnoldi 6th July 2020 The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) has welcomed government's announcement that it has tasked the International Trade Administration Commission (Itac) of South Africa to look into measures to support the metals and engineering (M&E) sector. Seifsa says it... →

Roles of govt, business in restarting economy need clearer definition, says BLSA

By: Donna Slater 6th July 2020 In her weekly newsletter, Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) CEO Busi Mavuso says a clearer perspective of the roles and responsibilities of business and government needs to be established as the country grapples with restarting its economy. She notes that, on one level, there are common... →

Photo by Creamer Media's Donna Slater
BLSA CEO Busi Mavuso

IDC appoints Gert Gouws acting CFO

By: Donna Slater 3rd July 2020 The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has appointed Gert Gouws as its acting CFO for a period of three months while the process of appointing the permanent incumbent is being finalised. The IDC notes that the recruitment process is progressing well and is expected to be concluded soon. →

Photo by Creamer Media
IDC acting CFO Gert Gouws

Licensing of ventilators being fast-tracked

By: Irma Venter 3rd July 2020 In response to the shortage of ventilators in the healthcare system, as a result of the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) says it has drafted minimum regulatory requirements and technical specifications for the manufacture, import... →

New approach adopted in uncertain steel market

By: Darren Parker 3rd July 2020 Steel merchant Macsteel has been re-evaluating its business strategy, owing to a steady decline in steel consumption over the past five years, with 2019 being a “new low” and the start of 2020 faring just as poorly – a situation that has been exacerbated by the lockdown because of Covid-19.... →

BUILDING THE RIGHT WAY Macsteel aims to build its market share through strong, well-established and sustainable relationships with customers

New digital technologies improve manufacturing capabilities

3rd July 2020 Metallurgical plant supplier SMS group has developed digital technology called the X-Pact MES 4.0, along with the Safety Locator Suite system, which both aid in the digital transformation of organisations and help to gain faster insights and more informed management decision-making, with the... →

Automation reduces costs, increases productivity

By: Darren Parker 3rd July 2020 With companies that invest in technology and automation showing signs of being more adaptable and strategically well positioned to take advantage of an inevitable upswing in the economy, local manufacturer and supplier of cutting and welding equipment consumables as well as distributor of steel... →

ANDREW POOLE Companies which take the risk and invest are more agile, more productive and better positioned to diversify and access new markets

Plant productivity could be increased by virtual support

3rd July 2020 Metallurgical plant supplier SMS group aims to increase the technical resources of its clients’ plants by using local service teams from SMS Group with virtual support from global experts around the world using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. The aim is to improve... →

New booster for industry

By: Darren Parker 3rd July 2020 Nitrogen generation equipment manufacturer and supplier NitraLife has introduced a booster for its NitraCut nitrogen generator product, which ‘bolts’ onto the company’s NitraCut nitrogen generator, to increase its nitrogen delivery pressure and therefore also increase the thickness of steel it... →

NitraLife MD Tom Sowry discusses the new NitraCut booster. Camerawork: Nicholas Boyd. Editing: Nicholas Boyd. Recorded: 11.06.2020

Future order book to relieve pressure for fabricator

By: Darren Parker 3rd July 2020 Although the strategic decision to continue to pay employees full salaries during the Level 5 lockdown in April put pressure on its cashflow, steel fabricator and erector Betterect believes a healthy order book of projects for the next 18 months should ensure that the pressure will be relieved.... →

Betterect MD Nicolette Skjoldhammer discusses the company’s strategic decisions, facility upgrades and the concept of ‘Team Africa’. Camerawork: Nicholas Boyd. Editing: Nicholas Boyd. Recorded: 12.06.2020

Easing lockdown lifts South Africa's Absa PMI in June

By: Reuters 1st July 2020 South Africa's seasonally-adjusted Absa Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) expanded in June as an easing of coronavirus restrictions lifted business activity and sales. The index, which gauges manufacturing activity in Africa's most industrialised economy, rose to 53.9 points in June from 50.2... →

Metso Outotec can drive industries towards responsible use of natural resources

By: Marleny Arnoldi 1st July 2020 Metso Minerals, a subsidiary of global industrial company Metso, has officially merged with Finnish-listed technology company Outotec. The merger has formed a leading process technology, equipment and services company serving the minerals, metals and aggregates industries. The combined company... →

Local productive capacity protection, demand stimulation will rejig economy, says Seifsa

By: Marleny Arnoldi 30th June 2020 The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) says the 2% contraction in South Africa's gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter of the year is disconcerting, as beleaguered businesses continue to face headwinds. The federation explains that businesses... →

SABS reports heightened need for face mask standards

By: Donna Slater 26th June 2020 National standards body, the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), reports that the need for national standards has been highlighted during the outbreak of Covid-19 as the disruption of global supply chains has impacted the acquisition of personal protective equipment (PPE), related medical... →

New date, adjusted agenda for Manufacturing Indaba

By: Darren Parker 26th June 2020 This year’s Manufacturing Indaba has been rescheduled to take place on December 9 and 10 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng, as a result of the impact of Covid-19 and the lockdown imposed on South Africa by government. The event was originally slated to take place on June 9... →

LIZ HART Job retention and business sustainability are critical aspects facing many manufacturers.

Metals, engineering sectors to ‘walk the tightrope’ to economic recovery

By: Simone Liedtke 24th June 2020 The road to the metals and engineering (M&E) sector’s post-Covid-19 recovery will be long and will require extraordinary and targeted policies to walk the tightrope towards an economic reboot, Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) chief economist Dr Michael Ade... →

Zoetis believes precision animal farming innovation can help advance sector

By: Marleny Arnoldi 24th June 2020 As agriculture will play a critical role in the economic recovery of South Africa in the wake of Covid-19, animal health company Zoetis intends to introduce various innovations to help local farmers increase their productivity. Zoetis South Africa business unit director Dr Ralf Patzelt explains... →

B4SA receives R13m worth of PPE donations from public, private sector

By: Marleny Arnoldi 23rd June 2020 In heeding Business for South Africa’s (B4SA’s) call for help, individuals and companies have donated more than 1.4-million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE), valued at R13.2-million. B4SA in March launched a national donations drive called “Business Mzansi, we need you” that called... →

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