January 2016
SA Festival of Motoring replaces Johannesburg International Motor Show
New event for South African motoring fans to be held at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in future. South African motoring fans will have to permanently bid farewell to the Johannesburg International Motor Show. Originally scheduled to take place in October 2015, the biennial event was cancelled in May 2015, owing to rising costs.
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GE’s “most African” locomotive in production
GE has commenced production of its “most African” locomotives. Once completed, the 233 GE Evolution Series locomotives will have 55% local content, making them the “most African” locomotives of their kind. In March 2014, Transnet announced an agreement to purchase 1,064 locomotives from four original equipment manufacturers, including GE. GE was awarded a contract to build 233 diesel locomotives as part of this agreement.
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The right moves will draw investors says Davies
That South Africa has become an investment destination of choice to the world’s biggest companies is not by mere chance. We have consistently remained on the radar of international big business due to deliberate action on the part of government that can be traced to interventions such as the New Growth Path and the Industrial Policy Action Plan, writes Rob Davies* in a newspaper report.
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Paramount enters R1 billion deal with the Kazakhstan government
South Africa needed to create financing institutions with capacity to fund the defence industry as it was an important feeder of jobs into the hi-tech environment, Paramount Group executive chairman Ivor Ichikowitz said recently. The Paramount Group has announced that it has entered into a R1 billion partnership with the Kazakhstan government for the manufacture of armoured vehicles in that country.
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Hexagon Metrology becomes Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence
In a move to reflect its growing expertise and solutions for integrated industrial manufacturing, Hexagon Metrology has rebranded to become Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. The change also aligns the business more closely with Hexagon’s overall strategy to offer software-centric information technology solutions that improve quality and productivity across entire industry workflows.
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Kennametal completes sale of seven businesses
Kennametal Inc. has moved forward with plans to reduce its manufacturing footprint by up to 25 percent. The Latrobe-based company said it has completed the sale of seven noncore businesses to Chicago based holding company Madison Industries. These are related to certain castings, steel plate fabrication and deburring operations, Kennametal said.
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Luigi Galdabini becomes President of the European Association of the Machine Tool Industries (CECIMO)
During its meeting held on 3 December 2015 in Brussels, the CECIMO General Assembly elected Luigi Galdabini as President of CECIMO for a period of two years. Succeeding in this role Jean-Camille Uring, Executive Board Member of Fives and President of Symop, Mr. Galdabini…
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Trumpf unveils new systems for additive manufacturing of metal parts
Laser manufacturer Trumpf has established a broad base in the field of additive manufacturing. The company has launched new 3D printing machines for metal parts, including laser metal fusion (LMF) and laser metal deposition (LMD) machines. To achieve this, the company has established a new division at the headquarters site in Ditzingen.
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UCIMU: 2015 recovery of the Italian machine tool industry
The Italian machine tool industry, one of the largest in the world, finished 2015 with “double-figure increases” in production volume, total sales, and exports, according to the year-end summary issued by UCIMU-Sistemi per Produrre. The trade group also predicted that continued strong results for 2016 are expected.
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November 2015
Tiso Blackstar seeks London and JSE main board listing
Tiso Blackstar announced that it was planning to move its AIM listing in London to the London Stock Exchange (LSE) to improve the company’s visibility and share liquidity. Tiso Blackstar said if the London listing transfer was successful then the company’s shares would be simultaneously admitted to the main board of the JSE.
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History made as SEIFSA appoints its first woman president
For the very first time in its 72-year history, the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) has elected a woman as its President and Chairperson of its Board of Directors. Transman founder and Chief Executive Officer Ms Angela Dick made history when she was elected President of SEIFSA at the organisation’s annual general meeting in Johannesburg on Friday, 9 October 2015.
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BMW plans for new model at Rosslyn plant
Planning by premium vehicle manufacturer BMW is far advanced for the manufacture of a new model at its Rosslyn plant near Pretoria, when the current 3-Series reaches the end of its lifecycle. The current 3-Series was launched in 2012. Most cars have a lifecycle of about seven years before being replaced.
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Sodick takes machines downtown in Tokyo
In addition to offering an ideal space in which to display Sodick products, the Tokyo showroom has also been designed to provide a city centre location in which the company can hold customer seminars and other events at which to demonstrate its latest technology.
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CIMdata publishes global NC market analysis report
CIMdata, Inc., the leading global PLM strategic management consulting and research firm announced the release of the 2015 CIMdata NC Market Analysis Report (MAR), the twenty-fourth annual study of the global Numerical Control (NC) market. CIMdata estimates that based on end-user payments, the worldwide NC software and related services market grew by 7.3% in the calendar year 2014.
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Gleason celebrates 150 years
The name Gleason is practically synonymous with gear manufacturing. Since the company was founded in 1865, the technology of gear manufacturing has been its focus, its core and its competitive advantage. Staying true to that focus has been one of the keys to the company’s longevity, according to Chairman James S. Gleason.
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September 2015
Quality certification helps Swasap to access international markets
Swasap, the only African railway axle manufacturer, has been able to qualify its manufacturing technology to an EN13261 certification, hence increasing its global footprint to be able to supply any European railway operator, as well as securing significant orders from top European passenger rail coach manufacturers.
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Tiso buys control of Robor
Tiso says in a statement it is increasing its stake from 19.4% to 51% because Robor is “well positioned for growth and expansion”. It will pay for the offer through the issue of 1.7 million new shares. The dual-listed company aims to invest in business with underlying themes of strategic market positions and strong cash flows, with a particular focus on businesses within Sub-Saharan Africa. It focuses on principal areas of media, industrial and Kagiso Tiso Holdings.
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Gibela to build R1 billion commuter train factory
South Africa’s 40-odd year gap when it comes to train-building technology is about to close as the Gibela Rail Transport Consortium (Gibela) gears up to start the construction of its R1 billion, 85 000m² factory complex at Dunnottar in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. Construction is scheduled to start in the third quarter of this year.
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Cable thieves could face long jail terms
Think again before stealing that steel manhole cover, those phone lines or electricity cables – tough new minimum sentences of three to 25 years in jail are on the way. The changes are in the Criminal Matters Amendment Bill 2015, which the Justice and Correctional Services Ministry intends tabling in Parliament soon. The bill creates a new offence.
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United Grinding Group establishes joint venture for additive processes with inspire AG
The United Grinding Group, holding company for the machine tools business area in the Körber international technology group, is establishing a joint venture named Irpd AG with the university-affiliated inspire AG. IRPD specialises in additive manufacturing processes such as laser-based processes and 3D printing.
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Gleason celebrates 150 years
The name Gleason is practically synonymous with gear manufacturing. Since the company was founded in 1865, the technology of gear manufacturing has been its focus, its core and its competitive advantage. Staying true to that focus has been one of the keys to the company’s longevity, according to Chairman James S. Gleason.
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July 2015
Ingersoll event highlights market challenges, solutions
In April Ingersoll Cutting Tools celebrated its 125th anniversary with its Gold Rush event at the Cleveland Public Auditorium in the USA. More than 800 people were on hand for a day full of entertainment and product introductions. Jacob Harpaz, President and CEO of IMC Group, Ingersoll’s parent company, provided the product introductions, as well as his perspective on the changing manufacturing landscape.
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Waterjet machine market growing
This latest report highlighted the growing need for cost reduction in the waterjet machining market. Continuous R&D innovations by waterjet machine vendors have resulted in advanced machines that are capable of working with a variety of materials, which has expanded the customer base well beyond traditional end users. Furthermore, the report emphasised the need for machining microscale products, as more manufacturers move towards micro products.
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Partners in THINC welcome newest member, CGTech and their product Vericut®
Okuma, a world leader in CNC machine tools, is pleased to announce that CGTech, a leading developer of CNC software specialising in simulations, verification, optimisation and analysis technology for the manufacturing industry has joined Partners in THINC. Members of Partners in THINC provide technologies that are integrated with Okuma’s CNC machines and controls to deliver advanced manufacturing system solutions.
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Sandvik Coromant debuts its business and technology magazine online
First published in 2004, the print version has been available to readers three times a year. The new online version will take the experience from the printed pages and allow the reader access to more regular news and features on any desktop or mobile devices. The reader will continue to find the same high quality content with in-depth technical articles and inspiring stories from around the world.
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Leadwell is recognised with the “Award of Eminence” at TIMTOS 2015 for their TM 1500 Turn/Mill machine
The 12th Awards Ceremony of the Taiwan Machine Tool Industry Awards for Excellence in Research and Innovation or “Award of Eminence” was presented to Leadwell CNC Machines MFG., Corp. for their CNC Lathe TM 1500. This is a multi-tasking machine that will mill, turn or do both simultaneously, and can achieve heavy cutting for the production job shop as well as curved surface milling used in the Aerospace industry.
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Hazleton Pumps, Scaw come out top in Seifsa Awards
South African pump manufacturer Hazleton Pumps International took top honours in the Most Innovative Company and Customer Service of the Year categories of the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa’s (Seifsa’s) Awards for Excellence.
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Major project announced to boost entrepreneurship in aluminium sector
The local aluminium industry and USB Executive Development (USB-ED), the public executive development and training company of the University of Stellenbosch Business School, has joined forces in a major project to boost entrepreneurship in the aluminium sector. The project, branded as the Aluminium Beneficiation Initiative (Aluminium BI), aims to inspire and support local entrepreneurs to produce leading-edge aluminium products.
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solidThinking announces the first channel partner in South Africa
Parent company of solidThinking, Altair acquired EM Software & Systems SA (EMSS), the developer of the FEKO electromagnetics analysis suite, in June 2014. Today, FEKO is now part of Altair’s HyperWorks® simulation suite, and Stellenbosch has become the centre of operations for Altair to support clients in South Africa with applying technologies like HyperWorks and solidThinking Inspire.
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May 2015
Paramount Group ramps up production capacity by acquiring industrial assets of DCD Protected Mobility
John Craig, CEO of Paramount Industrial Holdings said: “It has always been Paramount Group’s vision to develop equipment that can be produced in customer countries, while maintaining high value jobs in design, research & development and production in South Africa. In anticipation of significant growth in our order book, we have been investigating the prospects of greatly increasing our production capability in South Africa.”
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Increased production of Airbus A320 signals good news for local partners
Airbus has decided to further increase the production rate for its very successful A320 Family to 50 aircraft per month from Q1 2017, matching market demand. Additionally, Airbus is adjusting the A330 production rate to six a month from Q1 2016 as it transitions towards the A330neo.
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New Executive Director appointed at Southern African Institute of Welding
Sean Blake, the current Operations Manager at the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) has been appointed SAIW Executive Director as of April 2015. Blake takes over from Jim Guild, who has been Executive Director since December 2000. The SAIW is a non-profit technical organisation dedicated to furthering standards in welding-fabrication and related technologies. Established in 1948, it is a founder member of the International Institute of Welding (IIW).
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Denel Technical Academy grows into national hub for artisan training
“Artisan training provided by Denel SOC at its campus in Ekurhuleni is helping to meet South Africa’s huge demand for skilled human resources in technical fields”, says the Chief Executive of Denel Aviation, Mike Kgobe. Kgobe was speaking at an event to celebrate the achievements of students who were trained at the Denel Technical Academy (DTA).
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Yaskawa celebrates 100 Years
Yaskawa Electric Corporation headquartered in Kitakyushu, Japan commemorates their 100th anniversary during 2015 across all global locations in 28 countries. In addition to the centenary celebration, the company will renew its corporate logo and identity as a symbol of evolution and future growth.
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3D printer pricing now publicly available in Senvol Database
The Senvol Database, which is the first and most comprehensive 3D printing database for industrial additive manufacturing machines and materials, has expanded to include machine pricing information. In addition to being able to search by machine build size, material type, or material tensile strength, for example, users can now search by machine price as well.
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New 3D printing technique
The new technique, called continuous liquid interface production (Clip), features a moving platform that lifts printed objects gently out of a reservoir of liquid resin. The technique combines pulses of light, which solidify the resin, and oxygen, which prevents it from solidifying, to craft intricate three-dimensional objects. Crucially, it works continually, unlike current printers that construct objects by building layer upon layer.
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Fair Friend Group opens flagship facility
The Fair Friend Group (FFG) Machine Tools Division has set a goal of producing 30,000 sets of machine tools per year by 2022. As a step toward reaching this goal, FFG has opened a flagship factory in Taichung, Taiwan. Construction began on the building in 2013 and was completed this past March. With 22,560 square meters of production space, the facility can produce as many as 150 sets of CNC machines per month, the company says.
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Auto components crucial for aluminium industry
South Africa’s automotive sector is currently one of the key drivers of aluminium demand in the country, which stakeholders attribute to the global trend of manufacturers using an increasing amount of aluminium for vehicle components, particularly for passenger vehicles. As a result, aluminium foundries are starting to pursue advanced technologies and techniques in their processes.
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March 2015
In high gear with Mitre Engineering
For many manufacturers productivity is measured by the volume of parts cranked out in an hour or day, and keeping costs down for customers, which means chipping away at setup and machining times while maintaining tolerances. On the other side of the coin, there are shops filling small orders for large-diameter, high quality gears, which often take days or weeks to machine and cost thousands of rands.
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Size doesn’t matter
Tucked away in a relatively small 350m² facility in Centurion, Gauteng is a company that thrives on the pressure of supplying a demanding industry. The company is a contract machining operation that specialises in producing complex, high-precision parts for the avionics and electronics industry that have applications in air, land, security, marine systems and defence markets.
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Robot orders set new record in 2014
The automotive industry was the primary driver of growth in 2014, with robot orders increasing 45% year over year. Factories in the U.S. and around the world are adding robots to their workforce at a faster pace. That pace is expected to pick up even more over the next decade. A study from the Boston Consulting Group estimates among the world’s 25 biggest export nations, robot use will grow by 10% a year at manufacturing and industrial companies through to 2025.
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Haas Automation tops $1 billion mark in 2014 – best year ever
Haas Automation, Inc., Oxnard, California, reports that its annual revenues exceeded $1 billion for the first time in company history in 2014 – an increase of more than 11 percent over 2013 – making it the best year ever for America’s leading machine tool builder. The company also built more than 14,000 units in 2014, a 22 percent increase over 2013 and an all-time record.
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DMG Mori Seiki Co aims to take over DMG Mori Seiki AG
Machine tool maker DMG Mori Seiki Co of Japan is to make a voluntary public takeover offer for the outstanding shares of fellow machine tool maker and partner DMG Mori Seiki AG of Germany. The offer was set to begin 11 February, 2015 and run through to 11 March, 2015, according to press reports, with DMG Mori Seiki Co expecting to make an announcement by June.
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Workers down tools at Giflo Engineering
Machine tool maker DMG Mori Seiki Co of Japan is to make a voluntary public takeover offer for the outstanding shares of fellow machine tool maker and partner DMG Mori Seiki AG of Germany. The offer was set to begin 11 February, 2015 and run through to 11 March, 2015, according to press reports, with DMG Mori Seiki Co expecting to make an announcement by June.
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Union tension rises with new rival to Numsa
The arrival of a new metal, engineering and car sector union, the Liberated Metalworkers Union of SA (Limusa), is likely to add strain to an already fragile labour environment and heighten the battle for members in the sector, according to newspaper reports. Union rivalry in the country has resulted in intimidation, prolonged and violent strikes and unrealistic wage demands as new unions push to impress potential members so as to grow their membership.
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Motor industry forum for Gauteng
An automotive industry business forum is to be established to put in place specific projects that grow and develop the industry, particularly in Gauteng, it has been reported. This follows the engagement between automotive industry leaders and representatives from the Gauteng provincial government, including Gauteng Premier David Makhura.
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South African fabricators visit Voortman
A group of 14 South African fabricators, covering a broad range of businesses, recently visited Voortman, a leading Dutch manufacturer of machinery for the steel construction and steel processing. Dubbed the Voortman South Africa Event, local distributor First Cut organised the occasion which was held over three days.
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January 2015
Hulamin purchases significant portion of BHP Billiton’s SA casthouse
South African aluminium products manufacturer Hulamin has announced that it is part of a group which had signed a deal to buy a casthouse from BHP Billiton. BHP, the world’s biggest mining company, has sold its Richards Bay, Bayside casthouse to Isizinda Aluminium, which is 40 percent owned by Hulamin and 60 percent held by black investment group Bingelela Capital. The deal value was not disclosed.
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New all-wheel-drive Jaguar F-TYPE R boosts Bloodhound SSC record bid
The new all-wheel-drive Jaguar F-TYPE R Coupé has ensured that the Bloodhound SSC World Land Speed Record programme has passed a significant high-speed testing milestone. The test marks the start of a major technical partnership between Jaguar and The Bloodhound Project, with the ultimate aim of raising the world land speed record above 1 610km/h and to assist in inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers, which is the overall objective of the project.
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CSR and Transnet to set up manufacturing facilities in South Africa
South African freight and logistics company Transnet has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chinese locomotive manufacturer CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive (CSR) to build manufacturing facilities in South Africa. The new manufacturing plants will carry out the production and maintenance of electric locomotives, as well as core rail equipment and components for African markets. The agreement was signed in the wake of the official visit of South African President Jacob Zuma to China.
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SigmaTEK names Danie Jacobs Vice President of Sales
SigmaTEK Systems LLC, one of the world’s leading authorities on CAD/CAM nesting, material optimisation and manufacturing process automation has announced the appointment of Danie Jacobs as Vice President of Sales. Danie (or Dan, as he is referred to in the USA) Jacobs assumes responsibility for growing the company’s sales organisation and community of users throughout North America and Latin America.
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First bodyshell ready for new South African EMUs
Alstom’s Lapa manufacturing plant in Brazil has manufactured the first complete body-shell of the twenty X’Trapolis Mega commuter trains currently under production in the site as part of its 600 trains contract with Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). Seven months after the financial close of the €4 billion contract between Alstom and PRASA, the project is well under way, with the manufacturing proceeding smoothly with the Gibela consortium…
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Eskom benefits from tool management and traceability system
Do you know who has what tools and equipment in your warehouse? Can you account for all tools and equipment issued, and do you have measures in place to identify tool and equipment losses? You may be able to answer this question positively, but can you say for certain that you have a record of when these tools or equipment were last maintained, and when their next service is due?
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The 16th KZN Industrial Technology Exhibition focuses on “Innovation through technology”
Exhibition space is in high demand for the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) which will be held at the Durban Exhibition Centre from 9 to 12 June 2015. The biennial event is the province’s leading industrial showcase offering exhibitors a unique marketing opportunity. Established in 1984, KITE has become a key component in the industry’s exhibition calendar, and the 16th installment promises another opportunity for local and international businesses to showcase their products and services.
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10 questions you should ask before buying a professional 3D printer
The 3D printing market is roughly divided into four different segments. The desktop 3D printers are for home users and range from kits that require a lot of work by the user, to systems that work straight out of the box. The prices of these printers range from $300 to $5,000. Examples of these systems are the Ultimaker and Printrbot.
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Pressure Die Casting awarded Nedbank sponsored PCB Business of The Year for 2014
Specialist die caster Pressure Die Casting (PDC), based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, has been rewarded for the company’s achievements on a number of fronts with the award of the Nedbank sponsored Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business (PCB) Business of The Year for 2014, in the manufacturing sector.
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November 2014
BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa launches new armoured vehicle
BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa (LSSA) has launched the latest addition to its RG series of mine protected vehicles, the RG21. The new RG21 combines the battle proven protection of the RG series — in service in many theatres around the world — with the maturity of a commercially available host vehicle driveline, running gear, and electronics.
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Marking solutions help to reduce pump part counterfeiting
The instability in the mining industry over the past few years has led to an increase in the theft of tools, minerals and assets, which poses problems for pump manufacturers supplying the mines with equipment and accessories. In addition, there has also been a marked increase in the theft and counterfeiting of related quality parts.
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MJH Machine Tools opens Gauteng branch
After years of operating ‘long’ distance New Germany, KwaZulu Natal machine tool sales company MJH Machine Tools has decided to open a branch office in the Gauteng area. “Our client base is stretched throughout South Africa, with agents representing us in Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.
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Denel announces launch of indigenous South African regional aircraft SARA
Denel Aerostructures’ CEO Ismail Dockrat has unveiled a model of the company’s SARA (South African Regional Aircraft) project at the recent AAD 2014. SARA has been initiated to provide an aircraft that can be used on short, low-density routes, in particular to link destinations in areas where the road and rail infrastructure is poor.
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UK wants African SMEs to bid for UK defence work
South Africans could see a boost to opportunities to sell to the UK defence industry, and UK small and medium size businesses are also being encouraged to look to Africa, according to the regional director of the UK’s Trade & Investment department, (UKTI).
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New scrap metals policy criticised
Fresh amendments to the policy on scrap metals will not remedy long-standing viability issues in the sector since the Department of Economic Development introduced measures a year ago to curb the exports of waste metal, according to a report in Business Day. This is the view of industry players commenting on new amendments published in September.
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What’s in a (brand) name?
I came across a thread on an American forum, where a well-known factory manager, from a well-known company was asking advice on which mid-range machine tool he should buy. He had narrowed the list down to six machines. When I read the list I was surprised at the brand names he considered mid-range.
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September 2014
AHRLAC takes to the skies
The first public flight of its Advanced High-Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft (AHRLAC), at the Wonderboom Airport in Pretoria took place recently. AHRLAC is the first military fixed wing aircraft to be fully designed, tested and developed in Africa.
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Western Cape metals and engineering cluster well-positioned
The Western Cape metals and engineering cluster is well-positioned as a hub to fuel growth and attract foreign direct investment into South Africa and across the African continent. The Western Cape has the capacity to increase its current exports and supply a wide range of metals and engineering solutions to Europe, the US, as well as the relatively untapped African market.
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Boeing and Paramount Group to collaborate on defence and security opportunities
The agreement, signed during the bi-annual Farnborough Airshow, will allow Boeing and Paramount to apply their complementary strengths in providing aircraft and land systems solutions for customers in Africa and other major markets that face a range of security challenges.
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Toolquip & Allied now offers a complete line of large milling, turning and grinding equipment
Toolquip & Allied, one of South Africa’s largest importers and distributors of specialised industrial equipment and engineering consumables is now able offer a complete line of large CNC milling, turning and grinding equipment. The range will compliment Toolquip & Allied’s existing range of CNC metal removal equipment.
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Global robotics industry: Record beats record
The European market increased by 5% to more than 43,000 units almost reaching the all-time-high of 2011. Robot supplies to the Americas continued to increase by 8% to more than 30,000 units. More than 700 industrial robots were sold in Africa, 87% more than in 2012.
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Hexagon acquires Vero Software
Vero Software is a UK-based software company with a strong brand and proven customer satisfaction track record. Their software aids the design and manufacturing process with solutions for programming and controlling machine tools, addressing the rising challenge of achieving manufacturing efficiencies with high-quality output.
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CIMdata publishes global NC market analysis report
CIMdata, Inc., the global PLM strategic management consulting and research firm has announced the release of the 2014 CIMdata NC Market Analysis Report (MAR), the twenty-third annual study of the global Numerical Control (NC) market. CIMdata estimates that based on end-user payments, the worldwide NC software and related services market grew by 5.4% in calendar year 2013.
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Local manufacturer of Badger to start within 24 months
Operational testing and evaluation of Denel’s Badger infantry combat vehicle are continuing apace with serial local manufacturing expected to start within the next 24 months. Prototypes were currently being tested at various testing grounds in the Northern Cape such as at Armscor’s Alkantpan facility and the South African Army’s combat training centre at Lohatla.
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Denel awarded another multi-million rand tender for Airbus A400M
The company will, in future, manufacture ISO locks – a combination of aluminium rails and cross tracks – to be fitted into the cargo hold of each of the giant aircraft that are to be delivered to international clients over the next six years. The contract is valued at over R260 million.
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Dates announced for the 2015 Johannesburg International Motor Show
The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) are pleased to announce the dates of the 2015 Johannesburg International Motor Show taking place from 14 – 25 October 2015 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec. A number of exciting innovations are in the pipeline and planning stages.
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July 2014
Air Quality Amendment Act (2014) signed – high fines introduced for failure to obtain compliance
The AQA Act, which aims to improve the management of air pollution, has also introduced the streamlining of applications for environmental consents. Persons who proceed without the required atmospheric emissions licences (“AELs”) will now be required to apply for retrospective authorisation.
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Afrox gears up to support industry’s automated plasma requirements
Afrox has beefed up its automated plasma equipment offering to meet the latest requirements of local industry. This extended offering, supported by OEM partners Victor Thermal Dynamics and Pierce Profile Cutting, is suitable for both small and heavy industrial requirements.
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Trumpf begins joint venture for 3D printing
The technology could potentially replace some milling and casting practices in the future. The joint venture with Italy’s biggest laser manufacturer Sisma is aimed at developing a robust and productive 3D printer for mass production of metal components.
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South Africa must learn from Australia’s auto industry implosion
National Association of Automotive Components and Allied Manufacturers of South Africa (NAACAM) Executive Director, Robert Houdet said the Australian industry’s collapse, which could trigger the loss of over 30 000 jobs would provide valuable insight for South African auto companies.
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Edgecam wins 2015 certification from Autodesk Inventor
Edgecam Solid Machinist has gained 2015 certification from Autodesk Inventor. Using the Edgecam add-in for Autodesk Inventor sees the CAD model sent to Edgecam Solid Machinist for feature finding and CAM application processes.
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JIMTOF 2014 – Fusion of craftsmanship and advanced technology “Mono-Zukuri DNA” – connects to the future and the world
Over fifty years of JIMTOF: Manufacturing tradition, manufacturing innovation. 30 October to 4 November 2014. This year’s Japanese machine tool exhibition, JIMTOF 2014, is the 27th time that the exhibition takes place and marks the 50th anniversary of the inaugural event, which was first held in Osaka in 1962.
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Jaguar partners with Team Sky and Pinarello to engineer new Tour De France racing bike
Jaguar has deepened its partnership with Team Sky, one of the world’s leading professional road cycling teams, and built a new relationship with Pinarello, the highly regarded Italian bike manufacturer, by helping them develop the team’s latest race bike.
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Google to build prototype car controlled by computers, not driver, without steering wheel
Google plans to build and launch onto city streets a small fleet of subcompact cars that could operate without a person at the wheel. Actually, the cars wouldn’t even have a wheel. Or gas and brake pedals. The company says the vehicles will use sensors and computing power, with no human needed.
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Steel industry related app launched
Steel, tube and pipe manufacturer Robor has announced the launch of an industry-related mobile phone application (app) that provides users with information regarding the group’s product range as well as providing access to other resources applicable to steel products and services, including steel calculations, steel specifications and “smart tools”.
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Mercedes-Benz South Africa C-Class fuels supply sector growth
Significant investment by motor manufacturing giant, Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA), into the production of the new C-Class will not only benefit the economy of South Africa, but has also resulted in 10 new component sector suppliers setting up shop in the country – three of these will carry out sequencing operations.
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May 2014
New AGV line installed at VWSA
Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has installed an automated guided vehicle (AGV) line to replace the traditional roller conveyor used on the VW250 engine line. An AGV is a mobile robot that follows markers or cabling in the floor, or uses vision or lasers to follow a preset route.
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Trinitas on prowl for acquisitions
Trinitas Private Equity, an independent private equity fund, says it is looking to invest R200 to R300 million on acquiring stakes in about three mid-sized companies in the short to medium term. A successful deployment of funds towards these acquisitions would put Trinitas closer to a position of fundraising for a second fund.
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Dorbyl: Naledi offers to buy minorities
Engineering group Dorbyl, whose shares were suspended on the JSE in November 2012, has announced that it had received a firm intention letter from Naledi Foundry to make an offer for all of the shares held by shareholders other than African Dune.
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Import duties increased on screws, nuts and bolts
Engineering group Dorbyl, whose shares were suspended on the JSE in November 2012, has announced that it had received a firm intention letter from Naledi Foundry to make an offer for all of the shares held by shareholders other than African Dune.
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Murray & Roberts disposes of pipe, pilings and structural steel business
Murray and Roberts has disposed of its Hall Longmore pipe, pilings and structural steel business to the Barnes Group. Hall Longmore sold to privately owned Barnes Group following a successful conclusion to negotiations and final approval by the Competition Commission.
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Pangborn Group signs representative agreement with Mondeco Solutions
Pangborn, a global leader in surface preparation products has appointed Gauteng-based Mondeco Solutions as its authorised representative for Southern Africa. Mondeco Solutions, a company that has established itself as a fast growing independent equipment supply and service company.
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Transnet awards contracts for 1 064 new trains
The R50 billion contract is hailed as South Africa’s biggest single corporate infrastructure investment. Transnet is in the midst of a seven-year plan to expand the railways, ports and pipelines that move commodities for export by 2019. The total order of 1 064 locomotives was worth R50 billion, Transnet said in a statement.
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South African mining industry in the spotlight at Electra Mining Africa
The South African Mining industry employs over half a million people, is the biggest earner of foreign exchange in the country, and contributes about R20 billion directly to tax revenue. Mining also makes a far larger contribution – as a buyer of goods and services and as a supplier of inputs to other sectors of our economy and other economies around the globe.
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Agni fires up furnaces to start production at steel mill
Jubilation was palpable on site at Agni Steels SA as the company fired up its Inductotherm furnaces to start production at its R400 million, state-of-the-art steel mill in the Coega industrial development zone (IDZ). Agni Steels’ venture is the first ever black-owned steel mill in the country and is a testament to the value of the Minerals Beneficiation Bill passed in 2011.
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DMG Mori presents an additive manufacturing breakthrough
This was the technology highlight this year at the company’s Open House exhibition held in February in Germany, while further global expansion plans were revealed. DMG Mori is the combined sales and service operation for the currently separate firms of DMG Mori Seiki Co, Japan (formerly Mori Seiki Co) and DMG Mori Seiki AG, Germany (formerly Gildemeister AG).
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Mick Jagger laser cut steel statue revealed
Right in time for his band’s headline show at the UK’s legendary Glastonbury festival, Rolling Stone Mick Jagger has been honoured by his hometown of Dartford where a steel sculpture of the singer has been revealed. Part of one of the biggest ever public arts projects in the UK, the statue was manufactured by Midlands based laser-cutting specialists Laser Process Ltd.
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BAE certifies ’3D Printed’ part on BAe 146 jetliner
BAE Systems said that it has produced and certified a replacement part for the BAe 146 regional jet for the first time using additive manufacturing, or “3-D printing” technology. Now the company is exploring using 3-D printing to supply replacement parts for other commercial aircraft types.
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March 2014
A year-long celebration for Maserati’s Centennial has begun
December 2013 saw Maserati officially enter the 100th year of its history. It does so in a period of unprecedented health and unparalleled growth. More than 23,000 orders worldwide to date are propelling Maserati into a new dimension. Today Maserati is amongst the fastest growing brands in the United States and a concrete reality in nearly 70 markets in the world.
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Haas expands parts, service and resources online
Haas Automation has CNC machines installed in shops and manufacturing plants worldwide and that base is supported by 170 factory outlets in over 60 countries, with delivery services, on-site consigned inventories, and trained service technicians.
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Toyota invests R1 billion in Prospecton manufacturing facility
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has started local volume production of the new Toyota Corolla – the 11th generation of the world’s best-selling car. To mark the occasion an opening ceremony was held at its Prospecton manufacturing facility that was attended by the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Edward Senzo Mchunu, the mayor of the Ethekwini, James Nxumalo and…
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SolidWorks 2014 seminar
Mecad Systems, the South African resellers of SolidWorks, held a series of seminars around the country in February to introduce users to the new features of SolidWorks 2014. The SolidWorks 2014 events rolled out with great feedback from users saying this version sees the most common requests being added. Almost all of the new features (below) incorporated are from user requests and feedback.
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Gleason completes acquisition of IMS Koepfer Cutting Tools GMBH
Gleason Corporation has announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire IMS Koepfer Cutting Tools GmbH of Eisenbach, Germany from IMS Gear GmbH and Koepfer Verzahnungsmaschinen GmbH. IMS Koepfer Cutting Tools is a producer of high-quality gear cutting tools and related products and services.
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Machine tools to be showcased alongside Electra Mining Africa 2014
Machine Tools Showcase takes place once every four years and it gives an opportunity to metalworking equipment, tooling and related equipment suppliers and manufacturers to showcase their machines, products and services. The show takes place at the Expo Centre, NASREC, Johannesburg, from 15 – 19 September 2014.
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Sandvik Coromant offers E-Learning program
Sandvik Coromant offers an interactive Metal Cutting Technology (MCT) e-learning program developed by the Sandvik Coromant Academy. The 75-course curriculum is designed for engineers, programmers, operators and students, and uses video, animation, narration and other media to convey information.
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Trumpf buys Italian panel bending machine maker Codatto
“With this acquisition, we are once again expanding our product range by adding an important bending technology. It will appeal to new groups of customers and will offer new options to existing clients,” said Dr Mathias Kammüller, head of the Trumpf Machine Tool Division.
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EuroBLECH 2014 – 21 – 25 October 2014 at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds in Germany
The next EuroBLECH, the world’s leading sheet metal working technology exhibition, will take place from 21 – 25 October 2014 at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds in Germany. With just over a year to go the organisers have started to hype the pre publicity including the introduction of a new website.
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Decade of the artisan programme launched
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has launched its Decade of the Artisan campaign at the Ekurhuleni East technical and vocational education and training (TVET) college in Kwa Thema, near Springs.
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More acquisitions made by Fair Friend Group
In the second half of 2013 the Fair Friend Group (FFG) acquired MAG’s Industrial Equipment business, comprising the five brands Hüller Hille, Hessapp, Modul, VDF Boehringer and Witzig & Frank. This sale effectively ends MAG’s involvement in the CNC machine tool business.
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January 2014
Transnet launches new automotive rail wagons
Transnet has unveiled a new fleet of rail automotive wagons that are expected to boost freight logistics in the Eastern Cape region. The launch of the company’s newly designed rail wagons for vehicle manufacturers, as the State-owned company accelerates its efforts to boost South African manufacturing and advance its multimodal road-to-rail freight strategy.
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Okuma’s new factory in Oguchi, Japan – DS – is referred to as Dream Site 1
Japanese machine tool company Okuma Corporation has opened a new, more efficient factory in Japan to maintain its competitive edge and to underpin the continuation of its Japan-based manufacturing policy, with further investment predicted.
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Trumpf buys Chinese CNC machine builder
Trumpf, a family-owned manufacturer of CNC sheet metal processing machines and laser systems is buying a majority stake in Jiangsu Jinfangyuan CNC Machine Company Ltd. (JFY), a Chinese company with a similar range of capabilities. The value of the acquisition is unknown, but Trumpf indicated its holding will be about 72%.
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Organised business supports high energy users in litigation against NERSA and the NMBM
The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber has been extensively involved with the six of the thirteen companies that make up the High Energy User group through meetings, debates, correspondence and engagements with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).
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New milestone for Toyota SA Motors
One millionth Corolla manufactured at the Prospecton Plant in Durban. Team members at Toyota South Africa Motors late last year celebrated as the one millionth proudly South African manufactured Corolla rolled off the production line at the company’s Prospecton Plant in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
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Mercedes-Benz to invest $302 million in South African car production
German carmaker Mercedes-Benz is set to invest R3 billion ($302 million) in its South African operations to increase local output to 100,000 units annually.
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2013/14 South African Aluminium Industry Directory and buyers guide of aluminium suppliers and manufacturers now published.
The new and improved directory and buyers guide of aluminium industry related companies has been published and a free copy is available from the Aluminium Federation of South Africa (AFSA).
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The EMO metal working trade show’s organisation confirmed until 2027
EMO Milano 2015 will be followed by EMO Hannover 2017 and 2019. The European Association of the Machine Tool Industry (CECIMO), owner of the brand EMO, signed an agreement with the German machine tool builders’ association (VDW) and Fondazione UCIMU.
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November 2013
DMG/Mori Seiki reveals EMO 2013 secrets – taking over Hall 2
At EMO 2013 in Hall 2, North Entrance, DMG Mori Seiki unveiled a new uniform design that demonstrates the company‘s consistently high quality standards.
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Multitrade Distributors celebrates 30th anniversary
The path to success usually starts off in a small environment and gradually through hard work and dedication over the years, achievement can be seen in the success of the pursuit. This can certainly be said of Johny Hansen and Multitrade Distributors, who celebrated their 30th year in business recently.
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Foundry industry’s vision of a training centre comes to fruition
SAIF instrumental in setting up the Gauteng Foundry Training Centre. In an era of corporate reorganisation, mergers, and globalisation, metalcasting is one of several critical industries that require a well-educated workforce in order to remain profitable and competitive.
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Stepping into the void
A deep thinking job shop will specialise in gun drilling up to 50mm diameter
and 2 metres long. Drilling of deep holes is increasingly in demand for numerous precision applications these days. In most cases it is not long production runs that are required but rather small to medium batches of 10 to 100 parts.
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