While the recent mining industry downturn has led to mining companies tightening their belts, it is also a source of opportunity for local screening and vibration equipment specialist Aury Africa.

Companies are spending less during the mining downturn and are moving away from their regular suppliers that have traditionally dictated prices, which has led to more new customers for Aury Africa, says MD Mark Houchin.

“This has resulted in some of the biggest names in the industry placing orders with us for the first time, [as] they are looking to reduce costs, without compromising on quality.”

Aury Africa’s ability to manufacture locally, coupled with its link to a large-scale manufacturing company in China, Aury (Tianjin), help the Gauteng-based firm remain competitive.

“We benefit from support from our big sister in China. We manufacture locally, using Chinese equipment, which costs a lot less than local equipment.

“We also benefit from economies of scale in terms of consumables out of China, when we can justify importing over local manufacturing. We have both options open to us when needed,” Houchin tells Mining Weekly.

Aury Africa currently imports about 20% of its products and the remainder are made locally.

The company recently expanded its local production capabilities by commissioning a hand-cast gravity- pour polyurethane (PU) moulding machine to manufacture PU panels at its factory in Jet Park, Boksburg. The PU panels were previously imported from China.

The local manufacturing of PU panels helps offset the impact of currency volatility, improves turnaround times and assists the company in reducing its stockholding, which betters cash flow in challenging economic conditions.

The new injection-moulding machine will be used to manufacture the following products: modular wedge wire panels; PU cross-tensioned screen cloths; PU long slots; punch plate screen panels with PU borders in 305 mm  305 mm, 305 mm  610 mm and 610 mm  610 mm; wedge wire screen panels with PU borders in 305 mm  305 mm, 305 mm  610 mm and 610 mm  610 mm; and PU panels in 305 mm  305 mm and 305 mm  610 mm, including pin and sleeve.

Houchin says Aury Africa will also look into manufacturing injection-moulded panels locally. This would require an injection-moulding machine and moulds to be relocated from China.

Aury Africa will exhibit at Electra Mining Africa 2016, where the company will showcase its existing product range, as well as its manufacturing and service support capabilities. The company produces a comprehensive high-quality vibrating screens offering for the coal and minerals-processing industries.

Aury Africa is also able to supply a range of exciters to fit most original-equipment manufacturer screen types. Consumable products available include intertank/interstage cylinder screens for classification, sieve bends and static panels for separation, and centrifuge baskets.

“Our engineering group has proven research and design capability, backed by technical expertise from our Australian team, which has extensive experience in this field, gained through working with vibrating equipment in the mining industry for many years,” Houchin highlights.

Aury Africa has recently established a branch in Mozambique, in line with its general expansion strategy on the continent. “There is a lot of good business to be found elsewhere in Africa. It is often easier to conduct business in some African countries owing to there being less red tape but, at the same time, it can be more difficult if the necessary infrastructure is not in place.”

Hall 5 Stand E24