June 2011

Emerging markets and the first-world's ‘L-shaped' recession

Walmart, Cummins and Ford - three US companies seeking to capitalise on future African growth; companies whose rise was directly associated with the increasing wealth of the US consumer.

But what is good for US companies, is not necessary good for African nations. Africa will grow, but it is important that this growth is associated with opportunities for local suppliers and jobs and skills development. It is only if local people get wealthier that consumers and businesses can both benefit.

In this issue

MechTech's special report looks at Franklin Electric SA, which has recently launched a new range of high-efficiency end-suction centrifugal pumps for the agricultural and industrial sectors.

The lead article in the power, energy and energy management feature is about the award-winning Bethlehem Hydro Project. The country's first independent hydropower plant to be connected to the grid in 24 years, this project has positioned NuPlanet as a benchmark independent power producer in the renewable energy sector.

Pump systems, pipes, valves and seals leads with Weir Minerals' acquisition of Linatex. This well known product line has added to an already formidable Weir Minerals range, with some exciting projects and technology at hand.

Our robotics, automation and mechatronics lead provides five electrical considerations for mechanical engineers from Bosch Rexroth's Kevin Lombard, who is a specialist in the mechatronics field.

In modern transport and vehicle solutions, we look at an intensive train driver training tool, the South African train simulator, and talk about the many advantages of this technology.

The editor visits DemaPlasTech, a South African provider of injection-moulding equipment and services, and reports back on the launch of the world's only rapid prototyping machine with multi-material capability in innovative engineering.