Local production of spares evolves into full systems manufacture

Pictured: Lwando, intern, and Nceba, technical assistant, checking the wiring of the control panels in our electrical workshop ready for installation on a local project. Article by Alan Moule


In a recent article about the value (to our customers) of continuity, we mentioned the facilities established at our Cape Town head office for the local manufacture of spares so that we no longer had to rely on expensive and lengthy deliveries from overseas.

 

Over the years our workshop capabilities have been developed and extended to the level whereby we are now able to produce complete systems – within certain size limitations – all in strict accordance with the exacting standards laid down by our European principals, Ramada Storax.

 

Under the leadership of our innovative and resourceful workshop manager, Danie Coetzee, a small but dedicated team of skilled machinists, welders, electrical technicians, and interns, equipped with cutting, bending, pressing, milling, turning, painting, and welding facilities, are able to produce complete (up to about 1000 pallet position) mobile rack systems in-house. Our electrical workshop builds and wires the surprisingly complex control systems and cabinets.

 

Machinist Fezile turning wheels on our CNC (Computer Numerical Control) lathe
Machinist Fezile turning wheels on our CNC (Computer Numerical Control) lathe

 

A batch of precision-turned wheels ready for assembly into bases
A batch of precision-turned wheels ready for assembly into bases

 

Axles ready for final wheel assembly
Axles ready for final wheel assembly

 

Technician Viyuani machining sensor brackets on our mill, with accuracy ensured by the DRO (Digital Read-out)
Technician Viyuani machining sensor brackets on our mill, with accuracy ensured by the DRO (Digital Read-out)
One of our rotating jigs where the wheel units are assembled, and precision welded using the latest TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) techniques
One of our rotating jigs where the wheel units are assembled, and precision welded using the latest TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) techniques

 

A shipment of PE (Photo Electric) sensor housings and brackets ready for a local Cape Town installation
A shipment of PE (Photo Electric) sensor housings and brackets ready for a local Cape Town installation

 

The advantage to us is the ability to control the entire process, plus it enables us to undergo constant innovation and systems improvement for local conditions. The benefit to the customer is the fact that installations can be quicker from order to delivery than having to wait for overseas manufacture and shipping from Europe.

 

Due to the constant escalation of local steel prices there is not always a distinct price advantage to be gained, but this varies from job to job. The local production of Storax systems also facilitates the manufacture of spares for existing systems and keeps costs down. In emergencies, replacement wheel units can be dispatched in under 48 hours from order.

 

The foregoing is further indication of Barpro’s commitment to offer their customers the best possible service in a competitive market.

 

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Read more: The Strength of Continuity

Read more: Changing loads on your pallet racking system? Read this first!

Read more: Mobile Racking in Dry Goods & Ambient Warehouses