June 2012

Half way through the year, and no slowing down in sight. This month we cram the issue with our usual blend of one-on-one interviews agains the relevant industry backdrop, starting with our Cover Story on Shantui. This Chinese OEM is fast becoming a growing presence on the African continent as not only their reputation improves, but their customer base increases accordingly.

This past May, CEN was privy to their first Annual African Regional Dealer Conference, held at Kievits Kroon Country Estate, Gauteng, from 16th to 19th May, where delegates coming from throughout Africa had a chance to network and exchange news from their region. Shantui has put down permanent roots in South Africa, and the success of their first Africa Dealer Conference is a clear indication that this Chinese OEM is here to stay.

In Construction: Road making, CEN caught up with Walter Ebeling, Director, PMSA, and found out more about the FIORI-ously fabulous cement batching plant that is putting PMSA at the cutting edge of their industry.

In the same feature, Corobrick has once again played an important part in the final phase of the Umhlanga promenade upgrade, with its clay pavers being a defining characteristic of the entire 5km-long seafront stretch, that is already a favourite with those out for a morning stroll, jogging or taking a late afternoon walk with their dogs, and generally enjoying walking along the seashore.

The Freight and Logistics section covers Bulk Handling this month, and a number of companies explain how they are able to make this vital process as relatively hassal-free as possible. Melco Conveyor Equipment boasts a comprehensive product offering that places the company as a frontrunner in the manufacture and supply of idlers, rollers and belt drives for global bulk materials handling industries worldwide, while Instrotech's multi-function weighing transmitter is a powerful, compact, field-mounted unit that can be selected for a variety of weighing functions and, not to be outdone, BMG's OST's range of materials handling, screen and transmission products includes an efficient spillage solution, designed to prevent production losses during materials handling in diverse sectors.

Mining: Into Africa and beyond highlights a variety of forays into this ‘darkest continent' and the rest of the planet. Leading the innovation stakes, is a jaw-dropping Finnish-built transportation system, that has helped aggregates giant, Lafarge Cement UK, overcome a tricky health and safety issue at its Hope Quarry in Derbyshire. Although the Finnish-developed Sleipner system is used extensively around the world, the Hope Quarry is the first installation in the UK. Africa is a region of particular growth for mining and metals projects and is therefore, a major focus area of global engineering services provider to the mining and resources industry AMEC. Read how this company increases its footprint on the continent.

So, be informed and enjoy the read!

On-Road Trucks

In this section CEN keeps you ahead of the news with what is happening in the freight sector. Such as Hino introducing the latest generation Hino 300, the new medium truck rang, as well as the upgraded Hyundai HD series recently introduced to the local market, which brings a new dynamism and capability to the light and medium duty trucks. We also give a quick summary of what went down at the RFA Conference 2012 - TruckABILITY, as, once again, a chance for every section of the transport fraternity to network and share news, views and simply re-connect, took place at Zimbali Coastal Resort, KZN, 20th to 22nd May.

Company Profile

HPE Africa is planning to host a Hyundai open day in Gauteng on June 21, 2012. HPE Africa, General Manager, Neil Sauls points out that South Africa has been selected as the launch location of choice by Hyundai for the backhoe loader, owing to the fact that the country has one of the largest target markets for backhoe loaders.

Tyre and track

There was something for everyone at NAMPO 2012, as once again the annual Harvest Day lived up to its name, providing the perfect venue for agricultural producers to see every type of machinery used in the farming sector.

Next month: Look out for our Finance article along with our re-manning section, as companies tighten their belts, again...