The recent move by Sandvik Mining & Rock Solutions to its new and upgraded Khomanani facility in South Africa has boosted the company’s already considerable service capabilities. The modern premises near Kempton Park in Gauteng include a mega-workshop that now rates among the global company’s largest facilities, according to Imraan Amod, Business Line Manager – Services at Sandvik Mining & Rock Solutions.
“Our workshop incorporates both the mechanical soft-rock cutting business and the hard-rock mining business,” says Amod. He highlights that this configuration has allowed the integration of skills and competencies of each field under one roof, strengthening the company’s ability to support its product range with a depth and breadth of expertise.
There is also added capability that includes an extensive new bead blasting bay, large wash bay with robotic washers, modern spray painting bay and newly equipped machine shop. “We have invested heavily in the most up-to-date machinery such as vertical and horizontal boring mills, milling machines and CNC machines,” he says. “It is an ongoing priority that we stay abreast of the latest technology available.”
He also notes the commitment of Sandvik Mining & Rock Solutions to excellence in its technical skills, supported by ongoing training and coaching of personnel. This is combined with experience in the field, to deliver quality service solutions.
“As part of our continuous adaptation to changing customer needs, we are also operationalising a ‘roving team’ to provide OEM intervention support on site as and when necessary,” says Amod. “The aim of this strategy to help customers to resolve relatively minor issues on any of their machines, without having to take them out of service for transportation to a formal workshop setting.”
He emphasises that this flexible and agile team will have the experience and skills to deliver services that meet stringent OEM standards. This is always a significant consideration, as it assures the customer of a quality result that does not introduce any legal liability. “There may be safety and warranty implications when using non-OEM repairers, so the roving team will help mines to remain compliant while maximising uptime,” he says.
