AFRICA NEWS
To comply with the increasingly stringent requirements of energy-
efficiency class IE3 in the European Union (EU), Sew-Eurodrive South
Africa decided to introduce the new DRN series as its standard range of
electric motors. This is of particular benefit to the OEM’s cross-border
customers, who have to comply with international ‘green’ requirements.
Recent successes in this regard include a major order for a Zimbabwean
tobacco company. The new DRN range effectively sets a benchmark
for energy efficiency in the industry, meaning that customers buying
gearboxes from Sew-Eurodrive South Africa automatically receive
IE3-compliant motors — the main selling point with the Zimbabwean
project. Sew-Eurodrive also arranged transportation of the units via 28
pallets in a single long-haul load truck. Local stockholding has been
ramped up to cater for such large projects effectively.
The Murray & Roberts Training Academy (MRTA) at Bentley Park near
Carletonville has added a virtual reality (VR) headset to its array of learning
tools. The head-mounted unit — or Vive — uses ‘room-scale’ tracking
technology, allowing the user to move in a 3-D space and use motion-tracked
handheld controllers to interact with the environment. This helps create the
‘muscle memory’ for students learning at the academy. Murray & Roberts
Cementation’s education and training department (ETD) executive, Tony
Pretorius, says MRTA is in the initial stages of applying this immersive approach,
partnering with technology provider Simulated Training Solutions (STS) to
design specific modules related to the tasks and duties to be performed in the
workplace. The academy recently passed its audit by the Mining Qualifications
Authority (MQA), and is currently upgrading from ISO 9001:2008 to ISO’s new
2015 standard.
Epiroc takes over Atlas Copco’s mining and construction divisions
From 1 November 2017, Atlas Copco’s global On the sub-Saharan African front, Sanjay
Mining & Rock Excavation Technique Business Ahuja takes up the reigns as regional general
Area, together with its Construction Tools manager of Epiroc South Africa. Under
Division, has become part of Epiroc, while the Ahuja’s leadership, Epiroc South Africa
industrial segment remains with Atlas Copco. will build on the solid reputation of Atlas
With Epiroc dedicated to the mining and civil
and drive the mining and civil engineering
on the industrial market, the split provides businesses forward, with customers always
the best growth opportunities for both listed first in mind.
companies. As global leaders in their respective
greater scope for growth and a stronger
positioned to deliver sustainable productivity customer focus. It will also establish a solid
solutions to their respective customer bases. platform for Epiroc South Africa to serve its
respective customers more efficiently through
Lindberg, together with the support of a new the delivery of innovative product, system,
board and boasting a new head office, the technology, and service solutions. “Epiroc
evolution of Epiroc opens up a new chapter in the South Africa is devoted to providing customers
global mining and civil engineering industries. with products and services that enhance their
Epiroc, still a subsidiary of Atlas Copco, has
begun the journey as an independent company
operating under its own brand name and logo.
productivity, energy efficiency, safety, and
ergonomics,” says Ahuja.
Epiroc AB, the subsidiary of Atlas Copco
Epiroc will continue to use several services from Group, is planned to be listed on the stock
Atlas Copco. Shareholding will remain unchanged. exchange in 2018. ■
This separation milestone will create
areas, the two companies are perfectly
Spearheaded by newly appointed CEO, Per
Newly appointed Epiroc CEO, Per Lindberg.
Copco Mining & Rock Excavation Technique
engineering sectors and Atlas Copco focusing
Sanjay Ahuja takes up the reigns as regional
general manager of Epiroc South Africa.
Epiroc will encompass the Mining & Rock Excavation Technique
Business Area, together with the Construction Tools Division.
JANUARY 2018
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