Western Cape-based building and materials supply group Els Group has invested in a Sandvik QA331 mobile screen worth R2-million to increase output from its subsidiary OJ Plant Hire sand mine, which has opened up new business opportunities for the group.
Initially, Els Group purchased the mobile screen to use higher volumes of its own product, however, the quality of the end product has found a ready acceptance among local building contractors, says mining and marketing company Innovexx director Alessandro Scherf, who represents the Els Group in the Western Cape.
“The original intention was to run the machine a few days a week after its purchase in May; however, to date, it has proved to be very fuel efficient, owing to the CAT engine that is fitted to standard on the screen,” he notes.
With Innovexx sales engineer Jacques Otto having suggested the Sandvik screen for operations at the Els Group mine, he advised the 40 mm top screen over the 25 mm in order for it to give better soil for filling.
“This has allowed us to expand our client base in a number of different areas. Apart from the ability to deliver high-quality sand to local builders, we now have a plentiful supply of sand for use,” says Els Group owner Ockie Els.
He adds that this has led to a new avenue of business as the company has secured a contract to supply ready-mix cement. Also, this has led to business opportunities in the agricultural sector for the company.