40 / 44
CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS
JUNE 2017
38
Durban-based reliability solutions specialist,
WearCheck, recently bought out Transformer
Chemistry Services (TCS), adding an
already-established transformer analysis
and monitoring division to the company’s
condition monitoring portfolio.
Coupled with WearCheck’s Africa-wide
network, the expertise of TCS and a general
growth in the number of transformers
across the continent, WearCheck is
now poised to provide large-scale and
widespread comprehensive transformer
reliability services.
The primary function of the newly-
formed transformer division is the
promotion of transformer health through
regular assessment of insulating fluid and
diagnosis of the results.
Transformers are extremely critical
apparatus for providing reliable energy.
No-one can precisely answer when equip-
ment will fail, but it is essen-
tial to manage risk. Compared
with the cost of premature or
catastrophic failure, regular-
ly scheduled oil testing is a
cost-effective and sound main-
tenance practice that is used to
extend the life of transformers.
WearCheck has now added
the transformer tests done by
TCS to its existing transform-
er oil analysis programme,
increasing the number of
available fluid and non-fluid
tests, such as Insulation Pa-
per Quality Testing. This test
provides a measure of paper
aging, and correlates it with
important physical proper-
ties such as resistance to tearing and
bursting. This is a critical factor in
estimating the real aging of the main
transformer insulation.
b
WearCheck acquires Transformer Chemistry Services
Torre Parts and Components has acquired
100% of the share capital of Top Class
Automotive.
Torre Parts and Components manufac-
tures and distributes branded parts and
components. Established in 1948, the
company owns or represents a basket of
well-known brands which include Gabri-
el, Autocom, Echlin, VDO, ACSA-Mag,
Textar, MagBrakes, Warn, Hi-Lift, Vision-X,
Truck-Lite, Piusi, Pneumax and Raasm.
“The acquisition of Top Class
Automotive with its premium basket of
brands, namely SKF, Permatex, DJ and FTE
New KZN regional manager for BI
Leading distributor Bearings International
(BI), a member of the Hudaco Group,
has appointed Trevor Veeradu as the
new Regional Manager at its KwaZulu-
Natal branch in Durban, South Africa.
Veeradu has been promoted to his new
role following a stint as Junior Sales
Representative since 2015.
BI’s main industry focus is the
automotive, OEM, and aftermarket sectors
in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana
and other countries within Sub-Saharan
Africa. “With our extensive network
of more than 47 branches, we support
clients in most major cities. However,
where the Hudaco Group expands through
acquisitions, we will be willing to look
into those areas of opportunity,” says
Burtie Roberts, BI CEO.
Single device multi-controller gains
traction
Ease of use has been taken to another
level with the recent introduction, by
Booyco Electronics, of the ESI Multi
Controller with I/O. Jaco du Plessis,
continuous improvement manager at
Booyco Electronics, says the company has
expanded its ESI range of environmental
sensing instruments with the addition
of a single device multi-controller which
combines the controller, repeater and
input/output functions.
“Essentially, this is a fire detection
system in a box and it is anticipated
that the new product will rapidly gain
traction across a wide sector of industry
that need to meet environmental safety
requirements,” says Du Plessis.
Aftermarket brake pads from Federal-
Mogul Motorparts
Federal-Mogul Motorparts, a division of
Federal- Mogul Holdings Corporation, has
launched Wagner QS application-specific
brake pads for commercial vehicles.
The new range is targeted to meet the
expectations of workshop and fleet
operators who are looking for reduced
parts cost with no compromise on safety.
“The competitive positioning of a
reliable and affordable range adds a
new option to the market for commercial
vehicle brake pads,” says Mark Bonney,
Braking & Wiper Product Manager, South
Africa at Federal-Mogul Motorparts. “By
offering high-value products that still
meet such demanding quality standards,
we enable operators to safely extend the
economic life of their vehicles.”
Torre Parts acquires Top Class Automotive
PARTS & MAINTENANCE
WearCheck MD Neil Robinson (right) and TCS MD Ian Gray
shake hands following the merger of TCS into WearCheck.
continues to enhance our strategic growth
in the automotive aftermarket sector and
expands Torre’s product range, providing
further reach into the commercial and
off-highway markets which are seen
as strategic growth nodes for the Torre
group,” says Kevin Rogers, MD of Torre
Parts and Components.
“The acquisition will allow the group to
continue to leverage its infrastructure and
associated resources, and will help grow
the business of Top Class Automotive and
its associated brands.”
As a result of the acquisition and
subsequent negotiation, Torre Parts and
Components has also been appointed the
official SKF Automotive Distributor for
South and southern Africa.
“SKF will continue to support Top Class
Automotive and its new shareholder,
Torre Parts and Components. We see this
new association as a great opportunity
to extend our reach into target markets
and to further improve the support and
service levels currently provided to
customers,” says Gary Czapski, manager
– Vehicle Service Market, SKF South
Africa.
b
IN BRIEF