Rio-Carb of Alrode, Johannesburg is repositioning itself as a total solutions provider, based on promoting Chromium Carbide as providing the lowest total cost of ownership for complete wear solutions in the mining industry.

The manufacturer will also focus on ceramic and rubber products, in addition to Chromium Carbide, in a bid to offer hybrid wear solutions that offer the least maintenance and longest equipment uptime, newly-appointed General Manager Sias Suurd explains.

“We look holistically at the problem of wear in the mining industry. Instead of just selling liners to help combat or reduce wear, our new mindset is to offer a total solution based on the client’s specific needs and applications,” Suurd elaborates.

“Our aim is to expand our product range in order to be able to cater for a total spectrum of wear solutions in the mining industry, from bulk materials handling to earthmoving equipment. There are some applications where Chromium Carbide on its own may not be the most cost-effective answer. Our aim is to become flexible enough in order to be able to offer complete solutions.”

Whereas Rio-Carb in the past has installed liners under its slogan of ‘fit-and-forget’, the company will in future capitalise on solutions provided in order to help promote best practice in the mining industry through successful case studies. “By focusing on wear itself, our clients are assured of solutions that will contribute dramatically to their bottom line. This is a win-win situation for ourselves and our clients.”

Suurd is embarking on an extensive roadshow to Rio-Carb’s major clients in order to introduce himself in his new role, and to promote the company’s new solutions-based approach. “We have longstanding relationships with many of our biggest clients, which have been critical in establishing us as the leading player in this highly-competitive market.”

In terms of market growth, Rio-Carb will focus on opportunities in Namibia, Zambia, Botswana and Mozambique, as part of its overall strategy to expand its reach in Southern Africa.

The manufacturer will also look at expanding its product range to cater for additional applications and requirements, and to increase the uptake of Chromium Carbide in the mining industry.