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Materials & Equipment News

Tribunal confirms settlement agreement between PPC, commission

By: Simone Liedtke 11th November 2020 The Competition Tribunal has confirmed a settlement agreement between Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) and the Competition Commission which, in effect, grants PPC final immunity from prosecution in the cement cartel case. PPC has also been granted immunity from an administrative penalty. →

Nigeria gives Dangote, BUA approval to export cement via closed borders

By: Reuters 11th November 2020 Nigeria has granted presidential approval to Dangote Cement and BUA Cement to export cement through its land borders, which have been closed for more than a year to check smuggling, a customs spokesman said on Tuesday. Nigeria closed its land borders last year to curb smuggling of rice and arms,... →

Bearing isolators faring well in bearings sector

6th November 2020 Bearings distributor BMG tells Engineering News that its Garlock Klozure and Guardian Bearing Isolators have fared notably well subsequent to being introduction to the BMG range of isolators. A bearing isolator is an advanced sealing solution that is used to protect bearings on rotating equipment... →

SURE SOLUTION The Garlock sealing solutions offered by BMG have proven effective in many environments

PIC lowers stake in PPC to 4.93%

By: Marleny Arnoldi 3rd November 2020 The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has reduced its shareholding in cement manufacturer PPC from 9.52% to 4.93%. The State-owned fund manager has progressively been decreasing its stake in the cement manufacturer, having reduced its shareholding from 25% to about 19% in June, to just under... →

Emphasis placed on supplying products to address industry issues

By: Simone Liedtke 30th October 2020 South Africa’s civil structures are in dire need of improved performance and longevity, hence building materials company AfriSam’s emphasis on supplying quality products that “go beyond current requirements”. Speaking to Engineering News, AfriSam regional product technical manager Nithia Pillay... →

PERFORMANCE PRIORITISATION
AfriSam is the pioneer of producing highly extended concrete without compromising performance parameters

AfriSam’s Nithia Pillay speaks about the company’s drive to supply products that address industry issues

Africa’s richest man delays cement London listing until 2023

By: Bloomberg 29th October 2020 Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest person, has again delayed plans to sell shares in his cement maker on the London Stock Exchange, opting instead to focus on increasing exports and boosting the Nigerian company’s foreign-exchange reserves. Dangote Cement, the continent’s biggest producer of the... →

Afrimat's diversification strategy paying off

By: Marleny Arnoldi 29th October 2020 Openpit miner Afrimat reported an 11% year-on-year increase in operating profit for the six months ended August 31, despite a 9.4% year-on-year decrease in revenue. The company also ended the period with cash and cash equivalents of R330-million, a 170% year-on-year increase. →

Afrimat CEO Andries van Heerden shares how the company's diversification strategy has made it more resilient

Industrial investment will flow if South Africa ‘consistently’ builds 1.6 GW of wind yearly

By: Terence Creamer 27th October 2020 Leading wind-energy project developers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are convinced that South Africa’s plan to install 1.6 GW of new wind capacity yearly until 2030 is more than sufficient to attract large-scale industrial investment. These captains of industry warn, however, that... →

New safety shoe and boot brands faring well

23rd October 2020 Although the Covid-19 pandemic and its subsequent restrictions on trade and events have set back personal protective equipment (PPE) specialist Sisi Safety Wear’s Basi boot – which features a metaguard – the company says its other newer ranges have fared well so far this year. The Basi boot will... →

COOL TO BOOT The boot specially designed to fit the female foot is both functional and pretty

Hard hat face shield launched

23rd October 2020 Paper and plastics packaging and recycling company Mpact Group launched its new face shield, specially designed to attach to a hard hat, in support of the construction and related industries during the Covid-19 pandemic. Launched in June, the hard hat face shield is produced from polyethylene... →

HEALTHY HANDOVER To help curb the spread of Covid-19 and keep frontline healthcare workers safe, Mpact Group donated 25 000 face shields to the Department of Health

Gloves on offer locally

By: Halima Frost 23rd October 2020 Wholesale personal protective equipment (PPE) and industrial consumables supplier G.Fox has added the patented nitrile Grippaz gloves to its PPE portfolio in the second quarter of this year. The specially formulated gloves combine household gloves and disposable exam glove technology, which makes... →

GAINLY GRIP The Grippaz glove offers better 'grip-ability' as well as more comfort for the user

Contractors risk ruin owing to contract fine print, payment delays, says MBA

By: Irma Venter 19th October 2020 The Master Builders Association (MBA) North says contractors, particularly small and mid-sized contractors, face growing business risk when embarking on new projects. This is a result of a range of issues, such as contracts that are amended to favour large contractors or clients, unclear delivery... →

CSIR and asphalt industry construct test road using local fillers, recycled tyres

By: Irma Venter 16th October 2020 The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and private company Much Asphalt have successfully constructed a section of road using locally available micro-fillers and recycled tyres. Following more than a year of combined laboratory development and evaluation efforts between CSIR... →

Construction of the road using the new materials

Sanral signs MoU with Safcec to prioritise small contractor development

By: Irma Venter 14th October 2020 The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the South African Forum of Civil Engineering Contractors (Safcec), with the aim of prioritising the development of small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs) in the road construction... →

PPC says trading conditions have improved in recent months

By: Simone Liedtke 9th October 2020 Although JSE-listed cement manufacturer PPC's financial performance weakened in the financial year ended March 31, actions taken during the period to reposition the company to deliver sustainable value for stakeholders “are beginning to yield results”. After the resumption of trading in the 2021... →

PPC CEO Roland van Wijnen

GVK-Siya Zama launches dedicated civils unit

By: Irma Venter 9th October 2020 Construction company GVK-Siya Zama has added a dedicated civils unit to its operational offering. Through this unit, the company aims to create jobs and improve society by filling the void left by many companies in the construction industry that had to close their doors. →

Lifting equipment provides reliability, increased productivity

9th October 2020 Included in equipment supplier Becker Mining South Africa’s range of equipment manufacturer Kito lifting equipment, is the durable Kito high-speed CB manual chain hoist series, which is suitable for use in shipbuilding and restorations. These hoists, which offer swift lifting and lowering speeds... →

VERSATILE HOISTING These hoists, which offer swift lifting and lowering speeds for increased productivity, are designed to safely handle rated loads between 2.5 t and 50 t

Afrimat earnings slowly rise following pandemic impact

By: Simone Liedtke 7th October 2020 Industrial minerals and building materials supplier Afrimat is expecting to report headline earnings a share of between 181.9c and 191c for the six months ended August 31, representing an increase of between 0% and 5% year-on-year. Earnings a share are expected to be between 183.5c and 192.7c,... →

Afrimat Construction Index tanks in Q2, but ‘strong performance’ in second half predicted

By: Irma Venter 2nd October 2020 The second-quarter (Q2) Afrimat Construction Index (ACI) has dropped sharply on the back of the national lockdown regulations imposed between April and June to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. JSE-listed openpit miner Afrimat produces industrial minerals, bulk commodities and construction materials. →

Consultant emphasises importance of careful selection of galvanised steel sheet for light metal frame structures, roofing

By: Simone Liedtke 1st October 2020 Careful selection of continuously galvanised steel sheet products can help to avoid premature corrosion of roofing and cladding on buildings, says galvanising consultant Terry Smith. Continuously galvanised sheet is produced in a hot-dip galvanising process, after which it may be further coated... →

Transformation in construction materials sector requires closer scrutiny

By: Donna Slater 30th September 2020 Large stakeholders in the construction materials sector need to be more closely scrutinised to determine their true transformation, especially in terms of the empowerment of women, Human Settlements director general Mbulelo Tshangana said on September 30. He spoke during the Social Housing... →

PPC given dispensation to delay results as it finalises restructuring and refinancing

By: Terence Creamer 30th September 2020 Cement producer PPC, which was expected to report 2020 financial results by September 30, reported on Wednesday that it has received dispensation from the JSE to delay the announcement to the week of October 5. The extension was granted in light of the impact the Covid-19 pandemic had on the... →

NUM supports Cosatu strike against corruption

By: Sane Dhlamini 29th September 2020 The National Union of Mineworkers said on Tuesday that it would take part in the Congress of South African Trade Unions’ October 7 strike against corruption. NUM said while it noted efforts from President Cyril Ramaphosa to fight corruption, workers were losing confidence in government’s ability... →

Maintenance work completed during lockdown

By: Halima Frost 25th September 2020 A team of eight work-at-height specialists representing rope access company Skyriders has safely completed the cleaning and maintenance of two storage tanks at a petrochemicals producer, in Mpumalanga. The maintenance project, which was conducted during Level 5 of the Covid-19 lockdown period,... →

SAFE SUSPENSION
Being able to safely complete a task while suspended from a structure takes a specialised team which Skyriders offers

Skyriders marketing manager Mike Zinn discusses a recently completed maintenance project that required specialised rope access expertise. Camerawork: Halima Frost. Editing: Nicholas Boyd. Recorded: 21.08.2020

Structures assist in practical training

By: Halima Frost 25th September 2020 Increased interest in the training of working-at-height personnel in eMalahleni, in Mpumalanga, and Rustenburg, in North West, has led to permanent scaffolding structures being erected at safety training solutions provider KBC Health and Safety’s training facilities in the two provinces. KBC... →

HIGHER GRADE Being able to do practical training at height is now possible with the structures erected at KBC's various training facilities

Accreditations incorrectly processed cause distress – institute

By: Halima Frost 25th September 2020 Although many working-at-height training providers claim to be accredited with the sector education and training authority (Seta), the professional body for Working at Height (IWH) warns that certifications received by trainees from these training providers are not necessarily being uploaded and... →

CLEAN SWEEP Having clean clear directives allows professional body Working at Height to equip the sector with the correct tools for safe working protocols

Safety during wind turbine upgrades offered

25th September 2020 Specialist design and manufacturing company Power Curve ApS has forged a strategic partnership with working at height specialists Dangle Rope Access, to help deliver specialist installation services for wind turbine performance upgrades across the UK's wind farm sector. Announced in July, the... →

DANGLING IN THE WIND Dangle will offer rope access services to the upgrade and maintenance of UK's wind farms in partnership with Power Curve ApS

Call for improved enforcement as construction transport accidents run up R352m tab

By: Irma Venter 22nd September 2020 Statistics provided by the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) – the workmen’s compensation insurer for the building industry – indicate that there were 929 motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) in 2018 involving people working within the construction industry. “While this may seem low,... →

PPC makes ‘positive progress’ on restructuring, finance project

By: Simone Liedtke 15th September 2020 JSE-listed cement manufacturer PPC Cement has made positive progress on its restructuring and finance programme, with the objective of implementing a sustainable capital structure. PPC has received funding confirmation from South African lenders, who the company says will provide various short-... →

Afrimat Construction Index tanks in Q2, but predicts ‘strong performance’ ahead

By: Irma Venter 10th September 2020 The second-quarter (Q2) Afrimat Construction Index (ACI) has dropped sharply on the back of the national lockdown regulations imposed between April and June to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. JSE-listed openpit miner Afrimat produces industrial minerals, bulk commodities and construction materials. →

Proper ventilation a key tool to prevent the spread of Covid-19

By: Simone Liedtke 7th September 2020 Indoor ventilation is an important tool to prevent the viral transmission of the Covid-19 virus when correctly applied. Conversely, poor ventilation promotes viral transmission, Engen industrial hygiene specialist Garth Hunter warned during the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and... →

Occupational medicine specialist Dr Greg Kew

Two specialists discuss the importance of proper ventilation as a tool to prevent the viral transmission of Covid-19. Video: Creamer Media's Kutlwano Matlala. Editing: Creamer Media's Nicholas Boyd.

Heavy equipment demobilised after project completion

4th September 2020 Heavy equipment lifting and transporting company Mammoet recently began demobilising equipment it had deployed at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemical complex in Lekki Free Zone, in Nigeria. The demobilising of the equipment began in July. →

BIG DELIVERIES The components for the refinery project consisted of multiple shipments delivered to the purpose-built Dangote Quay Lekki in Lagos

Digital platforms used for lectures

By: Halima Frost 4th September 2020 The Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) launched online learning for students at its Cape Town and Durban welding schools in April after Covid-19 lockdown restrictions prevented students from attending lectures. The students join lectures taking place in Johannesburg through digital... →

STIMULATING SIMULATOR The SAIW is using a welding simulator to enable students to gain hands-on experience before entering the workforce

Southern African Institute of Welding executive director John Tarboton and business development manager Etienne Nell discuss welding students’ use of simulation and digital training.

HVAC system safety highlighted in the time of Covid-19

By: Donna Slater 2nd September 2020 Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems play a key role in mitigating the spread of airborne pathogens in an enclosed office environment, especially that of offices with few or no windows that can open, said HVAC systems services company SFI Group founder and CEO Edward Hector.... →

PIC further decreases stake in PPC to 9.5%

By: Marleny Arnoldi 2nd September 2020 The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has reduced its shareholding in JSE-listed cement manufacturer PPC Cement from 13.98% to 9.52%. The State-owned fund manager in June reduced its shareholding from 25% to 19.9% and has continued to reduce its shareholding since then. →

Cashbuild reports lower revenue, declares dividend

By: Schalk Burger 1st September 2020 Building materials retail chain Cashbuild has declared a final dividend of 272c a share for the financial year ended June 28. This brings its total dividend for the year to 702c a share – a 17% decrease compared to the prior year. Revenue for the year decreased by 7% to R10.09-billion.... →

Investing in infrastructure now will boost economy

By: Halima Frost 21st August 2020 Now is the time to invest in infrastructure projects to ensure that the industry does not hit a lull when the economy fully reopens after the lockdown regulations are lifted, urges multinational engineering firm Aecom client and government sector Africa director Fadzai Nyamasve. “The industry... →

FADZAI NYAMASVE The industry cannot afford to wait for the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic to subside

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