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Showing posts from July, 2018

SKF Ultrasonic leak detector - Quick and easy detection of air leaks TKSU 10

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The SKF TKSU 10 is an ultrasonic leak detector that helps users to quickly find leakages in compressed air or vacuum systems. The instrument is very simple to use and features adjustable sensitivity and intuitive guidance for superior leak detection results. Any compressed air system can experience leaks, which amplify the load on compressors and increase costs. The TKSU 10 helps users to easily find leaks from a distance, even in noisy industrial environments, via its ultrasound measurement sensor. The built-in LED display assists the user in adjusting sensitivity and shows the measured ultrasound noise from leaking air, allowing the quantification of leaks and prioritisation of repairs. It is easy to use and no training is required. The leak detection can be done from a distance in noisy industrial environments. The colour LED display assists in adjusting sensitivity settings and shows measurement values. The unit reduces energy and maintenance costs via leak identification an

Spreading warmth this winter - Atlas Copco and Paballo Ya Batho join forces to get blankets to the homeless

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Atlas Copco Industrial partnered with Paballo Ya Batho, a non-profit organisation, to donate blankets to the homeless in Johannesburg City on 13 June 2018. Paballo Ya Batho, which means Caring for People, is a non-profit organisation that provides soup and bread every Wednesday evening to the homeless men, women and children in Johannesburg’s CBD. Atlas Copco first worked together with Paballo Ya Batho in 2017 when Tokologo Ndlovu, approached Atlas Copco with a request to partner with them in a pop up store initiative where Atlas Copco handed out clothing donated by employees as well as food parcels to every needy person who arrived at the store. The winter season in Gauteng is well known for its freezing temperatures and icy winds and is without any doubt a very difficult and uncomfortable time for the homeless. Atlas Copco is a compassionate company that involves itself with numerous initiatives to assist where there is great need. This year Atlas Copco decided to do a blanket dr

Atlas Copco supports Vita Nova and embraces the spirit of uBuntu in honour of Mandela Day

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South African winters can be bitterly cold with temperatures often dropping to below zero. Understanding the critical need for warmth at this time, Atlas Copco employees gathered at the Vita Nova Centre in Springs on 15 July 2018 to donate 45 blankets as well as a selection of gifts. And in the true spirit of Mandela Day, Atlas Copco also supported Vita Nova’s Mandela Walk. “It is important for us not to forget those who are unable to afford what comes easy to others,” says Bongani Ndlovu, who is the Corporate Social Responsibility Manager and Executive Assistant at Atlas Copco Industrial South Africa. “This is our way of giving back to the community and spreading kindness and assistance to those less fortunate.” Atlas Copco has been supporting Vita Nova for eleven years and Bongani explains that the Centre’s needs change every year. “The Centre informs us of what their most urgent requirements are. Ensuring that the residents are kept warm was one of the top priorities this year s

Kenya Set to Build New Clinker Facility & Grain Handler at $150m

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The Kenyan government has partnered with the private sector to construct a new clinker facility in Athi River and a bulk grain handler in Embakasi at a cost of Sh Sh 15 Billion ($150 million). According to transport cabinet secretary James Macharia, the two projects will each produce four million tonnes and construction will begin in September this year. Construction of the projects will take nearly three years before completion. The clinker plant is expected to manufacture 1.2 million metric tonnes each year and to employ 700 people directly and thousands of people indirectly. This is in line with the government’s plan to increase employment opportunities through the improvement of the manufacturing sector. The projects will reduce pressure on the $228 million inland container depot (ICD) in Embakasi which President Uhuru launched the depot in December 2017. The Embakasi ICD has a capacity of 450,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) each year up from 180,000 TEUs in its origin

First Lamu Port berth to be complete by December

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In Summary • In February, the government had announced that one of the first three berths would be complete by June. • Mr Thuita said currently, the construction of all the first three berths is at 46 per cent complete. • Mr Maringa also expressed confidence that all the three Lapsset terminals (berths) at Kililana will be completed by the end of 2020. Kenyans will have to wait a little longer for the completion of the first berth at the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset) Corridor project. In February, the government had announced that one of the first three berths would be complete by June. But speaking to the Nation on Tuesday, Lapsset Corporate Affairs Officer Benson Thuita said they are confident that the first berth at the Lamu Port will be completed by the end of this year. The first three berths at the Lamu Port cost about Sh48 billion and currently, the construction work is ongoing at Kililana area in Lamu West. 46PC COMPLETE Mr Thuita said currently, the c

Wind energy development gets VAT budget boost

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The wind energy subsector is set to receive a boost after the Treasury proposed to exempt equipment and materials for its development and generation from value-added tax. Previously only solar power equipment and materials were included in the provision – Exempt Supplies section of the VAT Act 2013. The new provision is a boost to clean energy agenda and the environment. “Specialised equipment for the development and generation of solar and wind energy, including deep cycle batteries, which use or store solar power,” the new proposed provision reads. The proposal will likely speed up the implementation of several projects in the wind energy sector. One of them is a project in Lamu where Kenwind Ltd has been allowed to proceed with a Sh21 billion wind energy investment in Baharini Ward, Mpeketoni, Lamu. The long-delayed Turkana Wind Power project is expected later this year, with generation projected to reach 300 megawatts. Once the power gets into the national grid for distribution

Turftech (Pty) Ltd installs revolutionary multipurpose pitch at Ashton International College, South Africa

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As sports’ performance at school level increases, equipment and facilities need to develop to match this advanced playing style. Turftech (Pty) Ltd, the leader in natural and synthetic turf technology, is bringing this performance-enhancing sporting turf to South African schools with Ashton International College Benoni the latest recipient. In April this year, Ashton International College Benoni unveiled its immaculate new Turftech sports’ facilities. This includes the 7000m² multi-court facility, constructed with Rhino-Turf VT32; as well as the MT15F rust-coloured Rhino-Turf athletics’ track with sand infill. There is also the Rhino-Turf MT15 green long jump facility with sand infill. The multi-court best suited to soccer, hockey and softball – provides optimum use of premium space across the various sports’ codes. six-month installation project The six-month installation project involved complete earthworks, layer works, drainage, fencing and finally the installation of the high-

Tatu City signs Sh4b deal to build 1,200 affordable homes in Kiambu

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The project will address the shortage of affordable homes in Kenya and provide opportunities for local employment in the area. By KENNEDY KANGETHE, NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 28 – Tatu City Managers Rendeavour has signed a deal with Real Estate developer Unity Homes for the construction of 1,200 affordable homes at Tatu City in Kiambu County worth Sh4 billion. The project will address the shortage of affordable homes in Kenya and provide opportunities for local employment in the area. The houses are set to be priced between Sh3 million and Sh5 million featuring approximately 600 ft² of floor space, two bedrooms, parking, modern kitchen, spacious stone worktops, stainless steel oven-hood and dining room/lounge. The Unity Homes at Tatu City will occupy 23 acres and will have a fitness centre, 5-aside football pitch, swimming pool, restaurant and shops. The project is located adjacent to a 50-acre woodland park in close proximity to Tatu City’s Business District, as well as the nearby Tat

Hugo Correia completes elliptical church in Portugal

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Architect Hugo Correia has completed an elliptical church in Vila Nova de Famalicão, north of Portugal. The new religious building features sharp concrete lines protruding from the structure itself with a bold black door. Hugo Correia completes elliptical church in Portugal Called Church of S. Tiago de Antas, the building is located in a privileged place, offering views over the natural landscape and the centre of the local town. The building is integrated side by side and harmoniously with the past, which gives it a distinct character and reference for the community, especially for all who cultivate the faith. Due to its simplicity and architectural language, the building aims to create a space in which the protagonists are essentially the people and the events. "The elaboration of the proposal was preceded of a study of the location of surrounding spaces and the integration of the building in the site location," said Hugo Correia. "It was not simply limited to

Government out to lower cost of crucial projects

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Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia (centre) The government is looking to researchers, contractors and suppliers to help it lower budgetary costs by at least 25 per cent to enable it to achieve various development projects. Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia said they should consider key areas such as housing, infrastructure and research. Addressing an international conference on transport, roads and research in Mombasa, Mr Macharia said cutting costs will enable the government to carry out projects without digging deep into its coffers. “I am glad to see that what you are discussing here on reducing the cost of doing these projects is at least 25 per cent across the board. It is important to keep the cost low. Whether it is housing, roads, railways or even airports or research, the cost must be brought down,” he said. The CS said the government implements projects based on demand, but high costs complicate matters and must, therefore, be reduced t

Government lifts quarantine, open market and slaughter house

Veterinary department in Isiolo County has lifted quarantine imposed on livestock three weeks ago for fear of Rift Valley Fever (RVF). County executive committee for agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Mr. Mohamud Abdullah Hajj said that traders would now continue with the normal business of slaughtering and transportation of livestock to other markets without fear. Hajj said that slaughtering would start tomorrow (Tuesday, July 17) and urged livestock owners to ensure that all animals are inspected before and after slaughtering. He said that 80percent of wananchi residing in the county depend on livestock and traders have had no business in the last three weeks, and even the county government revenue dwindled. The CEC said that over 75 percent of animals in areas suspected to have been affected by the RVF have been vaccinated and there is no fear of consuming meat but appealed to herders to boil milk. Hajj commended partners like Regional Pastoral Resilience Livelihood Project

Kenya Secures $147m Facility to Construct Kwale’s Mwache Dam

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Kenya has received a credit facility of $147 million from the French Development Agency (AFD) to construct Kwale County’s Mwache Multi-Purpose Dam. The construction of the dam aims to provide water to Kwale and Mombasa county residents, rehabilitate the Mwache catchment, and improve sanitation. The construction of the dam is expected to be complete in three years. Project Financing The cabinet secretary of the Treasury Henry Rotich said the facility, which will be repaid in 20 years, will attract an interest rate of 1.46 per cent each year. The facility has a grace period of eight years. The Treasury also signed a credit facility deal for the Meru wind farm project with the AFD and two statement letters to support the execution of the public finance management reforms at a cost of $36 million and “in support of the electricity transmission network at a cost of $112 million.” Kenya’s Debt Problem With the rising number of projects that Kenya is undertaking, the debt situation cont

Growthpoint Investec African Properties commences operations

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Growthpoint Properties and Investec Asset Management, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), have announced the commencement of operations of their pan-African real estate investment business, Growthpoint Investec African Properties (GIAP), which is managed by Growthpoint Investec African Property Management. GIAP has secured capital commitments in excess of US$212 million from several large institutional and international investors, with Growthpoint committing US$50 million. GIAP will seek to invest in income-producing commercial real estate assets in select cities across the African continent. Targeted investments will be further diversified by sector, with GIAP’s mandate spanning office, retail and industrial properties. “For Growthpoint, the commencement of GIAP furthers our stated strategy to introduce new revenue streams with our funds management business. The African fund was first announced in 2015 and has taken some time to get to this point on

Emira makes its fourth USA shopping centre investment - continues to recycle capital and rebalance its portfolio

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Emira Property Fund today announced it has invested in its fourth shopping centre in the USA, growing its exposure in the biggest market in the Western world and progressing its international investment strategy. The JSE-listed REIT has undertaken its fourth equity deal in the USA with its in-country partners, the Rainier Group of Companies. Emira acquired 49% of Stony Creek Marketplace, a dominant power centre valued at USD32 million, located in Noblesville, Hamilton County in the State of Indiana. The investment represents a cash-on-cash return of 11.7% in USD for Emira, on a net cash equity investment of USD6.5 million. The investment was funded from Emira’s existing balance sheet, chiefly with the proceeds of its programme of asset disposals from its portfolio rebalancing plans. This deal takes Emira’s exposure to the USA to 3% of its total assets and its international exposure in developed markets to 9% of total assets including its investment in ASX-listed Growthpoint Proper

IROCK Hires Fred Gross as Director of Sales and Business Development

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VALLEY VIEW, Ohio (May 8, 2018) – IROCK Crushers, announces Fred Gross as director of sales and business development. Gross will lead IROCK’s sales and marketing teams with a focus on bringing the company’s dependable crushing and screening solutions to its extensive dealer network across the domestic United States and beyond. “Fred’s passion, experience and commitment to dealer customers and end users make him an excellent match for this position and a strong addition to our company,” said Chris Larson, IROCK’s general manager. “He brings to our team a wealth of knowledge, commercial leadership and a demonstrated pattern of success throughout his career. Additionally, his dedication and moral compass align extremely well with IROCK’s values.” Gross joins IROCK with an impressive OEM sales and business development background as well as more than 25 years of experience in the crushing and screening industry. Prior to accepting the position, Gross served as the North and South Americ

Learn about mechanical tools for bearings at NSK academy

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Anyone interested in learning about the best-practice mounting and dismounting of bearings using mechanical tools can register at the NSK academy (www.nskacademy.com) online training platform to discover the latest AIP+ (Added Value Programme) tutorial. Comprising a course, video and questionnaire, trainees can work their way through the new mechanical tools module, receiving a certificate upon successful completion. S052017-N-Image1.jpeg – The mechanical tools AIP+ video tutorial is now live at the NSK academy The correct installation and de-installation of bearings is paramount to the optimum running and ongoing care of machinery, which is why purpose-designed mechanical tools have been produced by NSK. To help users maximise the benefits of these tools, a new tutorial is now live at the NSK academy. For bearing mounting, the module explains how to select the correct size impact ring and sleeve from NSK’s FTN333 fitting kit. The right combination of these elements will ensure that

Get pumping with Atlas Copco’s portable and efficient dewatering pump solutions

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The pioneering range of open-frame PAS dry and VAR wet self-priming centrifugal pumps from Atlas Copco Power Technique delivers the perfect balance between performance, versatility, efficiency and portability. Over 140 years of industry experience combined with a sound understanding of customer’s needs from all around the world as well as the purchase of market-leading pump designer and manufacturer, Varisco, are key factors that led to the development of the Atlas Copco dewatering range. Power Technique Business Line Manager, David Stanford, notes that Atlas Copco’s strategy, as a global leader in sustainable productivity solutions, is perfectly aligned to the pump industry. “Our primary focus is on providing efficient products which are better not only for our customers but also for the environment. To this end we develop products that are smaller and lighter with features that deliver the easy use, movement and maintenance trio. Furthermore, we place emphasis on versatility to e

SKF Agri Hub for harsh tillage

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SKF’s re-lubrication-free unit extends service life by up to 100%, cuts maintenance and speeds tillage for greater profitability. To maximise farm productivity, tillage machinery is getting bigger. Larger diameter, heavier tillage discs allow deeper tillage penetration, but they endure the same harsh contaminants and even heavier loads than smaller discs. Shock impacts with stones can cause structural cracks, while failed seals can allow contaminants to cause disc bearing failure. SKF Agri Hub for harsh tillage can handle these operating challenges and more. Designed as a heavy-duty alternative to standard-sized hub units, SKF Agri Hub for harsh tillage connects disc harrow arms to larger diameter tillage discs (>610 mm/24 in.). By combining larger components and a unique dual sealing system, the unit’s service life is increased by up to 2 times compared to standard units, while eliminating the need to re-lubricate the disc hubs after each use. It also allows higher tillage spe

Alert, Aware, Alive - Atlas Copco Industrial South Africa emphasizes safety in the workplace

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On 25 April 2018, Atlas Copco Industrial South Africa and Reality Wellness Group joined forces to host workshops for all Atlas Copco and Rand Air employees at Atlas Copco House, in Jet Park, Boksburg, with the objective of promoting a safe and healthy work environment. World Safety and Health Awareness day was globally celebrated on 28 April 2018 and companies around the world held initiatives to encourage the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases and to reduce the number of work-related injuries and fatalities. Atlas Copco is employee-centric and considers the health and safety of all its employees as top priority. The safety day initiative presented the perfect platform to ensure that employees are fully versed with all safety procedures. Enthusiastic employees participated in four workshops which focused on identifying potential hazardous and procedures for handling emergency situations such as accidents, fire, loss of limbs, etc. in the office, warehouse as well as

Intelligent Epiroc hydraulic breakers ‘think for themselves’

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The range of hydraulic breakers with integrated Intelligent Protection System (IPS) technology from mining equipment specialist, Epiroc, delivers efficient and reliable performance over an extended life cycle, presenting customers and end-users with lowest total cost of equipment operation and ownership. IPS is a fully automated function that enables the breaker to autonomously self-adapt to any working condition with no manual intervention or reaction required. A first of its kind in hydraulic breaker technology, IPS uniquely combines AutoStart and AutoStop in a single function. Previous generation models featured only AutoStart and AutoStop. “Essentially IPS ‘tells’ the hydraulic breaker when to begin and when to end operation, in effect giving the breaker the ability to ‘think for itself,” says Business Line Manager for Epiroc‘s Hydraulic Attachment Tools division, Wayne Sterley. “So the breaker ‘knows’ to exert power only when required and when to deliver varied strokes and thi

Get reel quality with new SR-Express spring cable reels from Powermite

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Powermite, South Africa’s industry-leading supplier of electrical and mechanical equipment for moving machinery, has boosted its superior quality, rugged and reliable cable reeling systems with the introduction of the new SR-Express range from Conductix Wampfler. Powermite holds exclusive Southern African distribution rights for Conductix-Wampfler. “We understand the paramount importance of product quality for customers and end-users because this is fundamental to product reliability which in turn leads to high machine and plant uptime, productivity and profitability,” says Rolf Lung, Managing Director of Powermite, a Hudaco group company. “It is therefore our responsibility to supply products of uncompromising quality that will perform reliably over a long life cycle for lowest total operational and ownership cost. Consequently, we align ourselves only with companies like Conductix-Wampfler, a global designer and manufacturer renowned for its world-class quality, state-of-the-art,

SKF and Hexatronic sign development partnership for industrialisation of fiber optic sensing systems

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SKF and Proximion AB, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hexatronic Group AB have entered into a development partnership for the industrialisation of fiber optic sensing systems. The two parties will work together to combine SKF’s fiber optic bearing sensing technology with Proximion’s application integration experience and knowledge within development and production of advanced fiber optic sensors and data collection hardware units. Victoria Van Camp, CTO and President, Innovation and Business Development, says: “Fiber optic sensing technology is an exciting opportunity, as it enables bearings to become process and quality control instruments. We have worked for some time to develop these sensors and by taking the next step together, we will be able to speed up the process of integrating these into customer applications.” Fiber optic technology allows for end-of-line integration into existing bearing production environments, whilst most existing sensor technologies place additional req

Smooth operator

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The world-class F2500W and F2500WS wheeled pavers from industry-leading manufacturer and supplier of roadbuilding and construction equipment, Dynapac, is defined by quality, reliability and simplicity, ingredients that are required for a success recipe that delivers paving results par excellence’. “This F2500 wheeled range is coupled with precise power and smart design to provide an optimum paving solution and years of excellent service even when operating in some of Africa’s harshest and most demanding conditions,” states Neville Marthinussen, Business Line Manager for Dynapac South Africa. “Combine this with conventional electric control, a high torque auger, high paving capacity, Dynapac vario screed, an efficient drive concept, best-in-class operator comfort and hassle-free service, and you have the perfect paving partner!” The F2500W/WS range is powered by a Cummins QSB6.7 water-cooled diesel engine that drives an efficient hydraulic system. This power pack offers high torqu

Perfect Pairing! Ceccato and Air Service Centre jointly host successful partner day

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Ceccato recently partnered with distributor Air Service Centre (ASC), and hosted a successful partner day that provided customers with the opportunity to view the comprehensive Ceccato product range and to engage in one-on-one interactions with representatives from the respective companies. “In addition to promoting our oil-free range tailored to medical facilities, the partner day, which focused on the medical sector, also presented us with the ideal platform to unveil the latest technology from Ceccato and ASC,” comments Mariette Greyling, Financial Manager at Silverton Compressors t/a Air Service Centre. Training on general maintenance and even trouble-shooting was also offered to customers on the day. Globally renowned for its quality and reliability, the Ceccato brand is widely represented through its six carefully selected distributors across Southern Africa. “As our route to market, our distributors are responsible for the sales and service of our products and consequently