MechChem Africa September-October 2024

⎪ Products and industry news ⎪

CHIETA funding for entrepreneurs and students

40s, as well as the Lesedi Student Debt Fund are encouraged to visit CHIETA’s official for detailed information on eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and deadlines. All applications must be completed on line, and a signed final application must be uploaded by the 29 th of August 2024. Final approval of grants will be at the discretion of the CHIETA Governing Board. www.chieta.org.za

Early in 2012, Babcock was appointed the authorised distributor of SDLG wheel loaders, motor graders and vibratory rollers in south ern Africa. Following just over a decade of success with this line of products, the distribution agreement has been expanded with the addition of SDLG excavators to Babcock’s product offering in South Africa. Initially a renowned Chinese producer of wheel loaders only, SDLG expanded its product offering with a range of its first ever line of excavators back in 2010. At first, the SDLG excavator line was only available for markets such as China, the Middle East and Brazil. Having provide cutting-edge bolting solutions to a diverse range of industry sectors, includ ing ship repair, wind farms, oil and gas and mining. Mike Giltrow, CEO of B.E.D. expresses his enthusiasm for this exciting collabora tion: "As a leading fastener supplier to industry for the past four decades, we have naturally always recognised the importance of bolt torquing and tensioning. However, without the right supplier expertise, we were cautious. Fortunately, Bolt Torque fits the bill perfectly and is willing and able to work CHIETA is also proud to announce the R10 million Lesedi Student Debt Fund in response to the growing student debt chal lenge. This fund is designed to help students in the chemical and related sectors manage and reduce their educational debt. By pro viding financial relief, CHIETA aims to enable students to focus on their studies and career development, contributing to a skilled and empowered workforce. CHIETA CEO, Yershen Pillay, highlights the importance of these initiatives in creating jobs, producing entrepreneurs, and foster ing a diverse and dynamic economy. “We are dedicated to supporting all segments of our community, from young graduates burdened with student debt to experienced professionals seeking new entrepreneurial ventures. Our new funding initiatives reflect our commitment to inclusive growth and sus tainable development,” says Pillay. Interested candidates for the Artisan Entrepreneurship Fund and the Entrepreneur Fund for Over

The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) is excited to announce new funding initiatives to support entrepreneurs and students in South Africa. These programmes opened on 30 July and are set to drive economic growth, empower diverse groups, and alleviate student debt. Building on its commitment to skills development, CHIETA is launching a R10-million fund that will support both the Artisan Entrepreneurship Fund and funding for Entrepreneurs Over 40. This fund will provide financial assistance, mentorship and business development support to qualified artisans looking to start or expand their businesses as well as mature entrepreneurs seeking to leverage their expertise to create successful businesses. Through this initiative, CHIETA aims to create job opportunities, stimulate innovation within the chemical and related industries, and foster an inclusive entrepreneurial eco system that values experience and diversity. Bolt and Engineering Distributors (B.E.D.) Group is very pleased to announce its new distribution agreement with torque and tensioning company Bolt Torque, which has a comprehensive range of manual, hydraulic, electric and battery powered bolt torque and tensioning solutions. This strategic partnership, announced just ahead of Electra Mining 2024 – where Bolt Torque and its principals, PLARAD ® Torque and Tension Systems from Germany, will be exhibiting – marks a significant ad dition to B.E.D.'s industrial product and solutions portfolio, enhancing its ability to

CHIETA CEO, Yershen Pillay.

B.E.D. and Bolt Torque sign distribution agreement

already proven its mettle for nearly 15 years in these markets, the SDLG range of excava tors is now available in South Africa through Babcock, SDLG’s existing distribution partner in southern Africa. “We are excited to add the range of SDLG excavators to our line of products,” says David Vaughan, MD – Equipment at Babcock. “In our view, this is a good quality, cost-effective, value product with a ‘premium’ touch to it. Given that Volvo Construction Equipment, our major principal, owns 70% of SDLG, one can easily recognise the premium Volvo design heritage in this line of excavators. Customers who have taken delivery of these units locally have expressed great satisfaction with the range in terms of build quality, efficiency, performance and productivity.” www.babcock.co.za with us, leveraging our mutual bolt-related strengths and synergies." Angus Houston, Sales Director and Project Manager at Bolt Torque, shares Giltrow’s excitement: "We have been searching for a legitimate national distributor for some time, and this collaboration with B.E.D. is a match made in heaven! With nine established branches and an excellent existing customer base – which aligns completely with our key target mar kets in mining, energy, power, oil, and gas – it is ideal. The clear customer service orienta tion and passion of B.E.D.'s nationwide team also fits our own operational ethos and approach perfectly,” says Houston. https://bolteng.co.za

Babcock adds SDLG excavators to its stable

Babcock’s Southern African distribution agreement with SDLG has been expanded to include excavators.

36 ¦ MechChem Africa • September-October 2024