OTR Tyre shortage in the mining sector

Light at the end of the tunnel

Worldwide there is a shortage of off-the-road (OTR) tyres. It affects a variety of sectors that use earthmoving vehicles, but none more so than the giant mining industry. This shortage has filtered into Africa – a continent showing remarkable growth and development. It affects world economies, and can potentially cripple energy resources – literally leaving countries in the dark. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

The shortage was first reported about four years ago, when mining companies started to expand their fleets to keep up with the increased demand for raw materials from rapidly developing economies such as China and India. In some cases Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) now supply machines to mines without tyres. Tyre manufacturers are strongly committed to supporting their clients wherever possible, and say they will continue to provide tyres to replace vehicles first, and only then supply new tyres to OEMs.

Foreign speculation is that there will be an improvement from this year, although this seems unlikely. Bridgestone, one of the largest manufactures of OTR tyres, says they have several plans in place to deal with the ongoing shortage. According to Jordan San, General Manager of OTR Division at Bridgestone South Africa, Bridgestone Corporation in Japan has invested a vast amount of capital into their production facilities to increase production output in the current factories, they are also in the process of commissioning a new factory for giant tyres which will come into affect at the end of 2012.

Marius Coleske from IMEX Tyres and Accessories, a well renown tyre distributor throughout the SADC region, says that while some ultra large radial OTR tyres being shipped in from Chinese manufacturers are currently not quite of the standard of those produced by veterans in the business, such as Bridgestone and Michelin, these manufacturers are constantly investing in the technology and expertise to fine tune their products to optimal standards.

Big mining organisations continuously invest in new ventures. San says they are committed to current mines and it is difficult to supply any new mines with tyres, as tyres in the process have been allocated. Should a mining group commission a new mine, they would have to allocate tyres from a current mine’s allocation. This would only apply if they receive consensus from other mines in the group to reallocate some of their stock to the new mine.

To better cope with the situation, mines often invest in used and second hand tyres – tyres that have been scrapped by construction companies, or other mining companies. This is often risky, as some defects may not be obvious. Once these tyres arrive at the mine they are usually repaired without a guarantee. “When considering buying scrapped tyres, it is important to know the age and history of the tyre,” says San. “Ask for a record card or any information before making a final decision.”

Augustine Simbanegavi from ZimPlats explains that during this crisis time they monitor tyre performance closely, repair tyres which normally would be thrown away, and revise site stock levels for increased backup cover. They have also recently made a decision to use tyre fill materials on certain applicable equipment to increase tyre life, and to remain open to trials on new products, with a view to using products that can enhance tyre life.

Dave Stephenson, Vice-President of Mining at Mincom Africa, says the OTR industry is in constant contact with the OEMs. However, the after-market profile changed dramatically when mines began not to retire their vehicles according to plan, and this fact escaped detection until too late. Replacement fleets where in fact additional fleets, and they are now getting to the point where mines’ vehicles are standing idle because tyres cannot be supplied to keep them on the road.

Tom Klinge, Chairman and Founder of the Klinge Tyre Management group of companies, which has pioneered the whole concept of tyre management, says it’s not all gloom, because most of the OTR tyres used on mines do not get within 40 percent of being worn out, and can thus be used for at least the same time again, wearing out more of the remaining tread.

Tyre management is not a core business for miners, says Klinge, but it can drastically impair a mine’s profitability. In light of the tyre shortage, the viability of a given mine could be jeopardised if trucks are left idle, and so they need to address this issue now.

San says to lengthen the life of tyres, maintenance is key. Companies should ensure that their loading and dumping areas in particular are clean. Manufacturers and distributors also monitor the tyres as part of their customer service package, to ensure their clients get the most out of their products. Site Severity Studies are carried out by technical personnel, who can then advise the client to any changes that need to be made.

It is going to take time and money, but plans are in place and progress is being made.

For more information, please contact:
Jordan San, Bridgestone, on Tel: +27 11 923 7572, or e-mail: jsan@bridgestone.co.za
Marius Coleske, IMEX, on Tel: +27 11 805 6727 or e-mail: mariusc@imextyres.co.za
Klinge Tyre Management website: http://www.klinge.com.au

Appeared in African Connexion Magazine – Year 23, First Edition

Merck South Africa

Caring for communities

The leadership of Merck South Africa has a vision for the company that includes making a difference to the communities in which Merck carries out its business.

Some of the initiatives that Merck SA employees can benefit from, include the Merck Assistance Program (MAP), which was developed to assist the company’s employees with their children’s education, by providing funding for school and crèche fees; the Employee Assistance Program, that relates to all areas of health and welfare in which employees may need assistance; and an adult based education program.

The Merck SA Foundation also supports the Alexandra Clinic, where a lot of employees where born, have given birth, or received treatment. The Clinic has received financial support from Merck SA for over twenty years.

One of Merck SA’s bigger CSI projects is iThemba Labantu, which is run by Rev. Otto Kohlstock from the Lutheran Community Centre. The iThemba Labantu project includes the Philippi Care Centre, Hospice and Soup Kitchen near Cape Town and assists the people of Philippi who live in sheer poverty. Merck SA has recently provided a vehicle to transport Aids patients to the clinic, and Merck Germany donated R100 000 toward the completion of the new hospice. Financial sponsorship for a nursing sister has been provided by funds raised at Merck’s Golf Days. The company is in the process of starting an “Adopt a Child” program together with local Merck staff and children from the Philippi community, overseen by Rev. Otto.

The Merck Rising Stars from the Kaalfontein Soccer Grounds in Johannesburg East is another project adopted by Merck. The team was started by a Merck Chemicals warehouse employee to keep local children off the streets, and has developed into an exciting CSI initiative, involving sponsorship of kits, games, registration of players, as well as a highly anticipated year-end tournament between the Rising Stars and children of the Merck employees held at the Merck PLS Family Day.

With several initiatives still in the pipeline, Merck SA has proved their commitment to uplifting those in need, and in the process enriching the lives of everybody involved.

For more information, please contact Fiona Hall on Tel: +27 11 372 5014 or e-mail fhall@merck.co.za

Originally appeared in African Connexion Magazine 2007

Four stars giving back

The Mapungubwe legend

The four-star Mapungubwe Hotel Apartments opened its doors to the public in October. From the moment you step into the lobby, you are transported to the Mapungubwe Hill, which was the inspiration behind the décor.

Mapungubwe was discovered in the 1890s, and the décor repeats the magnificent finds of the site in the subtle herringbone design, beautiful ceramic ware, and beaded themes throughout the hotel. One particularly noticeable feature is the mural in the reception area – a picture of the splendid Mapungubwe Hill in Limpopo.

Nestled in the corporate heart of the Johannesburg CBD, the hotel offers studio and one-bedroom apartments, each with a fully equipped kitchen, DSTV connection, DVD player and high-speed Internet connection. Baobab trees, which are scattered across the Mapungubwe landscape, have been incorporated in the headboards. The rooms are decorated in warm colours, and it is remarkable how well the space has been utilized.

The hotel also has a pool and a fully equipped gym. On request, the operator Fair City Hotels and Apartments will also take care of your groceries from Pick ‘n Pay or Woolworths. Alternatively they will organize a shopping safari of your choice.

What sets Mapungubwe even further apart from the conventional inner-city hotel, is its commitment to social and economic upliftment through Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) initiatives. One of the causes supported by Mapungubwe is the Thulamela Craft Centre in Thohoyandou. The replica clay pots in each room at Mapungubwe, were commissioned to Rebecca Matibe through the Thulamela Craft Centre. The Centre does not only produce pottery items, but other crafts such as weaving and carving as well.

Standing inside a plush apartment room, it is hard to imagine that you are at the centre of a concrete jungle. With visible 24-hour security, one can rest at ease and in style. For people who want to avoid the traffic when doing business with large organisations surrounding Mapungubwe, it is the perfect combination of comfort and luxury.

For more information, visit www.mapungubwehotel.co.za. Find more information on the Mapungubwe Hill in Limpopo in the book “Mapungubwe, South Africa’s crown jewels” by Sian Tiley.

Originally appeared in African Connexion Magazine 2007

Executive Turbine

Where others fear to tread

With 50 aircrafts, Executive Turbine has the largest privately owned fleet in South Africa. They operate in the medium-sized aircraft market, with aircrafts varying from eight to 100-seaters.

Executive Turbine Holdings include a contracts division, a charter division, a maintenance division, an airline service, a travel agency, and also a division that buys and sells aircrafts.

Contract division
Executive Turbine provides dry leases to companies who have their own pilots and take care of aircraft maintenance themselves, such as national carriers. In such cases Executive Turbine provides the aircraft and insurance. They will also paint the aircraft in the colours as specified by the customer. Another very popular lease option is the so-called ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance), where everything is provided on a long-term lease. This kind of lease is usually taken out on 19-seater aircraft, and is very popular with oil companies, as these aircraft are very specialised, and can be used in difficult to reach areas, or areas with short or unpaved landing strips.

Charter division
This division again provides long-term contracts, or once-off arrangements as needed. A charter flight will provide the traveler with everything a commercial flight offers, only with exclusive attention to the traveling party. Mining companies in particular find this service to great advantage, and usually sign long-term contracts. This ensures that employees can fly directly to their destination, however inaccessible to commercial planes, without compromising on comfort.

Maintenance division
Executive Turbine not only does the maintenance on their own aircrafts, but also for third parties. They have an engine workshop where they overhaul the PT6-series engines, and their facilities enable them to do all but very specialised maintenance on their premises. A lot of companies send their engines to foreign engine overhaul facilites to be overhauled, which costs them hundreds of thousands in foreign currency. Since Executive Turbine has the facilities and expertise to do this themselves, they are very cost-effective by comparison.

Air Travelmax
Air Travelmax is Executive Turbine’s airline service, which currently operates between Lanseria and Vilanculos, catering for the South African tourism market, as well as oil companies with interests in the Vilanculos area. The fact that it is a direct flight, with aircraft being able to access difficult landing sites, makes Executive Turbine a popular choice. Four additional South African destinations will be announced in a few months. These destinations will not compete with those being serviced by bigger airlines, but will be areas where there is a demand for air travel but no accessibility for bigger planes, or poorly serviced by other smaller operators at present.

ETA Travelmax
Executive Turbine’s travel agency, ETA Travelmax, is in the business of creating holiday or business travel packages, and promotes charters and destinations serviced by the Executive Turbine fleet.

With South Africa focused on hosting an unforgettable Soccer World Cup in 2010, Executive Turbine will ensure that its service and destinations will contribute to the success of marketing the country as a world-class haven for travelers.

Originally appeared in African Connexion Magazine 2007

Dine Sushi Wine

Rosebank’s Pearl – F!SH

In the heart of Rosebank there is a place where the weary can relax, kick back with a glass of bubbly, and let the worries of the day roll off them. F!SH opened its doors in April 2007, and while it specialises in seafood, the menu caters to every taste.

On the one hand they have an ice blue champagne and oyster bar that opens up onto a wooden deck. The impressive wine list extends to more than champagne – most of which is available per glass, making it a more accessible bit of indulgence – and includes an exotic list of cocktails, international whiskies, and a fabulous range of wines.

In the middle is the main restaurant with its upholstered seats and exquisite décor done by The Design Partnership. Despite the exclusive appearance of the restaurant, the atmosphere is very relaxed, and the service professional. The Manhattan-styled kitchen caters to fish, chicken, meat and vegetarian tastes.

On the other side of the restaurant you can find the sushi bar, with an original Kaiten sushi-go-round – the longest sushi belt in Africa. Sushi Chef Phil has over 12 years experience and prides himself on staying up to date with trends. The sushi bar is a hive of activity on Sushi Tuesdays, when you get fifty percent off sushi the entire day. A must-try is the black rice fashion sandwich. The rice is naturally black in colour and has a sweeter, nuttier taste than other rice varieties.

Reiner Henschell, General Manager of F!SH, says they have a fantastic location in a safe neighbourhood, and have a great relationship with concierges at hotels in the area, making it easier for visitors to experience the unique concept.

So whether you are looking for a different dining experience, a place where you can just relax, or the ultimate place to impress your clients, F!SH is the place to go.

For more information, please contact F!SH on +27 11 447 9188, or visit their website: http://www.fsh-rosebank.com

Appeared in African Connexion Magazine – Year 23, First Edition)

The Design Partnership leads with Brandertising™

Interior design of the future

The Design Partnership was founded in 1991 to address the joint requirements of architecture and retail design. The company has since extended its services to include “Brandertising™”, which is a combination of branding and advertising.

Co-founder Callie van der Merwe explains that advertising is changing. Companies are looking for new ways to draw attention to their brand, and to communicate the value of that brand to the audience they have already captured. The Design Partnership understands the fine line between design disciplines, and incorporates those principles to create the most appropriate message, which one only allows their clients to stand out from their competitors, but also attract their target audience.

Brandertising may well change companies’ approach to interior design. It centres around portraying a message through design, and using visual clues to increase commitment to the brand. Attention is given in detail to every aspect, from maximizing the flow (and thus ezposure to the maximum amount of products) to the texture on the walls and the cutlery used. These elements on their on do not have the same significant impact as they do when combined, which is why it is important to strike a balance. In the end, it has to communicate the brand visually.

Callie says over-branding is common as well. “There is no authenticity in repeating the brand in various aspects and as often as possible.” Often a new brand is developed around another already established and trusted brand, and the cross-pollination of ideas establishes a visual brand.

Their biggest challenge is to understand the brand and interpret the clients’ brief. The idea is to allow the brand to evolve and create its own identity.

The Design Partnership’s list of clients include Mugg & Bean, Siemens, Babcock, Doppio Zero, Softline and the Edcon Group, and they have worked on projects in Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and Greece.

“We love all our projects. We won’t do something if we don’t believe in it or for that matter don’t like it,” concludes Callie.

Originally appeared in African Connexion Magazine 2007

Uplifting Women in IT

Verizon Business committed to improving skills

Verizon Business was the first Internet Service Provider (ISP) that entered the African market, and since then the company has developed a solid understanding and knowledge of business operations across the continent, to ultimately meet the demands and requirements of customers in many different countries. They have a physical presence in Namibia, Botswana, Kenya and Zambia. Through various partnerships, Verizon Business is also able to service customers in 22 countries throughout the continent.

“The African continent is one of immense growth and expansion possibilities for both the corporate and SME markets in all sectors of business,” says Nomalanga Nkosi, Marketing and CSI Executive at Verizon Business South Africa. “One of the key enablers to business efficiencies is technology, and a number of countries have taken advantage of this immense growth opportunity through openly embracing technological advancements. Verison Business is proud to have played an integral part in enabling and developing these new technologies for existing and potential customers.”
Over the years Verizon Business has been working closely with customers in various African countries, investing in building in-country capacity and skills, to ensure that their presence and solution offerings are sustainable.

Nomalanga notes that the telecoms industry is currently one of the fastest growing sectors in South Africa, notably due to market liberalization. Most markedly, the advance of the global converged network is changing the telecommunications space completely, resulting in the emergence of new services and applications.

“The future of communications in the South African telecoms industry is undoubtedly full of opportunity,” she says. “The consolidation of communications will ultimately continue, increasing the number of potential ways businesses can work, communicate and collaborate around the world. In addition to this, other future developments such as fixed broadband WiMax to support local market needs, are undeniably creating exciting prospects for the local telecommunication landscape.”

Verizon Business is fully committed to developing the skills and talents of individuals within the Information Technology (IT) industry. To meet the country’s objectives of increased skills development and labour-absorption, local businesses need to pay particular attention to developing and growing a workforce that will be able to answer South Africa’s outcry and address the shortfall. This means that organisations need to take a proactive stance and aggressive drive towards attracting, developing and retaining skills, not only in terms of professionals, but basic, fundamental skills as well.

To this extent, Verizon Business is involved with ‘Women in IT’ – a bursary and mentorship programme that aims to create insight, opportunity, growth and development for women within the IT sector. “Women in IT creates formal and informal networks between female IT students, tertiary institutions, South African IT professionals, and corporates. Business professionals who register have access to Verizon Business’ annual bursary and mentoring scheme, a quarterly newsletter, website and special events. By joining the community, people will also be helping to build a platform for skills development, knowledge transfer and the advancement of women in the IT field. In total, 50 percent of Verizon Business’ training and development budget is spent on training and developing the skills of females in the business,” concludes Nomalanga.

Verizon Business has focused its efforts on being the foremost converged communications provider in Africa. They offer global solutions from a local base, and are committed to uplift the communities in which they operate.

Originally appeared in African Connexion Magazine 2007