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Manufacturing News

Lion Match division boosts local manufacture of feminine personal care products

By: Shirley le Guern 27th September 2018 NSP Unsgaard, a division of Lion Match Company, has commissioned a R20-million pantyliner production line at its Cape Town factory. Lion Match CEO Basie Van Wyk says the new equipment – dubbed “the pink lady” – is some of the most sophisticated of its kind in the country and has grown the... →

Aveng reports strong market interest in most of its noncore assets

By: Terence Creamer 26th September 2018 Following a series of capital markets transactions, which have helped stabilise Aveng’s precarious balance sheet, the JSE-listed infrastructure group has turned its attention to the disposal, by June 2019, of several noncore businesses, including its well-known construction business,... →

Aveng executive chairperson Eric Diack in conversation with Engineering News editor Terence Creamer on prospects for the group following some major interventions aimed at stabilising the balance sheet and turning around the struggling business. Camera Work & Editing: Nicholas Boyd. Recorded: 26.09.2018

KSB Pumps and Valves obtains Level 1 BBBEE certification

By: Simone Liedtke 25th September 2018 Global pump manufacturer KSB Pumps and Valves has obtained Level 1 broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) certification. This follows the acquisition of a 30% equity stake in the company by black women-owned firm Insikazi Synergies, which has joined the KSB board to play an active role in... →

Ascendis launches new strategic focus, announces positive FY18 results

By: Nadine James 25th September 2018 JSE-listed pharmaceutical company Ascendis Health on Tuesday announced a new strategic focus prioritising pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare. The company, which also reported on its results for the financial year ended June 30, plans to divest its biosciences businesses. →

CEO Thomas Thomsen discussing the company's new strategy and the need for divestment. Video and editing: Nicholas Boyd

Africa’s metals, engineering cluster needs to do more to attract investment

By: Marleny Arnoldi 21st September 2018 Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) chief economist Dr Michael Ade has declared Africa’s metals and engineering sector open for business. Ade was addressing delegates on the second day of Seifsa’s fourth annual Metals and Engineering Indaba, in Johannesburg. →

Seifsa chief economist Dr Michael Ade talks about the need for South Africa's metals and engineering sector to increase its exports throughout Africa, while IFC senior investment officer Paul Mukasa discusses financing in Africa. Video and editing: Darlene Creamer.

Electrical equipment range expanded

21st September 2018 Power distribution system supplier Magnet Group has expanded on its Carlo Gavazzi range by introducing multi-channel power analyser and automation products. These include WM50 multi-channel power analysers, which efficiently measure main electrical variables as well as voltage and current... →

MULTI-CHANNEL POWER ANALYSERS The Magnet Group specialises in the supply, implementation and support of electrical equipment

Smart factories reshaping the face of manufacturing

By: Schalk Burger 21st September 2018 Advanced manufacturing technologies, connectivity and analytics are helping factories to become integrated, intelligent, adaptable and efficient, says Japanese-based industrial technology multinational Omron South Africa GM and sub-Saharan Africa head Victor Marques. This global trend is mirrored... →

VICTOR MARQUES Demands from manufacturers in South Africa indicate a sustained move towards advanced manufacturing and automation

Collaboration, innovation needed to drive localisation

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 19th September 2018 There is much opportunity in South Africa to expand local manufacturing and innovation, and this should be pursued through greater collaboration within the business community, delegates attending an industry collaboration workshop, hosted by DuPont in collaboration with the Department of Trade... →

Defence industry needs to adapt, optimise for Industry 4.0 – panel

By: Simone Liedtke 19th September 2018 The South African defence industry will need to pilot new projects and adapt to the Fourth Industrial Revolution in order to grow the defence sector and create jobs in the process. To do this, however, Engineers Without Borders founder and CEO Wiebke Toussaint suggested the industry adopt the... →

Photo by Dylan Slater
(Left to Right) Department of Science and Technology chief director Beeuwen Gerryts, Security and Defence Technology Consulting CEO Zane Cleophas and Engineers Without Borders founder and CEO Wiebke Toussaint

World’s first hydrogen fuel cell train enters commercial service

By: Simone Liedtke 17th September 2018 The world’s first hydrogen fuel cell train, the Coradia iLint, made its debut this past weekend. The train is equipped with fuel cells that convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, thereby eliminating pollutant emissions related to propulsion. →

Mandela Mining Precinct to bolster mining sector

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 14th September 2018 JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Science and Technology Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane on Friday stressed the need for the mining industry to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Speaking at the launch of the Mandela Mining Precinct, in Melville, Johannesburg, she reassured the industry... →

Science & Technology Minister Mmamoloko Kubyi-Ngubane discusses the role of the Mandela Mining Precinct in driving innovation in South Africa, while Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa chairperson Freddy Mugeri talks about exporting products from South Africa. Video: Nicholas Boyd; Editing: Christo Greyling.

Company announces new partnership

14th September 2018 Global testing, inspection certification company Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services announced a new collaboration with New Zealand-based forensic food-science firm Oritain to provide their scientific traceability services as part of Bureau Veritas' Origin Traceability Solution. →

TÜV SÜD receives SANS accreditation

14th September 2018 Global technical services company TÜV SÜD’s inspection services were awarded South African National Accreditation System accreditation to South African National Standard (SANS) 17020 in March this year, in line with the expanded development of the company. The scope of accreditation covers the... →

ACCREDITATION The new accreditation allows the company to service a wider market

ZEISS to showcase range at IMTS

14th September 2018 Optical systems, and industrial measurement and medical devices manufacturer ZEISS Industrial Metrology will display its broad range of customised quality systems and support at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), from September 12 to 15, in Chicago, US. Whether in the lab,... →

SHOWCASE ZEISS will showcase a variety of inspection services at IMTS 2018

CSIR NLC to develop local photonics industry

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 14th September 2018 The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) National Laser Centre (NLC), in Pretoria, aims to contribute to the development of the South African photonics industry, says NLC head Delon Mudaly. “In relation to the global environment and the number of companies that exist worldwide,... →

PHOTONICS DEVELOPMENT The Photonics Prototyping Facility will officially be launched during the 2018/19 financial year

First Xeno 1 laser installation complete

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 14th September 2018 Product identification equipment manufacturer Cab Technology South Africa has completed the installation of a Xeno 1 laser marking system at cable and connector solutions supplier Hiconnex Industrial’s new facility, in Centurion, in Gauteng, says Cab Technology South Africa technical sales... →

XENO 1 LASER SYSTEM The Xeno 1 is a desktop system that meets all the requirements for a cyber-physical system

New tech will change nature of work, but could also create jobs

By: Schalk Burger 14th September 2018 New technologies, including advanced computing systems and the automation of various job activities, will change about 30% of activities in about 60% of occupations, and will require new skills across most industries, management consulting multinational McKinsey Global Institute global economic... →

In situ measurement of hydrogen made possible

14th September 2018 The reliable in situ measurement of hydrogen in multiple gas process streams is something that refinery and petrochemical plant process control engineers would like to have been able to do previously, but have never had the capability to, until this year. In a global first, Norwegian laser-based... →

HYDROGEN ANALYSER Neo Monitors has developed a method of measuring hydrogen in situ – the LaserGas II SP H2

Zest WEG Group achieves Level 1 BBBEE status

By: Simone Liedtke 12th September 2018 Motors and controls manufacturer WEG’s subsidiary, Zest WEG Group, on Wednesday announced that it has achieved Level 1 status under the Broad-Based Black Economic-Empowerment (BBBEE) Codes of Good Practice. The achievement follows just over a year after Zest WEG reached Level 2 status, in... →

Photo by Dylan Slater
Zest WEG CEO Louis Meiring and logistics and operations director Juliano Vargas

July manufacturing output up 2.9%

By: Reuters 11th September 2018 South Africa's industrial output expanded in July as food and motor vehicle output rose, easing pressure on an economy that recently slipped into recession and is struggling for investment amidst policy uncertainty and possible credit downgrades. The statistics agency in Africa's most... →

Cape vulture provides inspiration for homegrown vertical-axis wind turbine

By: Terence Creamer 11th September 2018 A South African start-up has developed a vertical-axis wind-turbine that employs a groundbreaking morphing wing design, which seeks to mimic the movements of the Cape vulture. A prototype of the turbine, developed by Brayfoil Technologies in collaboration with WorleyParsons, is currently being... →

Brayfoil Technologies founder Robert Bray on how he drew inspiration from the Cape Vulture for his innovative flexible wing invention, which he says could have application in wind turbines, hydro turbines, sail yachts, aeroplanes and automobiles. Video and video editing: Darlene Creamer

Transnet Engineering appoints acting chief officer for advanced manufacturing

By: Simone Liedtke 11th September 2018 Transnet Engineering has appointed Thoba Majoka acting chief officer for advanced manufacturing, effective September 10. Majoka is currently the divisional executive for maintenance and services at Transnet Engineering, where he is responsible for the overall strategic direction of this... →

Afrox achieves double-digit HEPS growth amid subdued economic environment

By: Simone Liedtke 10th September 2018 Despite low economic growth in the six months to June 30, JSE-listed African Oxygen (Afrox) achieved double-digit growth in its headline earnings per share (HEPS) to 104c, representing an increase of 11.5% from the HEPS of 93.3c recorded for the six months to June 30, 2017. Referring to the... →

African Oxygen (Afrox) MD Schalk Venter speaks to Engineering News Online about the company’s interim results, and upcoming investment plans. Video & Editing: Darlene Creamer

Local manufacturing expo to bolster exports, economy

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 10th September 2018 The South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC) will host its inaugural Local Manufacturing Expo next year, to showcase local manufacturing capabilities and bolster the country’s economic growth, SACEEC CEO Eric Bruggeman told attendees at a presentation during Electra Mining, on... →

Welding company embarks on massive expansion

7th September 2018 Secunda-based welding company Hydra Arc – ISO 3834 certified by the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) Certification has grown into a leading South African specialised welder that provides services for Southern Africa’s petrochemicals, power, mining and minerals processing industries.... →

GROWTH Hydra Arc is undertaking a massive expansion of its Sky Hill facility to position the company as the 'can-do' destination for local and regional work

Himoinsa sales and service facility supporting growth in rental demand

6th September 2018 Generator manufacturer Himoinsa has opened its sales and service facility in Midrand to more effectively serve its rental customers and to provide immediate power to clients while customised power systems are manufactured for their specific applications. Schalk Burger has the story. →

Himoinsa sales and service facility supporting growth in rental demand

Standard Bank PMI falls to 29-month low in August

By: Marleny Arnoldi 5th September 2018 Operating conditions in South Africa’s private sector economy deteriorated for the second straight month in August, as business activity and input purchasing decreased in line with an accelerated drop in new orders, says Standard Bank in its Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for August.... →

African rail industry urged to adopt concepts of Fourth Industrial Revolution

By: Nadine James 4th September 2018 The African rail industry must adopt the concepts and develop the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to facilitate, and realise, the industrialisation aspirations of the continent, delegates attending a South African Heavy Haul Association (SAHHA) technical workshop, on Tuesday,... →

Absa PMI falls to 18-month low in August

By: Marleny Arnoldi 3rd September 2018 The seasonally adjusted Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) has declined from a solid 51.5 points recorded in July to 43.4 in August – its lowest recorded level in 18 months. The deterioration was driven by sharp declines in the new sales orders index, as well as the business activity index;... →

Dinosaurs dominate South African Mint’s 2018 Natura Palaeontology Collection

By: Simone Liedtke 3rd September 2018 The South African Mint on Monday unveiled the five-coin Palaeontology Collection in 24 ct gold. The collection brings to life the ‘archosauria’, which comprise crocodiles, pterosaurs, dinosaurs and birds or the ruling reptiles that roamed and soared freely in Southern Africa about 200-million... →

Absa PMI falls to 13-month low in August

By: Reuters 3rd September 2018 South Africa's seasonally adjusted Absa Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to a 13-month low in August driven by large declines in new sales and business activity, a survey showed on Monday. The index, which is compiled by the Bureau for Economic Research and gauges manufacturing activity in... →

New tech, automation to change but also create jobs

By: Schalk Burger 31st August 2018 New technologies, including advanced computing systems and the automation of various job activities, will change about 30% of activities in about 60% of occupations, and will require new skills across most industries, management consulting multinational McKinsey Global Institute global economic... →

Automotive Masterplan '99% there', says DTI’s October

By: Irma Venter 31st August 2018 Government and the automotive industry have reached “99% consensus” on the South African Automotive Masterplan, says Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) director-general Lionel October. “We are close. We are 99% there. We are just finalising the targets.” →

Photo by Dylan Slater
DTI director-general Lionel October

SA ERP provider integrates new capabilities into new offering

By: Schalk Burger 31st August 2018 South African enterprise resource planning (ERP) multinational Syspro’s version 8 offers artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of things (IoT) platforms and analytics as part of its capabilities to allow for near real-time monitoring of all aspects of a business. Syspro Africa product manager... →

DEIDRE FRYER A continuous, real-time flow of data makes production and business processes visible, predictable and controllable

Proudly South African precision bearing packer launched

By: Schalk Burger 30th August 2018 A new Proudly South African precision bearing packer just launched is intended for bearings used in mining, engineering, transport and heavy industry. The locally developed unit allows for easy and precise lubrication of bearings with an inner diameter of 15 mm to 150 mm and a maximum outer... →

A demonstration of the Pumprite bearing packer

Record production anticipated at BMW’s Rosslyn plant in 2019

By: Irma Venter 30th August 2018 Production at BMW Group South Africa’s (BMW SA’s) Rosslyn plant could, potentially, reach a new record in 2019. BMW SA started production of its first X3 models in April, following a R6.2-billion investment to move from 3 Series sedan assembly to building the new X3 sports-utility vehicle. →

BMW Group SA and sub-Saharan Africa CEO Tim Abbott

Adcock Ingram’s HEPS rise 25.5%, despite economic, consumer headwinds

By: Simone Liedtke 29th August 2018 JSE-listed Adcock Ingram reported headline earnings per share (HEPS) from continuing operations of 387.7c for the year ended June 30, representing a year-on-year increase of 25.5%. Headline earnings for the period were R644.7-million, up from R513.7-million in the prior financial year. →

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