In a joint announcement, Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions and Kwatani have confirmed that an agreement has been signed for the multi-national Sandvik Group to acquire the shares of the African OEM of custom-engineered vibrating equipment.
The transaction is expected to be finalised around the fourth quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.
Kim Schoepflin, CEO of Kwatani, says: “Not only is this a complete game-changer for the vibrating equipment industry, but customers will benefit enormously from the combined resources of Sandvik and Kwatani. Both companies are technology leaders in their own rights with Kwatani having operated its world class production facility in Johannesburg, South Africa, for more than 45 years.”
Although Kwatani is well-known for its OEM manufacture of vibratory equipment the company was contracted to manufacture three custom built charge cars for the three 10 ton Inductotherm coreless induction furnaces with VIP Power Trak power supply that were recently installed at Grinding Media SA (GMSA). Some of these features are the innovative chute geometry that eliminates material hang-ups and in turn removes operator intervention. Furthermore, the brute force feeder component was specifically designed with the material properties in mind allowing for adequate throughput and adjustability. Kwatani and GMSA has a longstanding track record and a large existing equipment population of over 140 vibratory feeders throughout the existing production plant
“What is most significant and exciting for the South African economy is that our facility is set to become the global engineering and manufacturing base for vibrating screens and feeders for both local and international customers,” said Schoepflin.
This collaboration is not only a major milestone for the South African engineering industry; it is also in line with the South African government’s industrialisation strategy. Schoepflin is also quick to point out that Kwatani will continue with its commitment to transformation and compliance with the South African Mining Charter.
Commenting further, Schoepflin says that: “The internationally recognised Kwatani brand will remain unchanged. “Known for our brand promise of being engineered for tonnage, we will continue to use the Kwatani brand across Africa and products sold internationally will be sold through the Sandvik sales channels under the Kwatani product name.”
Sandvik will further develop the Kwatani vibrating equipment brand globally with increased access to the product through its global distribution network. Schoepflin explains that customers will benefit further by having access to a vastly increased customer service network.
Speaking about future developments, Schoepflin says that Sandvik, through its global technology resources, will provide access to monitoring and automation processes as well as access to its extensive R&D facilities which include simulators.
“This will provide opportunities for driving efficiency arising from the advance of artificial intelligence in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and will significantly empower the process of cost-effective customisation,” she says.
About Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions
Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions, one of four different business areas in the Sandvik Group, is a leading global supplier of equipment, service and technical solutions for the mining and construction industries. Its products and solutions are specifically used in crushing and screening, quarrying and breaking and demolition application.
About Kwatani
Kwatani is one of Africa’s leading Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of custom-engineers vibrating equipment including screens and feeders to both local and international customers. This South African based company, with a proven track record of 45 years, operates a world class production facility in Johannesburg.
