Cementing a strong reputation in Zimbabwe
PRESS RELEASE
Cementing a strong reputation in Zimbabwe
22 June 2016: Specialist crane and components manufacturer Demag was part of the team that completed a US$750 000 cement manufacturing project at Lafarge-Holcim Zimbabwe. It supplied its state-of-the-art 8 ton electric overhead travel crane, 200 m of crane rails with Gantrex pads, and new down shop power supply leads, via its regional distributor O. Conolly.
Infrastructure development in Zimbabwe is still constrained due to institutional and regulatory inadequacies. However opportunities still exist for new modernised infrastructure, which requires strong local partnerships for the benefits to be realised. Over the past five years there has been a significant increase in multi-national companies looking to engage with the Zimbabwe market.
O. Conolly director Ian Conolly indicates that the project began in 2014, however the installation of the crane was delayed to March 2016. “The customer required a dependable and efficient overhead crane for the loading of clinker – a grey nodular material made by heating ground limestone and clay into the hoppers. The clinker is used for manufacturing cement, and loading is a crucial part of the process, so reliability was vital.”
Lafarge-Holcim Zimbabwe’s clinker plant is one of the major cement companies in the country, and manufactures and markets cement, aggregates and special products. According to Conolly, many of the mines and manufacturing businesses in Zimbabwe make use of antiquated cranes, which are often poorly maintained. “Newer cranes are lighter, faster and easier to maintain, and the cost of keeping old cranes operating is prohibitive,” he continues.
The team had to endure some tough challenges. Conolly elaborates: “We had to design a crane suitable for the harsh and dusty operating environment, with limited mobile crane capacity. It was also a challenge installing the crane in a dusty clinker factory without affecting the customer’s production schedule. To withstand the harsh operating environment, Demag also designed and supplied a robust grab bucket with the crane.”
Conolly notes that the ten-man installation team is proficient in working in harsh conditions and therefore performed well. “In order to navigate through the challenges, the site team needed to be flexible and maintain good communication with the onsite engineers. We were able to install the crane without any shut down needed or taking away from operation times. What’s more, we ensured that the crane was installed within the given time frame,” he adds.
Owing to the quality of the Demag design, manufacturing and components, and local support offered by O. Conolly, the project has been hailed as a success. “We succeeded in designing and installing some tough components and some innovative add-ons to minimise wear, and have proven that we can handle any environment and have very reliable units. Our working relationship with the customer was excellent due to our transparency and daily engagement,” Conolly concludes.
Ends
Notes to the editor
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About Demag Cranes
Demag Cranes is one of the world´s leading providers of cranes and port technology and enjoys a leading position in globally growing markets. The Johannesburg-based South African division of Demag Cranes specialises in the design and manufacture of cranes and components for industry.
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