The recent acquisition of vibrating screen specialist, Kwatani, by global multinational Sandvik will foster world class industries that can compete globally and promote job creation locally. “The acquisition will allow Kwatani greater access into foreign markets through Sandvik’s extensive distribution network,” says Kim Schoepflin, CEO of Kwatani. “Our modern facility in Kempton Park, accredited in terms of ISO 9001:2015, is now the global engineering and manufacturing base for vibrating screens and feeders for customers.”
She adds that an added benefit for customers is the support they will receive through the well-established Sandvik service network of engineers and technicians in the field. The proven interface between Kwatani and Sandvik equipment – for instance, a Kwatani screen feeding into a Sandvik crusher – will add considerable value to customer’s purchasing choices. “Customers get the best of both worlds, and can feel confident of the efficient dovetailing of our product ranges,” she adds.
As a leader in Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technology, Sandvik brings state-of-the-art resources which further leverage the benefits to Kwatani customers. This includes access to monitoring and automation processes as well as a depth of research and development into the application of technology such as simulators.
Local supply chain
Kwatani continues to invest heavily in its resources at its Kempton Park facility which employ and develop local expertise while sustaining a strong supply chain of local players. Sandvik supports this model, and shares the vision that business sustainability must be based on effective engagement, investment and commitment to the local economy. Kwatani’s local empowerment strategy supports transformation and is compliant with the South African Mining Charter.
“We work closely with local supply partners in our value chain – many of them being small businesses – to imbed quality systems and manufacturing capacity,” says KIm. “Customers can therefore be assured of quality throughout our products’ construction, with a reliable, sustainable and cost-effective local production base.”
With its cost base rooted largely in the South African economy, the company can offer customers a consistent pricing regime that is not vulnerable to frequent exchange rate fluctuations. This has added to the popularity of Kwatani’s products at home and abroad, with the company twice being recognised at the Exporter of the Year awards hosted by the South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC).
In-house expertise
An important indication of Kwatani’s depth of expertise and field experience is its ability to precision-engineer specific solutions for other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in mineral processing. This extends to highly specialised equipment like sorters, which demand very precise feed characteristics and other protection.
“We are a partner of choice to OEMs whose equipment must operate within tight specifications, and which may have other specific requirements that a standard range of screens would not accommodate,” Kim concludes. Kwatani’s approach addresses the three key elements of vibrating screen performance: ore properties, screen design parameters and screening media. Its engineering solutions address all these priorities, giving customers optimal results at the lowest cost of ownership.
