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RMB Corvest executive Geoff Wilmot say on a stool in a grey suit

HVACR firm acquired to bolster portfolio

Published: 31 May 24

As a way of meeting the growing need for energy efficient heating and cooling solutions, South African corporate and investment bank Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) Corvest has partnered with UK investment firm Bay Tree Private Equity and alternative investment funds manager and adviser Westbrooke Alternative Asset Management to acquire component supplier Hawco. Hawco, based in the UK, supplies components for heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) systems, as well as for vending machinery and industrial HVACR clients, and supplies commercial refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

A Samsung Fridge, air-conditioner and washing machine which all are greener from manufacture to operation

Household appliances receive carbon footprint certification

Published: 31 May 24

Ten models among three products of multinational major appliance and consumer electronics manufacturer Samsung Electronics’ Digital Appliance Business division have obtained Product Carbon Footprint certification from global climate consultancy Carbon Trust. The certification measures and confirms carbon emissions generated throughout the entire lifecycle of ten models across the refrigerator, air conditioner and washing machine product groups.

The range of Red Powertwist V belts that are manufactured by Fenner and distributed by BMG in South Africa

V-belt range improves HVAC system uptime

Published: 31 May 24

Industrial equipment supplier BMG reports that the reduced life of V-belts operating in the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) sector is a major concern to the industry, despite users implementing rigorous system inspection programmes in an effort to counter this trend. BMG specialists recommend that replacing conventional rubber V-belts used on air handling units (AHUs) with Fenner high-performance composite (HPC) V-belts, is a dependable solution that offers many benefits, including higher drive efficiency, greater comfort, reduced downtime and extended service life.

Invest in IE3 motors before MEPS enforced

Published: 31 May 24

The time is right for South Africa and Africa, in general, to invest in IE3 motors, especially with minimum energy requirement standards (MEPS) expected to come into effect by the end of the year, says drive engineering specialist SEW-EURODRIVE electronics business development manager Willem Strydom. He encourages companies to convert to IE3 motors sooner rather than later, noting that there will likely be an uptick in demand for these motors the closer South Africa gets to officially enforcing MEPS.

An image of B2K’s managing director, Ross Trevelyan, and the CEO of IWIS Drive Systems Germany, Dr Frank Mitzschke, signing the IWIS distribution agreement in Germiston in February 2024

Specialist expands in sub-Saharan Africa

Published: 31 May 24

Following its acquisition of chain solutions manufacturer IWIS Drive Systems South Africa in November last year, industrial supplies specialist Bearings 2000 (B2K) has become the exclusive distributor of IWIS in sub-Saharan Africa, bringing IWIS brands, including Elite, Flexon and Jwis, to B2K’s customer base. Customers can also benefit from the company’s local support services, says B2K sales director Michael Stamatiadis.

An image of a team repairing a mine winder motor

Motors swiftly repaired following failure

Published: 31 May 24

Electric motor repair specialist Marthinusen & Coutts (M&C) successfully completed the urgent repair of a 94 t 4 736 kW direct current mine winder motor under a tight deadline at platinum group metals producer Northam Platinum’s Zondereinde mine, near Thabazimbi, in Limpopo. The motor, which failed in July last year, had driven the personnel winder hoist serving the mine’s Number 1 shaft, and therefore is critical to the mine’s operation.

Wedge belts transmit 30% more power

Published: 31 May 24

Industrial equipment supplier BMG’s extensive range of industrial belting manufacturer Fenner’s power transmission components encompasses high-performance Fenner Quattro Plus Twin Wrapped (QPTW) wedge belts, which transmit 30% more power than standard Fenner drivebelts. Suitable for counter-bending, back-tensioners and clutches, BMG’s Fenner Quattro Plus QPTW belts can withstand an extended temperature range of between -30 °C and 80 °C.

More than 430 Cape Town households apply to sell their excess solar electricity

Published: 31 May 24

A total of 432 Cape Town households have applied to earn cash from selling their excess solar power to the city. These applications will now be assessed to determine their eligibility.

Contractors, subcontractors battling as late payments worsen – MBA North

Published: 31 May 24

The construction industry value chain is at risk of collapsing as shrinking margins, unfair practices and payment issues continue to undermine the sector. This is according to members of the Master Builders Association (MBA) North, who warn that “urgent dialogue and change” are needed to address industry issues and avoid further job losses and bankruptcies.

Stellantis plant site being readied for construction

Published: 31 May 24

The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) has started to prepare the site at the Coega Special Economic Zone for the construction of the new Stellantis vehicle-assembly plant, says the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic). The CDC is supplying the land on which the factory will be built.