Monthly Archives: November 2024

Client Focus

CONCOR DELIVERING SUCCESS IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

In today’s challenging economic climate, achieving successful project delivery without cutting corners is not only possible but necessary for creating a sustainable future. Concor, a leading construction company, continues to demonstrate this ethos by adhering to fundamental principles and uplifting small to medium enterprises (SMMEs) in the construction industry. The company’s approach, founded on getting the basics right, has consistently enabled it to deliver projects on time and within budget, even in the most demanding environments.

A prime example of Concor’s successful project delivery model is the current construction of two new buildings, 10 Parks Boulevard and 55 Eastwood Road, within the prestigious Oxford Parks Precinct in Johannesburg. Known for its top-tier tenants, Oxford Parks is a highly sought-after commercial area, and the calibre of its developments is testament to the commitment of both Concor and the client, Intaprop, in enhancing the exclusive feel of the precinct.

Warren Mills, Contract Manager at Concor, says work on the project commenced in February 2024, with bulk earthworks completed by March and raft foundations following in April. “Once construction of the super-basement was underway, focus then shifted to the 10 Parks office tower and the project has progressed to the completion of level five on 10 Parks and activities on three for 55 Eastwood,” he explains. Both buildings are being constructed simultaneously, ensuring that timelines are met and that efficiencies are achieved throughout the process.

The common basement of 10 Parks Boulevard and 55 Eastwood Road is a substantial structure, utilising 15,350 cubic metres of concrete and 1,620 tonnes of rebar to ensure its strength and durability. With a footprint of 21,035m² spread over four levels, the basement also incorporates 520,000 bricks for internal brickwork, providing the foundational support needed for both buildings. 

The 10 Parks Boulevard office tower will require 4,250m³ of concrete, 510 tonnes of rebar, and 450,000 bricks to complete its structure, with a Gross Lettable Area (GLA) of 7,562m² spread across its five floors. Meanwhile, the 55 Eastwood Road building will use 3,250m³ of concrete, 370 tonnes of rebar, and 370,000 bricks for its four floors, with a total GLA of 4,734m². These materials reflect the scale and quality of the construction, ensuring both buildings meet high standards of durability and aesthetic appeal.

Despite some challenges, Concor’s 10 Parks project is currently ahead of schedule, highlighting the company’s ability to deliver quality work while adhering to tight timelines. This success can largely be attributed to Concor’s experienced project team, which has extensive knowledge of the Oxford Parks Precinct, having worked in the area for over seven years.

Central to Concor’s success in Oxford Parks is its commitment to uplifting SMMEs. “We have actively pursued a dedicated programme of mentoring small subcontractors from the start of our work within the Oxford Parks Precinct. One of our focuses has been to ensure they meet the high standards required for quality and safety, and this approach not only ensures that work is completed to our quality specifications but also helps develop a skilled and sustainable subcontracting workforce for the future.” 

Significantly, this Concor programme has seen many of these subcontractors become preferred partners, further ensuring that Concor’s projects remain ahead of schedule and exceed client expectations.

Mills stresses that it is important to note that Concor remains competitive by tendering out all subcontracting work, thereby giving a wide range of SMMEs the opportunity to participate. “By spreading these opportunities, we help foster a more inclusive and dynamic construction industry, ensuring that the benefits of projects are shared among a broader pool of businesses.”

The 10 Parks Boulevard and 55 Eastwood Road developments will be impressive additions to the Oxford Parks Precinct. 10 Parks offers five floors of office space and a retail floor totalling 7562m² GLA, while 55 Eastwood provides three floors of office space and a retail floor covering 4734m² GLA. The buildings share a four-level basement that includes parking and energy centres. Additionally, both buildings will feature rooftop solar installations, contributing to the sustainability of the project.

The ground floors of the buildings will house retail outlets, opening onto open terraces and pedestrian walkways. Terraces will also be available on the first and top floors, providing open spaces for social interaction. Both buildings are designed with curved east-facing facades to invite more natural light, and 10 Parks will feature a mechanically fixed tile façade, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the development.

The Oxford Parks Block 2A Phase 1 project is targeting a Green Star V2 certification, reinforcing Intaprop and Concor’s commitment to sustainable construction. Achieving this certification requires a collective understanding and effort from the entire professional and construction team, including subcontractors and labourers. Communication and education are key in ensuring that every team member is aware of the requirements to minimise the project’s carbon footprint.

Concor’s operating model is centred on a back-to-basics approach, which focuses on executing the fundamental aspects of construction to the highest standard. Mills say that this attention to detail has proven time and again to be a formula for success. “When the basics are done right, everything falls into place, and the result is a successful, high-quality project.”

Agility also plays a critical role in Concor’s project delivery. The company’s ability to accommodate reasonable changes in design or programme allows it to remain competitive in a dynamic market, particularly when dealing with the ever-evolving demands of the property rental sector. Whether it’s adjusting to a tenant’s request for an earlier occupation date or modifying design elements, Concor’s agility ensures that its projects stay on track without sacrificing quality.

Concor’s continued success in delivering quality projects, even amid economic challenges, is a testament to its commitment to excellence, sustainability, and inclusivity. By focusing on the basics and uplifting small contractors, Concor ensures that each project is completed to the highest standard while contributing to a sustainable future for the construction industry. The 10 Parks Boulevard and 55 Eastwood Road developments are just the latest examples of how Concor’s tried-and-true approach continues to deliver remarkable results in the built environment.

Client Focus

HOLISTIC AI SYSTEM FROM WEIR LEVERAGES POWER OF DATA 

Mining technology group Weir is integrating its digital innovations to deliver more powerful and holistic solutions for customers to optimise their productivity.

According to Ole Knudsen, Senior Director for Digital at Weir, this is a natural step in the company’s digital journey, building on years of strategic investment in developing new technologies. Knudsen highlights that digital technology and innovation has risen to position number five in EY’s top 10 business risks and opportunities for mining and metals.

“As the EY report points out, mines are looking to digital solutions as a key enabler for reducing their costs while improving productivity, safety and ESG outcomes,” he says. “Weir is supporting this strategic imperative by developing a holistic solution that addresses not just equipment optimisation but the optimisation of the whole flowsheet.”

He points out that a key challenge for digital solutions in the market is overcoming the separate and siloed functions within a mining operation. The respective decisions of the maintenance and operations teams, for instance, will impact each other in ways that are traditionally difficult to track or control. 

“A more holistic approach to digital solutions gives us better insights into both the impact of equipment wear on production performance, and into how changes in production affect the wear life of equipment,” he says. Importantly, Weir’s new intelligent solution uses machine learning to generate specific recommendations in line with customer priorities. 

Weir’s Director of Digital Product Strategy, King Becerra, highlights that these recommendations are based on the customer’s operating data, as well as on many years of data and modelling that Weir has collected on each product. Becerra emphasises that each customer will have their own conditions to consider and priority areas to target. While the cost of energy may be the primary challenge on one site, another might need to reduce its tailings to give the storage facility longer life.

“Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning, Weir can provide customers with systems that generate specific recommendations to meet their goals,” he says. The value of these digital solutions has already been well proven. Working with a copper mining customer in South America, Weir was able to facilitate important recovery improvements through digital interventions. In an operation with 12 processing lines, the recovery during the first pass was raised by 30%; this reduced the recirculating load considerably, adding to overall system efficiency.

Over the years, Weir has invested heavily in its digital tools, initially through the Synertrex® intelligent platform focused on condition monitoring. Weir’s digital offering has now evolved and their new intelligent solution includes AI capability which optimises on a process-level and predictive maintenance, facilitating the improvement of uptime and making maintenance more cost-effective. 

Strategic acquisitions in the software and artificial intelligence (AI) space have included Motion Metrics™ technology, in addition to SentianAI, which uses advanced AI algorithms that continuously learn and adapt to the dynamic mine processes – thereby facilitating continuous optimisation.

“Mines are generally very rich in data, but are not always able to manage this data effectively to capture the hidden insights,” concludes Knudsen. “Our new holistic solution will overcome this challenge and allow mines to gain full value from the data they generate.”

Client Focus

FLS PUTS RESPONSE TO CUSTOMERS FIRST

Responsiveness to customers – driven by dedicated support teams – is allowing FLS to leverage its wide selection of innovative technologies and services in addressing customers’ pain points.

According to Bhavesh Parbhoo, Head of Service Sales for Sub-Saharan Africa at FLS, the company’s success over 140 years means that it is today a large and complex organisation that is home to leading expertise and solutions. Guided by feedback from customers, the company has streamlined the way it engages with each site or customer, explains Parbhoo.

“Our wide range of offerings means that there are many touchpoints for customers – depending on whether they are looking for capital equipment, parts, consumables or professional services,” he says. “We have now simplified the way that customers can access these offerings, while keeping our focus on designing solutions that match their needs.”

Taking a unified team approach to customer relationships allows FLS to apply its wealth of knowledge and varied skill sets to a wide range of market challenges. This has been facilitated by regular value sessions between FLS and the customer, he notes, where key performance indicators are discussed and measured. These typically focus on equipment availability, maintenance predictability and skills sharing with customer personnel.

“Where we have applied this approach, we can see significant improvements in all these KPIs,” he says. “Among the technologies that have recently seen high levels of success across these measures are our nextSTEP rotor and stator, to improve performance of forced-air flotation equipment, and our screening panels, which have demonstrated much longer life.”

Interventions like these have allowed FLS customers to improve their recoveries, and to drive down their total cost of ownership of equipment. A useful tool in this engagement process has been FLS’s customer relationship management (CRM) system, which centralises customer information to avoid data silos. This keeps all team members appraised of progress in the relationship between FLS and the customer. 

Team performance is enhanced by continuous skills development through the FLS Training Academy, which is situated at the FLS Service Centre at Chloorkop, Midrand. These focused training services are also offered to customers, he points out.

“Among the challenges that many of our mining customers face – especially those in remote rural areas – is finding local skills to maintain state-of-the-art equipment,” says Parbhoo. “Now they are able to send their personnel to us, for them to be trained in our fully equipped facility on the specific equipment that the mine operates.”

After the necessary period of training, FLS is able to certify the trainee’s capability, and the mine can then absorb them into the workforce. He highlights that this is an example of where FLS can address customer challenges well beyond the specification and supply of the equipment itself. Another critical customer need is safety on site, which includes any supply partners or subcontractors working on the mine’s equipment. 

“Our safety culture at FLS in embedded in the training of service and other staff, ensuring that all activity on operational sites is compliant with mine health and safety standards,” he says. “Customers must always be in control of their safety levels, and can be assured of that by mature partners like FLS.”

Client Focus

WHY PUMP RENTAL MAKES SENSE FOR QUARRIES AND MINES 

In an environment where capital is not always available, renting dewatering pumps from IPR (Integrated Pump Rental) allows cash-strapped quarries and mines to save money, access the newest technology and benefit from the unmatched flexibility and scalability. 

Due to their ability to ensure efficient water management, dewatering pumps are an essential part of the quarrying and open pit mining value chain. Given the cyclic nature of the industry, renting dewatering pumps enables operations to weather economic storms, especially during bust periods. 

IPR is part of the Specialty Rental division within the Power Technique Business Area of Atlas Copco, and Managing Director Lee Vine says that one of the biggest benefits of pump rental is that it allows mines and quarries to sidestep the need for hefty upfront capital investments. 

“Instead of having to make large-ticket purchases via a capital expense on their accounting books, rental allows them to categorise the expense as operating costs that do not necessarily impact the company’s capital expenditures. As a result, mines can allocate the capital to other pressing matters of the business, while having peace of mind that their dewatering needs are catered for.” 

Steve du Toit, Sales Manager at IPR, says rental also provides unmatched flexibility and scalability. Given that pumping requirements can vary in scope and duration, pump rental allows operations to match the right pump to the specific task at hand. 

“In addition, rental provides mines and quarries with access to the very latest pumping technology,” says Du Toit. “This is particularly beneficial, especially in an environment where technology is advancing at a rapid pace. IPR offers the latest dewatering technology, which means customers have access to efficient, safe and productive equipment without having to break the bank.”

Another great benefit to renting is that it affords quarries and mines the chance to put the dewatering pump technology through its paces before committing to a purchase. Observations from the ‘trial’ period therefore offer insights into whether or not a piece of equipment is worth buying.

Investing in dewatering pumps can be a costly exercise, especially for many small to medium-sized operations, and most businesses don’t realise that this is a long term investment as it requires services and maintenance. 

“Operations that rent their dewatering pumps from trusted suppliers such as IPR can be confident that their equipment is always dependable and operates at peak performance because all repairs and servicing are done in-house by IPR’s expert technicians,” says Du Toit. 

“We perform regular maintenance on our rented equipment, which minimises downtime and ensures operational efficiency. Our 24/7 technical support through our experienced field service personnel means that we can attend to any breakdowns in a timely manner, reducing downtime for customers. Most of our pumps have 250 hour service intervals, which means that we are constantly on customer sites to ensure that equipment runs optimally all the time,” concludes Vine.

Client Focus

ADMIXTURES CRITICAL IN DURABILITY OF WATER-RETAINING STRUCTURES

Concrete performance and durability underpin the value to society of water-retaining structures such as water treatment plants and storage reservoirs – and admixtures make all the difference.

Challenges, including cracking and permeability, can undermine the strength and longevity of these structures, according to Michelle Fick of CHRYSO Southern Africa’s Concrete Aesthetics Business Unit.

“Cracking of concrete, for instance, often calls for urgent and costly maintenance of water-related infrastructure,” says Fick. “In addition to leakage, cracks can undermine the strength of a structure due to corrosion of the steel reinforcing.”

She highlights the importance of reducing shrinkage in concrete to avoid cracking, using admixtures such as CHRYSO® Serenis. By reducing the volume changes that occur during the curing process, this admixture helps to prevent cracking. It works by decreasing capillary tension, protecting concrete against moisture transmission, chemical attack and corrosion of reinforcing steel.

There are also waterproofing agents, like pore blockers such as CHRYSO® Fuge B that further enhance concrete’s resilience against chemical attack and reduce permeability, she adds. 

“Another waterproofing agent is crystalline admixture such as CHRYSO® CWA 10,” she says. “This reacts with moisture to form crystals deep within the pores and capillary tract of the concrete structure.”

Admixtures such as plasticisers and super plasticisers are critical in ensuring workability of concrete, which is especially vital to heavily reinforced structures like reservoirs, adds Patrick Flannigan, Technical Manager of the Concrete Business Unit at CHRYSO Southern Africa. 

“Water in the concrete mixture must be kept to a minimum to ensure strength and density, which could hamper its workability,” says Flannigan. “However, admixtures allow the concrete to continue to flow into the cavities between the steel reinforcing, which is often extensive to ensure strength in these large water-related structures. Secondary reinforcing can be achieved through the application of macro-fibres and micro-fibres, which can reduce the amount of steel while also further reducing the risk of cracking.”

Another aspect of water-retaining structures to consider is their weight, so the ground underneath them must be well drained if they are to remain stable. “To ensure water does not collect, a pervious base layer usually needs to be installed,” he says. “This is constructed from no-fines concrete, which allows water to flow away without eroding the sub-base material.”

He notes that an admixture like CHRYSO® Easy Drain is ideal for no-fines concrete, as it coats the coarse aggregate to ensure a stronger bond between these particles and the cement-water mix.

Client Focus

OPTIMISING CONVEYOR EFFICIENCY WITH TAILORED BELT TRACKING SOLUTIONS

Effective conveyor belt tracking is essential for maintaining operational efficiency and preventing issues on conveyor belt systems and belt trackers, although seemingly small components, play an important role in maintaining the alignment and smooth operation of conveyor belts. 

According to Gerhard Strydom, Technical Product Manager at Tru-Trac, a leading authority in conveyor technology, a one-size-fits-all approach does not apply to belt tracking solutions. Proper specification and installation are critical to achieving the expected performance and longevity.

Strydom explains that key considerations in specifying belt trackers include belt speed, width, tension and tonnage per hour on the loading side. He emphasises the importance of gathering accurate application data to ensure the optimal solution is installed. 

“Environmental factors such as dust, moisture and wind as well as the type of belt material – whether it is a steel core or solid woven belt – further influence the choice,” he explains. “Additionally, any specific challenges that the customer has experienced with the conveyor system need to be prioritised in the solution.”

Tru-Trac’s approach to belt tracking involves comprehensive assessment, preferably on-site, starting from the tail section of the conveyor. This method allows the company’s in-house specialists or trained distribution partners to gather operational data and understand historical challenges directly from belt attendants. “We prefer to base our assessment on an on-site walking inspection of the conveyor,” Strydom says. This meticulous approach ensures that the trackers are tailored to the specific conditions and requirements of each conveyor system.

Tru-Trac offers a wide range of belt trackers, from entry-level units for the troughing or return side of conveyors to heavy duty applications capable of handling belt speeds up to 10 metres per second. The success of their design and technology has been proven across various industrial applications. 

For instance, a South African platinum operation facing significant spillage and belt edge damage due to severe misalignment benefited immensely from Tru-Trac’s expertise. The installation of a Tru-Trac taper trough tracker after the loading zone and a dual return tracker before the tail pulley resolved the alignment issues, allowing the belt to operate for almost four years before requiring replacement.

A recent project at a prominent copper mine in Zambia demonstrated how changing conditions can affect the suitability and lifespan of a specified belt tracker. Ian King, Africa Sales Manager at Tru-Trac, recounts the challenges faced when the conveyor system experienced severe mistracking issues in the loading zone after production levels were increased without notification. 

The high tonnage belt began to make contact with the structure, causing significant edge fraying and tearing, which reduced the usable width of the belt and compromised its overall performance. The existing alignment system was not robust enough to manage the severity of the mistracking, leading to downtime for belt and structural repairs, increased operational costs and a risk of fire.

To address these challenges, Tru-Trac local technicians conducted a thorough inspection of the conveyor system and installed the Tru-Trac Apex Tracking System. This solution included the installation of both trough side and return side trackers, strategically positioned to maintain belt alignment and prevent edge damage. 

The trough side apex trough tracker was installed just after the loading zone, while the return side dual return tracker was placed near the tail pulley. These trackers engaged immediately on start-up, steering the belt to the centre position and continuously ensuring alignment thereafter. King says that the customer was extremely pleased with the performance of Tru-Trac’s equipment, and that the aligned and protected belt not only enhanced safety but also improved our operational efficiency. The mine has now standardised on Tru-Trac belt misalignment solutions for other sections of the mine.

While Tru-Trac’s belt trackers are known for their robust design and even come with a lifetime warranty on some components, other aspects of the conveyor must be monitored carefully for optimal performance. Strydom highlights the importance of conveyor scrapers, which, if not fully functional, can impact the performance of the tracker. 

“If the belt scraper is not working well, this can allow material to be carried back on the return side of the conveyor belt,” he says. “This material builds up and can compromise the performance and functioning of a tracker.”

As the costliest element of the conveyor system, the belt itself can be severely damaged by misalignment, often starting with wear on the edges. This leads to ply separation, allowing moisture to penetrate the belt carcass and degrade its integrity, usually resulting in premature failure. The acceptance of high performance belt trackers as a standard feature on a conveyor system has grown over the years, King notes. These units are often installed at the outset of a project rather than only after belt misalignment has been identified as a recurring issue. This proactive practice recognises the costly impact of conveyor system downtime, which can potentially bring all or part of an operation to a standstill.

“The adoption of advanced belt tracking solutions reflects the industry’s recognition of their role in mitigating downtime and enhancing overall conveyor performance. We believe that Tru-Trac’s tailored approach, comprehensive assessments and high quality products ensure that our belt tracking solutions align with operational demands and environmental conditions, sustaining efficiency and productivity in diverse industrial applications,” King says. 

“As conveyor systems continue to evolve, Tru-Trac will remain at the forefront, delivering reliable solutions that uphold the integrity and functionality of these essential systems,” he concludes. 

Client Focus

MARKET EMBRACES AUTOMATION AND MONITORING SYSTEM FOR CRUSHERS 

Among the attractions of the Sandvik Digital Assistant (SAM) is that it delivers value to everyone in the crushing and screening value chain, raising the game for forward-looking mines.

Recently launched into Africa at the Electra Mining Africa exhibition in Johannesburg, SAM’s reception among large and small players on the continent has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Ali Jumaa, Digital Product Manager for Sandvik Rock Processing.

“There is no doubt that the local market is ready for SAM, judging from the enthusiastic response we have had from customers,” says Jumaa. “Mines are looking to work smarter, and SAM provides this ability to operators, technicians, purchasing departments and managers alike.”

He notes that Sandvik Rock Processing has developed SAM in line with the concept of a proactive user journey, so it provides instant and valuable support for various steps in this customer-OEM relationship. SAM combines a wide range of tools, information and guidance in one place, acting as an always-on digital assistant for daily operations.

“For instance, maintenance and site managers can track their equipment’s performance in real-time from the convenience of a laptop, tablet or mobile phone,” he explains. “At the same time, the mine’s purchasing department can access the SAM web shop to find the correct part numbers, create shopping lists and submit orders.”

Service technicians use SAM to find up-to-date documentation and manuals on their equipment, while operators can find ways to increase operational uptime and availability. Extensive operating data from the crusher is collected by sensors and transmitted through a gateway into cloud storage, where it can be analysed in depth and utilised in a range of calculations, algorithms and models.

“The data and analysis allow customers to finetune their performance, while developing more effective predictive maintenance and ensuring no unplanned stoppages,” says Jumaa. “SAM provides customers with real-time insight into their operations supported by fact based recommended actions that inform the most appropriate operating and maintenance strategies.”

A key benefit of the SAM system is the visual way that it represents data to the user, he explains. Customers can quickly visualise exactly how long the crusher has been operational or has been idling, for instance. The platform’s interface is also intuitive and user-friendly, he adds, so that customers do not need extensive training to learn how to use it. The platform even has features to guide customers on how to use it.

Client Focus

SEW-EURODRIVE ‘CLOSES THE LOOP’ WITH NEW SERVICE AND REPAIR CENTRE

As part of its strategy to ‘close the loop’ in its service offering, SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa, a specialist in drive and control technologies, has broken ground on a new 17 000 m² Service and Repair Centre. The establishment of the state-of-the-art facility plugs the gap for expert repair services for  gearboxes in Africa. 

Having moved into its contemporary 26 000 m² headquarters complex in Aeroton, Johannesburg, in early 2022, which represented Phase 1 of its investment drive in South Africa, SEW-EURODRIVE has commenced Phase 2 of its local expansion drive. Following the turning of the first sod on 2 September 2024, groundworks commenced the following week with completion of the project expected by November 2025 and occupation in early 2026.

Having invested R500 million in the new headquarters complex a few years ago, the ±R384 million investment in a new Service and Repair Centre right next to the head office signals SEW-EURODRIVE’s commitment to servicing customers in Africa and reflects the company’s confidence in the future of South Africa and the African continent in general. 

Raymond Obermeyer, Managing Director of SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa, says the new facility – to be built on a 27 935 m² site area with 17 000 m² under roof – represents the company’s largest investment post the COVID-19 pandemic. It also forms part of SEW-EURODRIVE’s €1 billion investment in the expansion of its service capabilities in various markets across the world in 2024 alone. 

Commenting on the reasoning behind this massive investment, Obermeyer explains that as a market leader in planetary gearboxes with over 40 years of trading in South Africa, SEW-EURODRIVE recognises the need to enhance its capabilities to service and repair millions of units in the region. As a leading global Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), the company’s expertise positions it to meet the growing demand for repair services in Africa. 

“Currently, our competitors in the gearbox market primarily focus on selling equipment with a limited offering of the necessary repair and support services,” says Obermeyer. “This gap presents a significant opportunity for SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa to not only service our own products but also to repair competitors’ equipment, thereby increasing our market share and fostering sustainable growth.”

According to Obermeyer, major players in the gearbox repair market are often private companies offering services that most OEMs neglect. By establishing its own Service and Repair Centre, SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa can minimise reliance on external contractors, reducing risks associated with quality control and service delivery. 

The new facility’s workshop will offer full service and repair capabilities such as sand blasting, spray painting and stripping of products. It will also contain a fabrication section to manufacture baseplates, guards and steelworks. 

In addition, it will have a full motor repair department for motor rewinding, as well as offering assembly and repairs with burnout ovens and rotor balancing. This will be complemented by state-of-the art load test facilities. 

Moreover, a storage facility and a fully operational 30 bay assembly area will give SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa the capacity to assemble in excess of 300 repaired units per month. 

“The new Service and Repair Centre offers us enhanced capabilities. The decision to expand our operations includes manufacturing of all steel products and providing comprehensive repair and rewind services for our own products. This vertical integration allows us to maintain control over quality and service standards, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and sustainability,” says Obermeyer. 

The new centre, he adds, now enables the company to offer a full suite of services in its quest to ‘close the loop’. By doing so, SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa aims to deliver the complete SEW-EURODRIVE experience, ensuring that its customers receive top notch service and quality throughout the value chain. This is particularly important in the mining value chain where mines have a clear focus on reducing their operating costs and total cost of ownership. 

Obermeyer expects the new facility to create 80 to 100 job opportunities, adding to the 100 created as a result of the Phase 1 expansion. He, however, notes that these opportunities will be for highly sought after skills which are often in short supply. To bridge the technical skills gap, the new Service and Repair Centre will house a larger DriveAcademy, significantly upgrading the current 1 500 m² training facility located at the headquarters’ complex. This will be complemented by SEW-EURODRIVE’s information technology centre. 

“The establishment of the new Service and Repair Centre is a strategic move to enhance our service offering, address market gaps and strengthen our position as the leading gearbox OEM in South Africa. This investment not only secures our legacy but also paves the way for future growth and innovation,” concludes Obermeyer. 

Client Focus

THE VITAL ROLE OF BCCEI IN ENSURING FAIRNESS THROUGH DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

The civil engineering industry, known for its complex projects and large-scale operations, demands precision, cooperation and clear communication. Given the high stakes, it’s inevitable that conflicts arise. The key to maintaining a stable and productive work environment lies in effective dispute resolution. In this space, the Bargaining Council for the Civil Engineering Industry (BCCEI) plays a vital role, offering solutions tailored specifically for the sector.

Merle Denson, Manager of the BCCEI’s Dispute Resolution Centre, highlights that dispute resolution is not just about settling disagreements. “It’s an integral part of sound business management,” she explains. “Effective resolution prevents conflicts from escalating into costly legal battles, conserving both time and resources.”

The BCCEI’s Dispute Resolution Centre (DRC) stands out in its approach by offering industry-specific dispute mechanisms. Accredited by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA), the Centre ensures that all cases are handled within legal frameworks, promoting fair and just outcomes. 

“This is crucial,” Denson explains, “as civil engineering disputes often involve highly technical aspects that require industry knowledge. The BCCEI’s panel of commissioners is specifically chosen for their knowledge of the civil engineering field as well as appropriate legislation, allowing for informed decisions that benefit all parties involved.”

Denson says that one of the standout features of the BCCEI’s approach is its accessibility. By scheduling cases regionally, this reduces the logistical and financial burden on parties ensuring disputes are resolved quickly and efficiently. “This regional focus is further bolstered by the Centre’s access to online services; this digital approach not only increases efficiency but also reduces costs, making the resolution process more accessible across the industry.”  

Denson explains that the DRC encourages parties to choose the online route for dispute resolution, allowing them to leverage the BCCEI’s established resources across its regional offices. “Conducting sessions online significantly reduces the time and costs associated with travel for all parties, which is especially beneficial for cases scheduled in distant or external venues. This approach enhances accessibility and streamlines the process, ensuring that disputes are resolved efficiently and conveniently for all parties involved,” she says. 

Financial accessibility is another cornerstone of the BCCEI’s success. Both employers and employees contribute to the dispute resolution fund through a monthly levy, ensuring that services remain affordable and accessible. This mechanism has allowed the Dispute Resolution Centre to resolve numerous disputes without burdening the parties involved with excessive costs.

In dismissal cases, which are common within the industry, the BCCEI Dispute Resolution Centre follows a well-structured process. From the initial referral to the final arbitration, each step is handled with care, ensuring fairness and impartiality. The involvement of experienced commissioners and arbitrators guarantees that the process remains transparent and that settlements are reached efficiently.

“Dispute resolution is fundamental to maintaining stability and fairness within the civil engineering industry,” says Denson. “The BCCEI’s Dispute Resolution Centre is uniquely positioned to provide expert and accessible solutions, fostering a harmonious work environment that benefits all stakeholders.”

While the BCCEI is well-known for its dispute resolution services, its mandate extends far beyond. As a bargaining council, its responsibilities include the conclusion and enforcement of collective agreements, preventing and resolving labour disputes, administering dispute resolution processes and promoting training and education within the sector. Additionally, the BCCEI is involved in developing labour policies and legislation, providing industrial support services and extending its offerings to non-parties within the civil engineering industry.

“In essence, the BCCEI plays a pivotal role in shaping the civil engineering landscape, not only by resolving disputes but by fostering an environment of growth, fairness and stability. This makes it an indispensable institution for all stakeholders in the sector,” Denson concludes. 

Client Focus

BOOYCO ELECTRONICS’ FIELD SERVICE REGIME KEY TO EFFECTIVE PDS/CPS OPERATION 

While their primary objective is to ensure the safety of people, Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) and Collision Prevention System (CPS) installations also have a direct bearing on other critical parameters such as equipment availability and productivity. Through its  field support service technicians, Booyco Electronics ensures the intended benefits and objectives of implementing the technology are realised.

PDS/CPS solutions are critical safety systems in both surface and underground mining environments, particularly due to the significant risk posed by the operation  of trackless mobile machinery (TMM) deployed to work in these environments. To ensure correct and reliable functionality of these systems, Charl Marais, General Manager – Field Services at Booyco Electronics, stresses the need for a regular and robust maintenance regime, customised to specific customer needs. 

“Given that we work with safety systems, field support service is a critical arm of our business to ensure that all machines fitted with PDS/CPS solutions comply with our Section 21 responsibilities, as specified by the Mine Health Safety Council,” he explains. 

The Booyco Electronics Field Services team is responsible for interfacing with customers, starting from project execution (installation, testing and commissioning of new systems) through to complete lifecycle management of the product. Services include scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, breakdown and repair services, auditing and provision of spare parts as well as upgrades to enhance product capabilities or extension services to lengthen product lifecycle. 

“We have more than 200 technicians across South Africa, supporting both Service Level Agreements (SLA) and non-SLA customers. This is complemented by dedicated technical support staff for each area to assist with more advanced tasks,” explains Marais. 

Booyco Electronics offers a wide variety of services that can be tailored to individual customer requirements, considering aspects such as fleet size, system type and maintenance requirements as well as monitoring and data requirements, amongst others.

“Our maintenance schedules are adapted based on fleet size, system type and level of protection implemented (Level 7, 8 or 9) and typically include a minimum of one full system functionality test per vehicle per month,” he says. “For each customer, we have a defined scope of work in accordance with the SLA in place. For non-SLA customers, we generally have a different arrangement as may be required.” 

For SLA customers, response time is generally less than two hours, while for non-SLA customers this depends on the location and availability of technicians within the area. Understanding the extreme importance of maintaining uptime and production on TMMs, Booyco Electronics ensures its systems have minimal impact on production as a result of its strong ability in servicing customers on a breakdown basis. 

This is facilitated by a branch network that encompasses all major mining destinations, namely eMalahleni, Kuruman,  Lydenburg, Richards Bay, Rustenburg, Steelpoort and Welkom, to ensure timely response to breakdowns. The footprint is also constantly reviewed to accommodate new customer requirements. 

Given the constant continuous improvements and new advancements in PDS technology, Booyco Electronics continuously adapts its field support services to keep up with the pace of innovation. “We constantly advise our customers on the latest PDS/CPS improvements and advancements available on the market to ensure the best fit-for-purpose solutions,” says Marais. 

“We also continually find ways of improving efficiency in our service delivery through the use of technology to manage our operations. Examples include mobile applications for time and travel management, digital certificates of compliance (COC) and service support applications as well as digital customer satisfaction surveys which are currently being developed,” he adds.

In addition, Booyco Electronics places a major focus on increasing its value proposition by using existing data via the Booyco Electronics Asset Management System (BEAMS) interface to not only improve safety, but also to assist customers increase productivity by, for example, removing bottlenecks in production and optimising traffic management. 

A case in point is a major mining house which recently embarked on a ‘vehicle risk identification’ project spanning its global operations. The company contacted Booyco Electronics for assistance with data to help understand its operational risk (vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-people interactions) at one of its South African mines where the Booyco PDS has been in use for a number of years. 

“Although the mine did not purchase the BEAMS software suite, we were able to access the data and provide the mining house’s global team with valuable input to help them understand the operational risk and to identify ‘hotspots’ for mitigation,” concludes Marais.