LOCAL NEWS: July 09
SKF launches Solution Factory Africa
SKF Solution Factory Africa, launched on 17th July 2009, positions SKF South Africa as the ultimate solutions provider by integrating SKF’s knowledge and capabilities in its core technologies with 100 years of industry and application knowledge through a substantial investment in physical infrastructure, equipment, people and business processes.
SKF South Africa’s Managing Director, Gavin Garland, explains: “SKF's value proposition is to offer its customers leading edge technology products and integrated solutions for reduced TCO and enhanced asset performance. Solution Factory Africa allows us to deliver on the promise..”
Solution Factory Africa forms over 2500 sq meters of purpose built infrastructure including workshops, technology centres and training facilities under cover, totalling some R9million investment. “In addition, we have built on the base of our ISO 9000 quality system and developed business processes and computer systems to allow us to effectively manage projects and deploy the technical resources”, adds Garland.
Expanding on the infrastructure investment Garland explains that a modular approach over the past few years has been applied, culminating in the current capability of Solution Factory Africa. The initial investments were in the mechanical workshops and the Remote Analysis Centre and, in 2008, the Bearing Remanufacturing Service Centre and Reliability Maintenance Institute were completed. The latest additions to Solution Factory Africa include the Lubrication Application Centre, the Maintenance Products Repair and Calibration Centre, the Seals, Power Transmission and Mechatronics Customisation Centre and the Machine Tool Spindle Refurbish Centre.
The Lubrication Application Centre, the base for lubrication solutions business, includes a work shop, training centre, customisation centre, physical assembly area, specialised test machines, fire proof grease store and ISO 14000 compliant grease traps.
The Machine Tool Spindle Refurbishment Centre is a dedicated facility with a computerised test bench, complete with a SKF minimal quantity lubrication (MQL) system and an SKF on line condition monitoring system. “With the investment into Spindle Refurbishment, we have added a unique competence. Customers no longer have to go to the expense of shipping spindle repairs to Europe as we now offer a full and affordable machine tool spindle service and repair solution”, comments Garland.
In conclusion Garland says: “The SKF Solution Factory brings further infrastructure, competencies and processes to enable SKF to deliver on its promise – reduced TCO and enhanced asset performance.”
Dow South Africa presents Science Bursary to Cleremont Student
The Dow Advanced Materials Division (NYSE:DOW) New Germany plant has presented a bursary to a deserving pupil at the Ziphathele High School in Cleremont, KwaZulu-Natal.
“This bursary fund has been established in memory of Larry Moodley who was the HR and Finance Director at heritage Rohm and Haas, South Africa (now part of Dow Advanced Materials) for over 20 years. Larry sadly passed away in 2007,” says Martin Rogers, Plant Manager, Dow Advanced Materials, South Africa. “Rohm and Haas has had a close relationship with the Ziphathele High School for many years, providing sponsorships for the school’s janitorial and security staff; HIV/AIDS awareness workshops, and is currently looking at ways to help update the school’s classrooms.”
“Larry had great passion towards assisting disadvantaged communities, and was particularly committed to the students at the Ziphathele High School,” commented Martin. “His dedication to corporate social investment was evident in his work both on and off site, and was instrumental in launching the company’s BEE (Black Economic Empowerment) initiative.” The Larry Moodley Memorial bursary is being awarded to help a science pupil towards a more promising future. This bursary covers school fees to matric and also provides sponsorship towards a university degree.
The recipient of the Larry Moodley memorial bursary is Mathemba Daza, a nineteen year old pupil at Ziphathele High School who has a dream to become a scientist one day. Mathemba, who is in his last year of schooling, has achieved excellent grades this year. He accepted the bursary as his mother proudly watched on
Mathemba Daza with his bursary award.
Stellenbosch University joins new Global Sustainable Bioenergy project
Biofuels researchers at Stellenbosch University (SU) have joined forces with some of the world’s leading experts in the field to seek resolution of issues relating to the sustainable production of bioenergy.
The Global Sustainable Bioenergy: Feasibility and Implementation Paths project has been launched in response to the substantial confusion and growing uncertainty about whether the world should look to bioenergy (biofuels, heat, and electricity) to play a prominent role in the future.
“We want to establish once and for all whether large-scale production of bioenergy is possible and, at the same time, can also benefit both humanity and the environment,” says GSB representative for Africa Prof Emile van Zyl, holder of the SANERI Senior Chair of Energy Research: Bio-fuels and other clean alternative fuels in the SU Department of Microbiology.
About the role of the GSB he says: “There are just as many critics for as against bioenergy, and the GSB wants to ensure clear-cut answers that can provide policy frameworks and advise strategy to ensure a sustainable result on a global scale.”
Prof Van Zyl says the project will place sustainable bioenergy production within the context of new issues such as climate change, increased production yields and enhanced technological advancement. He believes that Africa is probably the continent with the greatest potential for bioenergy/biofuel production. “Our continent’s efforts are currently flawed by uncoordinated and ill-informed projects that focus on first generation crops,” he adds. “On top of this, weak political commitment and a lack policy frameworks for the whole continent leaves Africa vulnerable to potential exploitation from abroad as have been the case with other resources in the past.”
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS AND NEW SEGMENT MANAGER (AFRICA) FOR SULZER
Since April 2009, Durban’s Sulzer branch has undergone whirlwind changes. After 10 years with Sulzer, most recently as the Segment Manager of Sulzer Process Pumps for Africa, Jonathan Fullford is handing over the reins to Rayne Cotterrell.
But this doesn’t signify the end of Jonathan’s work with Sulzer, as he will be moving to Melbourne, Australia, to begin his new position as Sulzer Sales Manager (Power and Water). Jonathan’s new position will see him actively involved in the company’s growing market of desalination projects in Australia.
After a number of years in the automotive industry as general manager, Rayne is looking forward to the relative stability of the pumps industry and the security of the Sulzer name. After a brief initiation to the Durban branch, Rayne was whisked off to Finland for 2 weeks of intense training. He is excited for the challenges and business potential throughout Africa that his new position will bring.
Rayne could not have arrived in Finland at a better time, as Sulzer celebrates its 175th anniversary this year. “Reaching our 175th anniversary highlights the engineering excellence of our products, our reliability and our innovation,” says Jonathon. “R&D is a major priority for Sulzer, ensuring that we develop products to suite the fast pace of innovation in the processes of our clients.”
This milestone forms a great opportunity for the company to not only highlight its successful history, but to thank its loyal customers too. While celebrations are rampant in Finland and across the world under the slogan “Experience Sulzer”, South Africa’s Sulzer branch hosted a Customer Day at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Johannesburg. Here, management of Sulzer South Africa had the opportunity to give customers an insight into the past, present and future of Sulzer Ltd, with particular focus on Sulzer Pumps (South Africa) Pty Ltd. The occasion was also used to roll out the 3 Core Values of Sulzer Ltd which are currently the focus throughout the organization. These core values are: Customer Partnership, Operational Excellence and Committed People.
Besides missing the South African outdoors, Jonathon will certainly fondly remember his colleagues and customers that he has formed good relations with over the years. His best experience of Sulzer has been the good support that comes with the responsibilities of his portfolio, as well as the international exposure and networking potential during the annual sales meeting in Finland – a place that Rayne is eager to return to!
We wish both of them the best of luck in their new positions.
