Mechanical Technology April 2015

⎪ On the cover ⎪

The bigger, better BMG World

operations at BMG World will include a product warehouse and distribution centre for the entire product range and a manufacturing centre and general en- gineering workshop. BMG has invested in the latest materi- als handling equipment, including high bay reach trucks, to optimise volumetric efficiency. Special machinery at the new facility includes eight dock levellers that will handle approximately 120 contain- ers a month. There will also be specialist assembly and repair workshops for drives, convey- ors, hydraulics and pneumatics, as well as electric motors, electronics, gaskets, lubrication systems and filtration. A cornerstone of this overall initiative is reliability engineering – a philosophy aimed at keeping industrial plant at full productive output for as long as possible, without unnecessary maintenance or unplanned stoppages. As a result, output capacities are increased without invest- ment in additional production lines and machinery. In support of this philosophy, a re- generative load test rig is being installed, which will play a critical role in bringing the tangible benefits of the company’s ‘world class production efficiency’ to South African industry. This 200 kW load test rig has been developed in re- sponse to demand from local industry for absolute reliability from new gearboxes. This system uses the latest technology to transmit and apply loads of up to 30 000 Nm, with the lowest energy consumption. This is enough torque to test the majority of Paramax gearboxes in BMG’s range, within at least a third of each unit’s rated capacity.” BMG’s technical resources centre of- fers services, which positively influence a company’s operating efficiencies by ensuring maximised mechanical reliabil- ity of plant and machinery. Starting with

To further improve operating efficiencies and delivery service, BMG has embarked on an expansion and supply chain re-engineering project, which involves centralising its distribution and engineering facilities around the expanded BMG Park site in Johannesburg.

T he R350-million expansion of BMG’s distribution and engi- neering facilities in Johannes- burg is well under way. “The objective of this development programme is to centralise functional and support operations onto one site to improve sup- ply chain processes across the Group,” says Vasu Govindasamy, BMG’s supply chain projects manager. “Through this rationalisation initiative, BMG strives to achieve cost optimisation, improve regionalised branch office support and enhance customer service capability. “This supply chain re-engineering project is necessary for BMG to continue to provide high levels of operating effi- ciencies and delivery service in line with

substantial growth. With an increase of the existing 15 000 m² under-roof warehousing facility to 24 000 m², the re-developed Droste Park warehouse will carry approximately R700-million of stock, with an additional R400-million strategically located throughout the Southern African region. In addition, the workshop under-roof area will increase from 1 500 to 10 400 m².” This project, which is due for completion in December 2015, encompasses modifications to existing buildings and the erection of new structures. To reflect the company’s ability to supply integrated engineering solutions to Southern African industries, BMG Park will be renamed BMG World. Functional

A 200 kW regenerative load test rig is being installed to support ‘world class production efficiency’ in South African industry.

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Mechanical Technology — April 2015