This year was pivotal for Bühler Johannesburg due to significant upgrades at its manufacturing facility to enhance efficiency, safety, and the overall working environment. These initiatives, aligned with Bühler’s global commitment to excellence, highlight the facility’s dedication to world-class standards.
“Our focus this year has been on creating a safer, more efficient, and supportive workspace that not only meets but exceeds global benchmarks,” says Francois Knoetze, Head of Manufacturing & Logistics of Bühler Southern Africa. “These improvements reflect our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the well-being of our team.”
One of the most notable transformations has been in the roll area, where strategic restructuring has delivered a remarkable 40% efficiency boost compared to last year. This improvement, supported by a positive coverage difference, underscores the effectiveness of the upgrades. A recent addition to the team has further bolstered operations, bringing fresh expertise to sustain this upward trajectory.
Safety enhancements remain a cornerstone of Bühler’s operational philosophy. A newly installed safety fence around the roll fluting and grinding area not only ensures the safety of employees but also streamlines workflow control within the facility. “Protecting our people is paramount,” stresses Francois. “This investment demonstrates our unwavering focus on safety as a non-negotiable priority.”
Bühler Johannesburg has made significant strides in enhancing operational efficiency and precision through the acquisition of new equipment. A state-of-the-art die refurbishment machine has been introduced to improve the precision of critical processes and extend the lifecycle of essential components.
In addition, a modern chain welding rig, capable of welding seven chains simultaneously, has increased productivity by an impressive 30% to 40%. To streamline workflows further, the facility now features a dedicated assembly crane, eliminating resource-sharing bottlenecks with the chain and boiler shop departments.
Complementing these advancements is a newly installed racking system for the chain business. Transparent storage cages within this system make identifying specific chains easier, while the space-saving design optimizes the facility layout, creating a more efficient working environment.
The upgrades at Bühler Johannesburg extend beyond equipment to include substantial improvements in infrastructure and amenities. A newly constructed covered storage area now shields incoming and outgoing goods from weather exposure, improving logistics and protecting valuable resources. Enhancements to the waste and recycling area have simplified access, making recycling more efficient for the team.
Bühler places great importance on the well-being and happiness of its staff. Recognising the significance of mental wellness, Bühler has implemented initiatives to create a supportive and enjoyable work environment. A new entertainment area has been introduced, providing a welcoming space for team gatherings and braais, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among colleagues.
Staff welfare has been further prioritised through the creation of a dedicated nurse’s room, with a nurse available twice a week to provide professional care. These efforts reflect Bühler’s commitment to maintaining a happy, healthy, and secure workplace where every individual feels valued and supported.
Bühler has streamlined its logistical operations with the addition of a back driveway, ensuring the smoother movement of large trucks. This enhancement reduces congestion and improves overall efficiency, supporting seamless daily operations.
Bühler’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in the addition of a new sprinkler system for the gardens surrounding the facility. This system ensures the efficient maintenance of green spaces, contributing to both the beauty and the sustainability of the facility while reflecting Bühler’s dedication to responsible environmental practices.
“These extensive upgrades not only enhance our operational capabilities, but also foster a safe, supportive, and environmentally responsible working environment,” concludes Francois.
Media contacts:
Taryn Browne, Head of Marketing, Southern Africa
Bühler (Pty) Ltd.
Bühler Southern Africa
Phone: +27 11 801 3500
Mobile: +27 66 307 4618
E-mail: taryn.browne@buhlergroup.com
Burkhard Böndel, Head of Corporate Communications
Bühler AG, 9240 Uzwil, Switzerland
Phone: +41 71 955 33 99
Mobile: +41 79 515 91 57
E-mail: burkhard.boendel@buhlergroup.com
Dalen Jacomino Panto, Media Relations Manager
Bühler AG, 9240 Uzwil, Switzerland
Phone: +41 71 955 37 57
Mobile: +41 79 900 53 88
E-mail: dalen.jacomino_panto@buhlergroup.com
Katja Hartmann, Media Relations Manager
Bühler AG, 9240 Uzwil, Schweiz
Mobile: +41 79 483 68 07
E-mail: katja.hartmann@buhlergroup.com
About Bühler
Bühler is driven by its purpose of creating innovations for a better world, balancing the needs of economy, humanity, and nature in all its decision-making processes. Billions of people come into contact with Bühler technologies as they cover their basic needs for food and mobility every day. Two billion people each day enjoy foods produced on Bühler equipment; and one billion people travel in vehicles manufactured using parts produced with Bühler solutions. Countless people wear eyeglasses, use smart phones, and read newspapers and magazines – all of which depend on Bühler process technologies and solutions. Having this global relevance, Bühler is in a unique position to turn today’s global challenges into sustainable business.
As a technology partner for the food, feed, and mobility industries, Bühler has committed to having solutions ready to multiply by 2025 that reduce energy, waste, and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers. It also proactively collaborates with suppliers to reduce climate impacts throughout the value chain. In its own operations, Bühler has developed a pathway to achieve a 60% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (Greenhouse Gas Protocol Scopes 1 & 2, against a 2019 baseline).
Bühler spends up to 5% of turnover on research and development annually to improve both the commercial and sustainability performance of its solutions, products, and services. In 2023, some 12,500 employees generated a turnover of CHF 3.0 billion. As a Swiss family-owned company with a history spanning 164 years, Bühler is active in 140 countries around the world and operates a global network of 105 service stations, 30 manufacturing sites, and Application & Training Centers in 25 locations.
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A new entertainment area offers a welcoming space for team gatherings and braais
A newly constructed covered storage area now shields incoming and outgoing goods from weather exposure
Bühler Johannesburg manufacturing facility pic 1
Bühler Johannesburg manufacturing facility pic 2 - Strategic upgrades advance world-class manufacturing excellence at Bühler Johannesburg_approved
Strategic upgrades advance world-class manufacturing excellence at Bühler Johannesburg_approved
