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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.

Institute developing app for students

By: Halima Frost 4th September 2020 The Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) will launch its new Prospectus application (app) for Android and iOS operating systems ahead of 2021’s student registrations. “Prospectus, as the name implies, is a comprehensive guide to all the courses on offer by the SAIW,” says SAIW CEO John... →

PATH FINDER The new Prospectus app being introduced by The Southern African Institute of Welding will help prospective welders chose their career path

World-first heat pump to launch at Electra

By: Tracy Hancock 4th September 2020 Krugersdorp heat pump manufacturer EMS Holdings will officially launch its world-first 200 ℓ low-pressure, integrated heat pump alongside its official distributor, ACDC, at Electra Mining Africa 2020 Connect from September 7 to 11. “For the first time in a long time, we have something that is... →

FRANCO DIEDERIKS Since the ease of the lockdown, sales are starting to pick up, especially among new developments and refurbishment projects

Betterect, FLSmidth showcase bolted thickeners for southern African mine

3rd September 2020 Steel fabrication, steel erection and corrosion protection specialist Betterect and engineering, equipment and services solutions company FLSmidth have collaborated to deliver several 45m diameter modular bolted thickeners for an undisclosed mining project in southern Africa. Natasha Odendaal... →

Betterect, FLSmidth showcase bolted thickeners for southern African mine

Nedlac discusses respective steps to promote local procurement of PPE, curb corruption

By: Marleny Arnoldi 2nd September 2020 The National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) has issued a statement discussing its efforts to address both the corruption around procurement and lack of procurement of locally manufactured personal protective equipment (PPE) by government bodies. Media reports in recent weeks... →

Absa PMI rises to 57.3 index points as Covid-19 restrictions ease

By: Donna Slater 1st September 2020 Pointing to a further improvement in conditions in South Africa’s manufacturing sector, the Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) increased to 57.3 index points in August, up from 51.2 in July, in line with Covid-19 lockdown restrictions easing further to Level 2 in August. This resulted in... →

New ‘single channel’ service created to help resolve barriers to South African exports

By: Terence Creamer 31st August 2020 The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has launched a new ‘single channel’ online service through which South African exporters are able to register any problems they are experiencing in their trade interactions and secure dedicated support from government to resolve concerns.... →

Imperial buys stake in local healthcare manufacturing business

By: Irma Venter 31st August 2020 Imperial has acquired a 49% stake in Pharmafrique, trading as Kiara Health. Kiara Health is an African pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare services company based in Johannesburg. →

Opinion: The eight commandments to digitising your shop floor workforce

28th August 2020 In this opinion piece, PwC South Africa smart manufacturing lead Vinesh Maharaj writes about digitising the shop floor. The eight commandments to digitising your shop floor workforce bundles insights, examples and lessons learned from PwC’s experience in digital transformation in an operations... →

SACEEC joins all-access, global platform through Virtual Showroom

By: Shannon de Ryhove 28th August 2020 The South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC), which represents the capital equipment and project sector for new projects and the aftermarket, has entered into an agreement with business-to-business news organisation Creamer Media, whereby all SACEEC members enjoy the benefit of... →

ERIC BRUGGEMAN The showroom enables SACEEC members to display their products, services, branding and contact details to a targeted audience

Laser tech key to developing economy

By: Tracy Hancock 28th August 2020 It is vital that South Africa has an in-depth understanding of the impact photonics-based technologies will have on its economic development, as they underpin the communication systems and sensors needed to drive the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The country also needs to ensure that it can... →

LASER FOCUS The present focus of the Rental Pool Programme is to improve the commercialisation of research done by research groups

Gender diversity needed in industry

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 28th August 2020 Even though the equipment rental and construction sector is still male-dominated, the landscape is changing, says compressor and generator supplier Rand-Air GM Kim Coetzee. “. . . about 48% of this sector currently comprises female employees in South Africa - many of them very small women-led... →

More local laser R&D needed

By: Tracy Hancock 28th August 2020 South Africa is not placing enough focus on laser research and development (R&D), especially in the private sector, but there is hope, says the director of the Laser Research Institute (LRI) within the Physics Department at Stellenbosch University Dr Pieter Neethling. “Laser and photonics R&D is... →

PRIVATE PARTICIPATION Getting private-sector companies to fund laser research and development at local universities is expected to change the landscape dramatically

Sappi announces two new senior appointments

By: Simone Liedtke 27th August 2020 Paper and pulp manufacturer Sappi Southern Africa has announced two new senior appointments in the form of Duane Roothman as Sappi Forests VP and Mark Barnardo as Roothman’s successor as Sappi Forests GM. Roothman takes over the position from Dr Terry Stanger, who retires on August 31 after 27... →

Ford donates 240 engines to support skills development, training in technical schools

By: Simone Liedtke 27th August 2020 Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has launched a far-reaching engine donation programme to support skills development and training at technical high schools across the country. As part of the programme, the vehicle manufacturer is donating 240 engines, valued at R7.8-million, as part... →

Etion Create selected as one of the preferred suppliers in the UK-based Sofia offshore wind farm project

By: Natasha Odendaal 26th August 2020 Advanced electronics equipment original design manufacturer Etion Create has secured a contract to supply its VF360 OpenVPX boards for the core computing units (CCUs) installed in the one of the world’s largest offshore wind farm projects. The Sofia offshore wind farm, 100% owned by German... →

Italtile stays resilient despite headwinds

By: Marleny Arnoldi 25th August 2020 JSE-listed Italtile has demonstrated resilience in delivering a solid set of results for the financial year ended June 30, with dividends and a capital expenditure programme remaining firmly in place, despite hampered manufacturing capability in April and May, and the continued indirect impacts... →

ARB says financial year ‘will be well remembered’ for Covid-19, other challenges

By: Simone Liedtke 21st August 2020 JSE-listed investment and property holding company ARB Holdings says sluggish economic growth and the collapse in business confidence became a “secondary concern” this year, as regulations and national lockdown restrictions were implemented to halt the spread of Covid-19. ARB owns investments in... →

ARB CEO Billy Neasham gives Engineering News some further detail and insight on the company's financial results. Video: Recorded via Zoom. Editing: Creamer Media's Nicholas Boyd.

SAVE-P manufacturing underway, showcases local capabilities

By: Natasha Odendaal 21st August 2020 A successful home-grown ventilator project has delivered a prime example of South African talent and collaboration, as well as a new opportunity to locally produce much-needed medical equipment in Africa for Africa and the world. With deindustrialisation a rising concern for a country reliant on... →

Investing in infrastructure now will boost economy

By: Halima Frost 21st August 2020 Now is the time to invest in infrastructure projects to ensure that the industry does not hit a lull when the economy fully reopens after the lockdown regulations are lifted, urges multinational engineering firm Aecom client and government sector Africa director Fadzai Nyamasve. “The industry... →

FADZAI NYAMASVE The industry cannot afford to wait for the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic to subside

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