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Manufacturing News

Manufacturing tipping point could be pushed back by innovation and tech – De Ruyter

By: Donna Slater 23rd September 2020 Addressing the Manufacturing Circle annual general meeting (AGM) on September 22, Eskom CEO and former Manufacturing Circle former chairperson Andre de Ruyter said that investing in research, embracing innovation and technology and lowering manufacturing costs are equally critical in boosting... →

Unilever, govt partner to increase SMME investment

By: Simone Liedtke 23rd September 2020 Unilever South Africa and the Department of Small Business Development have partnered to increase investment in small-, medium-sized and microenterprise development. The partnership follows the publication of a racially offensive advert on the Clicks website by Unilever hair brand, TRESemmé. This... →

Initiative to accelerate technology strategies amid aerospace industry decline

By: Mamaili Mamaila 18th September 2020 The Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) plans to continue building technology strategies with industry for long-term implementation amid the industry’s decline of late. →

EVEN ODDS Although there are “pockets of excellence”, the local aerospace industry is very small and focuses almost exclusively on exports

Company’s products ensure longevity

18th September 2020 Engineering components provider BMG’s portfolio of Fenner power transmission components includes a range of high-strength friction transmission belts that offer dependable performance in demanding heating, cooling and ventilation applications. →

ALWWAYS ON CALL BMG offers a technical advisory and 24-hour support service throughout Africa

Parallel compressor systems brought on by tech development

18th September 2020 In the past, individual or single compressor systems were used for most medium and low temperature applications. However, with continuous refrigeration technology development, multiple or parallel refrigeration systems were introduced into the industry. →

INSIDE OUT The multiple parallel compressor rack system may be designed for either indoor or outdoor use

Environmental concerns driving industry change

By: Mamaili Mamaila 18th September 2020 A disruptive change is currently underway in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) refrigerant market, global safety science company UL states. →

GOING GREEN Driven by environmental concerns, global promoters are advocating the phase-out of traditional refrigerants in favour of new alternatives with a lower global warming potential

Heating solutions ensure energy efficiency

18th September 2020 Electrical and digital building infrastructure specialist Legrand South Africa’s smart Netatmo solutions, which are designed for convenience, safety and comfort at home, ensure energy efficiency and enhanced aesthetics. →

UNMATCHED CONSISTENCY Smart Netatmo thermostats ensure the home environment stays at the correct pre-set temperature – no matter what the outside weather conditions are

HVACR industry at a turning point

By: Mamaili Mamaila 18th September 2020 The heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industry is at a turning point and it is up to all the innovators in the industry to take the lead and set a new standard for South Africa, multinational air-conditioning manufacturing company Daikin South Africa MD Koen Van... →

KOEN VAN WYNENDAELE Before the Covid-19 outbreak, the industry in general was under pressure owing to a sluggish economy with limited to no growth, a difficult political climate and a tough investment climate

Economy breathes welcome sigh for Level 1, while alcohol, travel industries remain aggrieved

By: Marleny Arnoldi 17th September 2020 With President Cyril Ramaphosa having announced the move to a Level 1 lockdown for South Africa, effective September 20, positive reactions have been streaming in from all spheres of the economy, but grievances around weekend alcohol sales, the curfew and only partially reopened borders remain.... →

SAVE-P manufacturing underway, showcases local capabilities

16th September 2020 Nonprofit organisation, the South African Emergency Ventilator Project, or SAVE-P, was launched in March in an effort to cost-effectively locally produce much-needed ventilators to meet an expected shortage. Natasha Odendaal tells us more. →

Mpact declares force majeure at Springs mill amid municipal power outage

By: Simone Liedtke 16th September 2020 Paper and packaging producer Mpact has declared force majeure at its Springs paper mill in relation to a near-month-long power interruption, and as a consequence, not being able to produce. The mill has been without electricity supply from 18:00 on August 19, when an explosion and fire at the... →

CDC aiming to secure CEO replacement for long-serving Silinga by year-end

By: Terence Creamer 16th September 2020 The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) has formally initiated a recruitment process to secure a replacement for its long-serving CEO, Pepi Silinga, who has been appointed CEO of Transnet National Ports Authority, effective October 1. The position has been advertised internally and externally and... →

Pepi Silinga

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... →

Locally produced hot water innovation reduces household energy costs

By: Donna Slater 11th September 2020 Using heat pump systems manufacturer EMS Holdings’ domestic 200 ℓ integrated heat pump system can save households between 60% and 70% of their monthly electricity costs as it uses home-grown efficient technology. EMS Holdings CEO Franco Diedericks, speaking during this year's Electra Mining... →

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

Industry’s wings seemingly clipped

By: Mamaili Mamaila 11th September 2020 South Africa’s economy is hanging by a thread and this has presented massive challenges for the local aerospace industry, says aircraft design organisation Aerodesigns Africa director Murray Spoelstra. →

GLOBAL SIGHTS SET Similar to the local automotive industry that is manufacturing for European countries, so must there be opportunities to manufacture aircraft under licence for foreign companies

Level playing field key to moving industry forward

By: Mamaili Mamaila 11th September 2020 Transformation should be a top priority among the issues that need to be addressed in manufacturing for the aviation industry, says maintenance solutions provider Dynamic Aerotech technical operation and research director Mulalo Neluheni. →

OPEN UP THE INDUSTRY While there is scope for black people with potential to thrive in this space, this needs to take into account the whole value chain in the aerospace industry

Association laments sector decline

By: Mamaili Mamaila 11th September 2020 The aerospace manufacturing sector is in a “freefall” and there does not appear to be any parachute in sight, says industry body Commercial Aerospace Manufacturing Association of South Africa (Camasa) co-chairperson Themba September. →

AIRING IT OUT In its efforts to ensure that the sector returns to its former glory, Camasa has participated in the process of drafting a sector masterplan

Manufacturing continues on downward slump

By: Simone Liedtke 10th September 2020 Manufacturing production decreased by 10.6% year-on-year in July, with the largest decline in furniture and other manufacturing, which declined by 39.1% and contributed -1.4 percentage points to the overall decline. The second highest decline was in motor vehicles, parts, accessories and other... →

Sasol, Air Liquide enter into sales agreement for ASU business

By: Marleny Arnoldi 10th September 2020 Petrochemicals giant Sasol South Africa has announced that it and Air Liquide have concluded negotiations for the proposed R8.5-billion sale of Sasol’s air separation units (ASUs) at the company’s operations in Secunda and the parties have now entered into a sale of business agreement. Sasol... →

Transnet says railway line refurbishment in PE bodes well for business

By: Marleny Arnoldi 9th September 2020 State-owned freight utility Transnet says a R10-million refurbishment on a second railway line into the Port of Port Elizabeth’s (PE’s) container terminal is unlocking substantial business potential for the Eastern Cape. “One of the celebrated successes of the port in the past financial year... →

RMB/BER business confidence index rebounds in line with eased Covid-19 restrictions

By: Donna Slater 9th September 2020 After falling from 18 to an all-time low of five in the second quarter, the Rand Merchant Bank (RMB)/Bureau for Economic Research (BER) business confidence index (BCI) rebounded to 24 in the third quarter. However, the BER states that, from such a low base, when the strictest of the Alert Level... →

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

Defy lauded for innovative locally-made ventilator

By: Marleny Arnoldi 8th September 2020 Appliance manufacturer Defy has been internationally recognised for its role in a project to provide innovative life-saving ventilators. The ventilators are designed and manufactured by South African engineers. →

Defy's Impilo ventilator

Sapema talks respiratory legalities for manufacturers, procuring companies

By: Marleny Arnoldi 7th September 2020 Selecting the correct respirator is crucial for the correct protection level depending on what hazards one is exposed to. Ensuring that you choose the correct supplier or distributor for your respiratory products is now also more important now ever because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Southern... →

Mninawe Silinga leaves CDC for TNPA

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 4th September 2020 Mninawe Silinga has resigned as CEO of the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) to join Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) as CE. The CDC noted that this has been long coming, after numerous attempts by other State-owned entities (SoEs) to enlist Silinga's services in recent years. →

Lesotho aims to ‘go big’ on agriculture amid Agoa textiles uncertainty

By: Terence Creamer 4th September 2020 Lesotho Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro reports that the country aims to overhaul its underperforming agricultural sector with the objective of improving both food security and attracting export-oriented investment into the production of high-value crops, such as fruit, vegetables and... →

Lesotho Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro

Partnership backs African market

4th September 2020 Partnerships such as Austin ETT are structured to offer customers products and services across a broader spectrum. The joint venture between Australia-based engineering company Austin Engineering and South African specialised mobile equipment manufacturer Engineering Top Tech (ETT) brings... →

STRONGER TOGETHER The Austin ETT joint venture provides a single platform from which the Austin Engineering and Engineering Top Tech can jointly market, sell and support their products throughout Africa

New product range decreases welding risks

4th September 2020 Industrial equipment supplier BMG’s Tools & Equipment division has introduced a range of specialist products, systems and services to assist industry to create a healthy and safe work environment, by reducing the risks associated with welding and cutting fumes, grinding dust and oil mist. “Global... →

MOBILE SAFETY BMG's Plymovent solution allows for a mobile extraction unit to be placed at the source of the fumes improving safety on site

Rolling ahead with railway wheel repairs

By: Tracy Hancock 4th September 2020 Rail components manufacturer Bakara Engineering has completed repairs to railway wheels for a private rail operator and is working on a similar project for Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), Bakara technical manager Reg Taylor tells Engineering News. Appointed by the private rail... →

WHEELSHOP REDRESS Bakara was appointed by PRASA in November last year to repair railway wheels, but a technical assessment of its wheelshop was required before the company could start production

Localisation key to economic recovery

By: Tracy Hancock 4th September 2020 Localisation should be the main driver of South Africa’s economic recovery following the Covid-19 outbreak, says diversified engineering company Pamodzi Unique Engineering CEO Sindi Dlamini. The Boksburg-based broad-based black economic-empowerment Level 1 company designs, manufactures and... →

INTERNATIONALLY ACTIVE Pamodzi Unique Engineering has supplied off-road pantographs to the US, Panama, Belgium, Zambia, Namibia and recently Russia

Council adapting to Covid-19 chokehold

By: Tracy Hancock 4th September 2020 The South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC) is adopting new technological solutions to meet its goals of growing its membership and exports this year despite the Covid-19 outbreak, says SACEEC chairperson Benny Jiyane. Amid the pandemic, six new members have joined SACEEC, which... →

CAPITAL IDEA The South African Capital Equipment Export Council has launched a virtual product showroom in collaboration with Creamer Media on September 4 to promote member company products

Local smoke vent fan gets green light

By: Tracy Hancock 4th September 2020 Cape Town-based industrial fan design and manufacturing company CFW Industries has received certification for its 400 °C powered emergency smoke exhaust fans, which will add to its basket of solutions in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning sector. The certification has been provided by... →

FANTASTIC In three months, CFW should be able to provide smoke exhaust fans, rated to operate at a temperature of 400 °C for a minimum of 120 minutes to local and international markets

Wireless valve bank available locally

By: Tracy Hancock 4th September 2020 The EX600-W wireless valve bank module from industrial automation technology company SMC is officially available in the South African market, says SMC senior technical sales engineer Wade Holland. The product has been available in Europe and Asia since early last year, but still needed to conform... →

TIME AND MONEY The EX600-W wireless valve bank module is designed to reduce downtime and costs

New welding helmet offers better clarity

4th September 2020 Welding equipment producer ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has launched its new Savage A40 automatic welding helmet. Launched in July, the new Savage A40 automatic welding helmet provides ideal functionality for the occasional and professional welder at an attractive price. →

AESTHETICALLY EASING The new welding helmet offered by ESAB Welding & Cutting enhances the clarity and colour seen by the welder, allowing for better welds

Digital platforms used for lectures

By: Halima Frost 4th September 2020 The Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) launched online learning for students at its Cape Town and Durban welding schools in April after Covid-19 lockdown restrictions prevented students from attending lectures. The students join lectures taking place in Johannesburg through digital... →

Southern African Institute of Welding executive director John Tarboton and business development manager Etienne Nell discuss welding students’ use of simulation and digital training.

SAIW helps Ethiopia to train welders

By: Halima Frost 4th September 2020 The Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) has been approached by the Centre of Excellence for Engineering in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to assist in a substantial training and certification initiative to boost Ethiopia’s welder capacity. The aim of the collaboration is to develop more than 2... →

Southern African Institute of Welding Certifications CEO Herman Potgieter discusses the institute’s involvement in Africa and more so Ethiopia.

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