Modern Mining December 2022

SUPPLY CHAIN News

Zest WEG delivers mobile switching station to Mozambique

Zest WEG, the manufacturer of custom-engineered mobile power solutions, has supplied a mobile switching station to Mozambique’s national power utility EDM (Electricidade de Moçambique). The specifications and end-user requirements to be met were provided to Zest WEG by MESAT, a Mozambican engineering company act

of receiving an order but, in this case, was able to slightly better the time. “The design and fabrication proceeded very smoothly, and we were able to deliver well within the promised timeframe,” says Dlamini. 

Zest WEG supplied a mobile switching station to Mozambique’s national power utility EDM.

ing on behalf of EDM. The 33 kV switching station, complete with 36 kV rated switchgear, is housed within a pur pose-built enclosure installed on a double-axle trailer and includes all protection require ments to allow for quick connection and safe operation. “Mozambique is regarded by Zest WEG as a key strategic market and we’re therefore delighted to have successfully completed this order,” comments Sollie Herbst, senior man ager, Energy Systems at Zest WEG. The switching station was designed and manufactured in South Africa by Zest WEG with the lead engineer on the project being Dumisani Dlamini, energy systems engineer within the Energy Systems division of the company. Zest WEG is normally able to supply its mobile switching stations within 28 weeks

Condra acquires iTEK Drives Crane and hoist manufacturer Condra recently acquired iTek Drives, a distributor of the Optidrive range of variable frequency drives (VFDs). The acquisition secures for Condra the supply of a key crane component and reinforces iTek’s position as an important sales partner of Invertek Drives, the UK-based manufacturer of the Optidrive product range.

Optidrive VFDs optimise the operation of completed Condra cranes, delivering precisely variable motion during lift, cross-travel and long travel, and smoothly changing motor speeds to eliminate ‘stepping’. The drives also optimise electrical energy usage. End-users will benefit from expanded technical expertise, including ready access to installation and repair skills delivered by an increased staffing that will soon include Condra technicians currently undergoing training and accreditation in drive programming and repair. Condra’s MD Marc Kleiner thinks that Condra’s incorporation of iTek Drives has likely propelled iTek to a position of agency leadership. “Condra already holds a substantial stock of this product at its Johannesburg factory,” he explained, “so combined with iTek’s own stock, the acquisition effectively makes it the country’s biggest supplier of Invertek drives. Customers will benefit from the increased level of competition in the drive market resulting directly from this increased stockholding.  Condra’s MD, Marc Kleiner.

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