Capital Equipment News June 2018

World investors look to Zimbabwe

the economy and the basic manufacturing infrastructure still exists in many cases. However, it needs investment, moderni- sation and reliable power to get up and running again. “Zimbabwe currently has a power shortfall of around 250 MW or 14%, but as new mining and industrial projects roll out, the shortfall will become more pronounced. To address this, there are new mega hydro and coal-fired projects on the table, but also a number of smaller power projects.” One of these, he notes, is a plan to link new smaller scale hydro power production with enhanced irrigation projects around the country. A number of renewable and solar projects are also planned, while even at a municipal level, authorities are looking to projects such as solar-powered street lights. “There are many infrastructure and power business opportunities in Zimbabwe, but it needs to be understood that if companies wait until after the elections to start investigating the opportunities, they may be too late,” says Bonnett. During his recent fact-finding visits, Bonnett was told that delegations had been flying in to Zimbabwe from across the world to investigate opportunities. “There are reports that delegations have visited from the US, Canada, Brazil, Turkey, Japan, Korea, China and India, with a view to either making their first inroads into the country or expanding their existing business there.” ❂ also offered and the best fit for Cat machines, providing customers a breaker package with superior design and benefits. The range features a simple, modular design with two moving parts in the piston and valve. Flat-top mounting enables compact working envelope and compatibility with a full complement of brackets to suit preference of coupler, linkage kinematics or machine size. Bushings are field-replaceable, and lower bushing can be rotated 90 degrees for improved wear performance. Included toolbox contains charging kit, hammer paste and spare parts. Housings are designed to facilitate common maintenance items. Grease fitting and gas pressure check point are easily accessed with hammer on machine. ❂

Infrastructure stakeholders from around the world are showing keen interest in Zimbabwe as a new spirit of optimism takes root in the country. South African business, with its tendency to “wait and see”, could miss the boat in terms of opportunities in Zimbabwe, while international investors flock to the country to explore new business potential there. This is according to Duncan Bonnett, Director Strategy & Business Development at research and consulting specialist, Africa House, who has led two fact-finding and business development delegations to Zimbabwe in recent months. “The prevailing spirit in Zimbabwe has changed dramatically over the past year,” says Bonnett. “Zimbabwe’s public and private sectors are more positive than they have been in possibly 15 years, but with a sense of realism. Significant infrastructure and industrial revitalisation projects are planned, but there are still certain challeng- es in the way of realising them.” As managers of the pan-African VIP programme for POWER-GEN & Distribu- TECH Africa 2018, Bonnet says Zimbabwe presents significant opportunities for South African power businesses. Power is a key factor underpinning Zimbabwe’s aims to restart its manufacturing sector and boost economic growth, Bonnett notes. “The coun- try is focused on rehabilitation, upgrading and expansion.” Manufacturing was once a key sector of Cat B-Prefix hydraulic hammers, available in B4(s) and B6(s) silenced and B4 and B6 non-silenced versions, are designed for “plug-and-play” operation with a range of compact equipment – while delivering optimum life-cycle value. The new hammers are suited for skid steer loaders, multi-terrain loaders, compact track loaders, mini hydraulic excavators (3- to 8-t operating weights), and backhoe loaders working in a range of construction and light-demolition applications, including site prep, landscaping, masonry and concrete breaking. The B-Prefix hammers use a simple design that ensures reliability, versatility, ease-of-use and maintenance. As a package solution, the matching Caterpillar-designed hydraulic kits are

Low owning and operating costs with Cat B-Prefix hammers

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