Capital Equipment News October 2023

have seen the need to continuously review and optimise our internal processes,” says Riaan Steinmann, Director Operations for the EMEA Region at Sandvik Rock Processing. “For example, our workshop layouts are based on job-shop lean manufacturing processes to cater for any customised components. We make use of in-house designed precision engineered jigs and fixtures to increase our production efficiencies and at the same time secure quality of these components.” Strategic outsourcing of non-core components to carefully selected service providers has been adopted. Components such as cleats, bearing covers, gearbox shafts, and housings are now sourced externally to alleviate pressure on internal manufacturing facilities and ensure timely customer deliveries. Close collaboration between the production and engineering teams has also proven essential in resolving design and manufacturing discrepancies during production. These teams have established strict in-house quality standards encompassing welding procedures, fastening sequences, bolt torquing, levelling, subcomponent assembly sequencing, shot blasting, and paint specifications. “We work closely with these suppliers, most of whom are within a 10 km radius of our Spartan manufacturing facilities. While we conduct regular quality inspections at their facilities, most of them have worked with us for many years and now have a strong understanding of our quality standards,” says Steinmann. “We also hold significant stock of various critical components to make sure our customers get the best availability and service,” he adds. Investing in a skills Sandvik Rock Processing places great importance on its workforce and continually invests in training to cultivate an agile mindset among its employees. This approach ensures the workforce can adapt to evolving production needs while maintaining peak productivity and efficiency. “Upskilling our people allows us to build on our competence and stay ahead of industry needs,” says Steinmann. “We have an above-average percentage of highly skilled and qualified staff, including boilermakers, artisans, certified welders and engineers. Having the right skills, however, is one thing, but being able to retain them is quite another.” A significant percentage of highly skilled and qualified staff contributes to the

Sandvik Rock Processing invests in its people to ensure employees are trained to adopt an agile mindset.

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Sandvik Rock Processing has experienced significant growth in its screens product range over the past three years.

To meet rising demand and changing market conditions, the company has embraced agile manufacturing processes.

Sandvik Rock Processing invests in its workforce, upskilling employees to adopt an agile mindset.

The South African facility of Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions aims to become the global engineering and manufacturing base for vibrating equipment.

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