Mechanical Technology may 2015

⎪ Special report ⎪

The African trend towards mobile plant

With the acquisition of Trio Engineered Products of the US, currently distributed in South Africa by Pilot Crushtec International, Weir Minerals sees a trend towards mobile plants in Africa. Gavin Dyer, regional managing director, Weir Minerals Middle East and Africa, along with Sandro Scherf, managing director of Pilot Crushtec International and Mike Burke, former owner of Trio Engineered Products discuss the issue.

Sandro Scherf, managing director of Pilot Crushtec International. Another advantage of modular plants is that, in terms of any potential process changes, these can be slotted in easily. “Sometimes the requirements change, as with the aggregate sector when another product fraction is called for. Tracked mobile plants are the easiest in terms of mobility, but due to high capital and operational costs, these are not always the best option. Semi-mobile modular plants have a lower capital cost, as they usually do not rely on diesel power. They are far cheaper to operate and can still be relocated quite easily.” Scherf adds that modular plants of- fer benefits of easy relocation without the high costs of operation of tracked fully mobile machines. “The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) market in Africa is still quite depressed, which has meant a renewed focus on customer service and aftermarket support,” says Dyer. “We have always been close to our customers, from a technical service

T he latest trend in the mining and minerals industry “is a move towards the design and construction of modular plants,” says Dyer. In support of a strengthened comminution offering, the Weir Group has acquired Trio Engineered Products of the US. This further improves Weir Group’s position to capitalise on the modular plant trend and to increase its market presence in the sand and ag- gregate sector. Trio’s range of products is cur- rently distributed in South Africa by Pilot Crushtec International, a relationship that will remain intact after the acquisi- tion. Trio designs and manufactures a range of crushers, screens, feeders,

washers and materials handling solu- tions for the aggregate and minerals sector. Weir Minerals Africa delivers innovative engineering solutions to cus- tomers in the minerals, oil and gas and power sectors. The agreement to acquire Trio will leverage significant opportunities for both Weir Minerals and Pilot Crushtec International in accessing new market opportunities and utilising their specific engineering excellence and expertise. “Modular systems comprise easily available modules that can be on site and operational within a day or two. This methodology is being adopted by the entire market, and certainly in the crushing and screening sector,” says

Zamm Imports’ impressive plant, with all crushing equipment supplied by Pilot Crushtec International.

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Mechanical Technology — May 2015