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Mechanical Technology — October 2015
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⎪
Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
⎪
G
auteng-based Dintsu Engineer-
ing Technologies (DET), one of
Ingersoll Rand’s distributors,
supplied, installed and com-
missioned a 160 kW oil-free variable
speed Ingersoll Rand Nirvana rotary
screw compressor that is four times faster
than any commercial competitors could
offer. With the average delivery time from
order to installation for this compressor
type being about 24 weeks, the fast turn-
around time is unprecedented at Ingersoll
Rand South Africa.
The client – with whom DET has a
standing relationship in the provision of
air quality monitoring, air dryer refurbish-
ment and filtration maintenance – sup-
plies all the bumpers for a niche range of
top quality vehicles targeted at the upper-
income market. Three of the client’s air
compressors needed replacing and DET
motivated that two of them be replaced
with a single Ingersoll Rand solution: the
160 kW Ingersoll rand variable speed
oil-free compressor which, among other
benefits, realises an energy cost saving
during less air-demand times due to the
variable speed. The order was placed
on the day of the motivation, shipment
commenced a few days later with com-
missioning taking place only seven weeks
after the initial contact.
“The variable speed 100% oil-free
compressor market is somewhat limited,”
points out Pierre Doman of DET, “and
taking the cost of these units into consid-
eration, stock held by South African OEMs
is relatively small. The demand, therefore,
flows over to their overseas manufactur-
ers, which compounds the problem.
Ingersoll Rand in Europe, however, held
this specific compressor ex-stock. Given
that the average time to build a variable
speed oil free compressor takes between
16 and 20 weeks, Ingersoll Rand’s readi-
ness granted us a substantial advantage.”
To ensure long equipment life and
reduced downtime, plant operators were
trained in the basic operating principles
during commissioning stage and, in
addition to the standard warrantee
provided on all Ingersoll Rand products
and equipment, the client has opted for
Ingersoll Rand’s extended five-year Air
Care warrantee.
Ingersoll Rand is a leading brand in
Variable speed rotary screw compressor –
order to installation in seven weeks
Festo expands its distribution network
F
esto South Africa, has expanded its net-
work of product dealers and customer
facilities to ensure greater access to its
products and services. With the inclusion of
BMG as one of its official distributors and
reinvestments of over R7.5-million in sales
resources, Festo has increased its face-to-
face sales presence by 20%. In addition,
the company has developed online stores,
contact call centres and direct delivery dis-
tribution options.
The addition of BMG as an authorised
distributor provides for an increase in sales-
customer interaction points throughout
South Africa and Africa, ensuring customers
have easier access to Festo’s offering and
market-leading technical expertise. Festo
products are now distributed through 12
BMG stores in South Africa’s major cities,
150 local distributors nationwide and almost
200 throughout Africa.
Describing the expanded sales network,
Warren Harvard, national sales manager for
Festo, says, “Our aim is to provide customers
with more access to Festo products and ser-
vices. Our increased distribution network will
benefit those customers who prefer walk-in
purchase points, while those who still wish
to place an order over the phone or through
our website for next day delivery, will still
enjoy the same service.
“Our additional distribution sites allow us
to commit our resources to ensure gains in
efficiency. This will mean that point-of-sale
facilities are no longer required in some of
our branches, so we are deliberately rein-
vesting these resources in sales engineers
and Didactic training facilities, resulting in
a significant increase in our sales force and
affording customers more time and access
to the engineering support team.
“Ultimately we want to grow. Over the last
40 years, Festo has grown steadily within
the South African market and we intend to
continue that growth for the next 40 years.
To achieve this we recognise the real need
to ensure our products become more widely
accessible, while at the same time invest-
ing resources in our online distribution and
Didactic training services,” Harvard explains.
By working with BMG and Festo’s local
distributors, the company is able to offer
customers a large range of products and
support services. “We have always taken
pride in being able to offer unique services,
specialised technical support, and efficient
logistical processes that allow customers
to fully access and utilise the world’s best
automation technologies.
“Now, with our increased distribution
network, we are able to do more with our
resources and ensure that our customers
receive the best possible products, support
and training so that they are able to enhance
their own business interests,” Harvard
concludes.
q
the market and has a large share of the
South African and African markets. “We
already have several turnkey projects
involving compressors in the pipeline for
a variety of markets including one of the
larger hospital groups,” says Doman.
q
Dintsu Engineering Technologies (DET), one of Ingersoll Rand’s
South African distributors, supplied, installed and commissioned a 160 kW oil-free
variable speed Ingersoll Rand Nirvana rotary screw compressor in just seven weeks.