Transmission company Bibby Turboflex has secured an order for eight backstops from petrochemicals group Sasol and an order for two replacement backstops from iron-ore miner Kumba Iron Ore for use on conveyor applications. The units will be delivered in mid-February.

It has also, over the past two years, supplied 32 backstops to JSE-listed Exxaro Resources’ R9.5-billion Grootegeluk Medupi expansion project, which will supply State-owned power utility Eskom’s Medupi power station with 14.6-million tons of coal a year.

Backstops are fitted to motors or gears to prevent the accidental reverse movement of the load on inclined conveyors in the event of a power or motor failure.

“Motors and drives power most applications in industry. We supply backstops on behalf of one of the largest suppliers, US-based Marland, which continuously improves its product through the use of the best materials available and the implementation of the highest-quality standards,” says Bibby Turboflex sales and marketing manager Kevin Gill.

Bibby Turboflex is the sole Southern African importer and distributor of the full Marland product range.

The backstops are manufactured with improved multiple drive load-share systems and improved release technology, which enhance the safety aspects of conveyors.

The Marland backstops are used in sectors such as heavy materials handling, industrial machinery, gear reducers, precision clutches for helicopters, nuclear power plants, bottling, food and beverage, as well as in specialised printing machines.

Further, Gill says Bibby Turboflex is planning to expand its market share in the domestic motors and drives sector and that it hopes to achieve this by re-employing former Bibby Turboflex staff.

The company will also continue to market its product and service offering in the geographical areas where it has a stronghold, while exploring new areas and applications.

It will also implement new systems to improve its sales and aftermarket effectiveness.