Modern Mining May 2021

Sandvik and Kwatani join forces

A game-changing announcement by Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions and Kwatani will see customers benefit from combined resources. An agreement has been signed for the multi-national Sandvik Group to acquire the shares of Kwatani, leading African OEM of custom- engineered vibrating equipment. The transaction is expected to be finalised around the fourth quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory approvals and other custom- ary conditions. Kim Schoepflin, CEO of Kwatani, says not only is this a complete game-changer for the vibrating equipment industry, but customers will benefit enormously from the combined resources of Sandvik and Kwatani. Both companies are technology leaders in their own rights with Kwatani having operated its world class production facility in Johannesburg, South Africa, for more than 45 years. “What is most significant and exciting for the South African economy is that our facil- ity is set to become the global engineering

and manufacturing base for vibrating screens and feeders for both local and international customers,” Schoepflin says. This collaboration is not only a major milestone for the South African engineer- ing industry; it is also in line with the South African government’s industrialisation strategy. Schoepflin is also quick to point out that Kwatani will continue with its com- mitment to transformation and compliance with the South African Mining Charter. Commenting further, Schoepflin says that the internationally recognised Kwatani brand will remain unchanged. “Known for our brand promise of being engineered for tonnage, we will continue to use the Kwatani brand across Africa and products sold internationally will be sold through the Sandvik sales channels under the Kwatani product name.” Sandvik will further develop the Kwatani vibrating equipment brand globally with increased access to the product through its global distribution network. Schoepflin explains that customers will benefit further

Kwatani is Africa’s leading OEM of custom-engineered vibrating equipment. by having access to a vastly increased cus- tomer service network. Speaking about future developments, Schoepflin says that Sandvik, through its global technology resources, will provide access to monitoring and automation pro- cesses as well as access to its extensive R&D facilities which include simulators. “This will provide opportunities for driv- ing efficiency arising from the advance of artificial intelligence in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and will significantly empower the process of cost effective customisa- tion,” she says. 

May 2021  MODERN MINING  43