The successful installation of industrial machine manufacturer OST-Africa’s Visam vibrating equipment a year ago has “greatly improved” output for precast manufacturer Vula Concrete, leading to the acquisition of four more cement moulds, to be delivered later this year.

“Since the installation of OST’s Visam vibrating equipment, Vula Concrete has recorded immediate operational improvements. Production cycles have been shortened, product finish quality has markedly improved, and maintenance requirements are minimal,” says OST-Africa marketing manager Chantelle Scheepers.

She adds that the new oscillating motors improve on the durability and reliability of the previous system, allowing production at the plant to continue without interruption.

The most notable outcome has been the increase in production capacity, she says adding “. . . output has risen from about 40 t/d to as much as 100 t/d, effectively more than doubling production, without any expansion in floor space or mould inventory”.

This increase has had a direct impact on return on investment, with Vula Concrete now able to achieve significantly higher throughput within the same operational footprint.

Beyond the technical benefits of operating advanced equipment, Vula Concrete and OST-Africa have developed a collaborative partnership, where ongoing support and engagement ensures consistent results.

“With improved output, enhanced quality and reduced maintenance, Vula Concrete is well positioned for sustained growth in a competitive market,” Scheepers adds.

Making the Machines

OST-Africa’s locally manufactured materials handling, screen and transmission products conform with the International Organisation for Standardisation’s ISO 9001 quality management standards, ensuring consistent performance across its range.

The products are supported by OST- Africa’s specialised design and installation teams, which ensure that its custom-built systems provide a reliable solution that facilitates improved uptime, safety compliance and an extended service life.

“In precast concrete manufacturing, where production speed and finish quality directly influence profitability, Vula Concrete has achieved a significant increase in performance following the implementation of vibration solutions from OST-Africa.”

Vula Concrete’s investment has enabled it to realise improvements in efficiency, product consistency and operational reliability, thereby transforming a “previously constrained production environment into a high-output operation”.

Previously, Vula Concrete faced persistent challenges on the production floor, as the use of traditional poker vibrators resulted in inconsistent finishes and extended mould preparation times, while frequent equipment failures introduced costly delays.

Vula Concrete production manager Pieter Behr says the decision to transition to an OST-Africa vibration system was driven by the need for a more reliable and efficient solution.

In addition to a broad product offering and competitive pricing, the OST-Africa team provides critical technical support, particularly in specifying the correct oscillating motors for different mould sizes, says Scheepers.

“This application-specific approach reduces unnecessary costs for our customers and ensures optimal performance from the outset,” she concludes.