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Metso opens new Cape Town Hub
South Africa and more broadly across the African region. Backed by over a century of expertise and more than 8 000 bulk material han- dling installations globally, Metso stands at the forefront of the bulk material han- dling industry. This inauguration builds on Metso’s global network and continued development for this industry, including the recent acquisition of MRA Automation to expand Metso’s capabilities in advanced automation and digitalisation technologies. These capabilities will now be deployed in Africa, enabling customers to adopt digital tools that enhance reliability and optimise material handling performance. Metso’s bulk material handling offering includes railcar dumpers, apron feeders, belt feeders, conveyors, stackers, reclaim- ers, ship loaders and unloaders, cable belt conveyors, smart automation and more. Renowned by customers for its expertise in designing, supplying, and providing comprehensive products and services across the full lifecycle, Metso provides best-in-class solutions, purpose-built to address customers’ evolving operational needs. https://www.metso.com/ Werner Pumps can progressively refine com - ponents during production, improving precision and ensuring that parts meet exact performance requirements. This shift is expected to deliver shorter lead times, reduced dependence on external suppliers, improved responsiveness to customer requirements and field repairs, greater flexibility to customise components for specific applications, and stronger quality control. The company also anticipates improved stock availability, reducing downtime for cus- tomers who rely on its equipment in demanding operational environments. The investment is also expected to strength- en Werner Pumps’ R&D capabilities. Faster turnaround times for component production mean that new designs and improvements can be tested and refined more quickly. Beyond its operational benefits, the in- vestment reflects a longer-term view on the importance of local manufacturing in South Africa. Werner Pumps believes that building in-country capability is essential not only for business resilience but also for economic growth and job creation. “We see significant potential for South Africa to strengthen its manufacturing,” Werner concludes. “By investing in local capability and making use of the skills and resources available here, businesses can play a meaningful role in supporting local industrial development and long-term sustainability.” https://wernerpumps.com/
Metso is expanding its global Bulk Material Handling (BMH) network by inaugurating a new regional hub in Cape Town, South Africa. The new centre delivers expanded engineering expertise and access to ad- vanced automation technologies for bulk materials handling and port customers across the African region. The establish- ment of the hub marks another step in Metso’s ongoing strategic journey to invest in bulk material-handling capabilities in key markets. The Cape Town Hub strengthens Metso’s leadership and deep customer connections across Southern Africa, supported by a strong and expanding installed base of Metso equipment. With a fully functioning, same-time-zone organisation, customers can expect faster technical support, quicker issue resolution, and greater alignment with operational needs. Metso has been serving Transnet, South Africa’s logistics infrastructure company responsible for the port, rail and pipeline network, for decades. “Bringing technical support closer to the operation is a practical step towards improving reliability and per-
formance, and this partnership with Metso enables us to do that in a more structured and sustainable way,” says Jabu Mdaki, Chief Executive, Transnet Port Terminals. “The African market is growing rapidly, and strengthening our regional presence is essential. Metso is well-recognised among the key companies in the region, reflecting our longstanding reputation and trusted partnerships within the local industry,” says Ian Barnard, President, Africa Market Area, Metso. A team of approximately 60 employees provides customers across Africa with comprehensive support covering lifecycle services, modernisations, and technical sup- port. In addition to creating direct employ- ment, Metso generates significant added value for the local economy by utilising the services of consultants, suppliers, and contractors. The hub contributes to the develop- ment of regional industrial capabilities, particularly among young professionals, and supports skills growth across the local workforce. The investment strengthens the operating environment for Port Solutions in
Werner Pumps invests in advanced machining
Werner Pumps’ new 5-axis CNC machine enables highly precise machining of complex components from a single block of material in a single, integrated process.
Werner Pumps has expanded its manufacturing capability with the addition of a new 5-axis CNC machine, a strategic investment aimed at im- proving production efficiency, reducing reliance on imported components, and strengthening local engineering capacity. MD Sebastian Werner says the move forms part of the company’s broader commitment to building resilient, locally driven manufacturing systems in South Africa, particularly in sectors where long lead times and supply constraints can impact service delivery. “A 5-axis CNC ma- chine enables highly precise machining of com- plex components from a single block of material in a single, integrated process,” Werner explains.
For Werner Pumps, this capability addresses a longstanding industry challenge: sourcing specialised parts with long or unpredictable lead times. Normally, he says, some items would be very difficult to make without getting an engi - neering firm or an overseas company to supply the specialised components. “We recognised that global supply pres- sures could increasingly affect the availability of critical components,” says Werner. “Investing in advanced machining allows us to take greater control of our production and support not only our own operations but, where needed, broader industry requirements.” By bringing more machining work in-house,
May-June 2026 • MechChem Africa ¦ 41
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