Kuruman is located among some of the biggest iron ore and manganese deposits in the world. Fuchs Lubricants South Africa has a branch with a 600 m2 warehouse, as well as offices, in this important mining hub.
Iron ore and manganese are vital ingredients in steel manufacturing. South Africa is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters, especially to China. These commodities are important to the economy as the sector generates significant employment opportunities and revenue.
Martiens Bester, Kuruman branch manager, has 28 years’ experience in the lubrication industry. He started his career with Lubritene in 1995, which was acquired by Fuchs in 2015.
Bester mentions that the Kuruman team has 100 years’ collective experience, and notes that three service technicians also carry out maintenance on-site at key client mining sites.
“Our major focus is to proactively address any issues our clients may experience. Customer service is what keeps our doors open,” he says.
A key differentiator for Fuchs Kuruman is that it offers a pump-on service, especially for large hydraulic mining shovels, which must always be fully operational for maximum productivity.
The main products supplied are Fuchs’ high-performance, semi-synthetic mining greases. Renolit Lubrene LMG 960 EP 2 is a grease with semi-synthetic base oil, extreme pressure additives and solid lubricants. It exhibits excellent anti-wear and load carrying capacity and is recommended for the lubrication of slow-speed anti-friction bearings, pins and bushes and universal joints and axles.
Commenting on growth opportunities for Fuchs in the region, Bester says the iron ore and manganese sector presents much scope for expansion of existing operations.
Fuchs has existing contracts with most of the major mining houses represented in the area. In addition, ancillary sectors such as earthmoving contractors are supplied, and Fuchs is looking to branch out into other market segments and applications in the Northern Cape.
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