SKF has appointed a new authorised distributor in Namibia as it looks to grow its network to deliver “innovative bearing and rotation technology solutions to customers across the sub-continent”, Christian Murman, SKF South Africa’s Business Development Manager – Neighbouring Countries, says.

Namibian Lubrication Systems (NLS), which specialises in the supply of lubrication equipment and systems to the industrial and mining sectors across the entire Erongo, Khomas, Karas and Otjozondjupa regions of Namibia, has been an SKF authorised distributor since September 2019.

The company was established by André Bezuidenhout in Oranjemund in 2000 and, in the same year, it was appointed as the sole distributor for Lincoln Lubrication South Africa, part of the SKF global group. NLS also holds the title as the only company in Namibia qualified to service and repair all Lincoln Lubrication equipment.

Murman explains how SKF and NLS have been collaborating since being the Namibia-based company came on board as an authorised distributor: “While calling on customers together with our new authorised distributor, we received an enquiry from a gold mine for a replacement bearing for their stock for an upcoming project in Q1 (March quarter) 2020.”

The gold mine shared a long history with NLS and Lincoln products giving the company an in-depth knowledge of the operation, SKF said.

“But, as a newly appointed SKF authorised dealer, NLS was still on a learning curve regarding SKF products and thus decided to call upon the expertise of SKF’s Engineering Department. Cody Petersen, Junior Project Engineer at SKF, was considered as the best person to assist in making this project a bonafide success.”

After putting heads together, the SKF 4176 ECAK30/C3W33 replacement bearing was recommended. NLS submitted a quote and, after a follow-up call, the mine placed the order in November.

This successful project and collaboration between the companies affirms SKF’s decision to appoint NLS as an authorised distributor, SKF said.

“The company has an excellent footprint within the country, boasts a stellar reputation for on-site service and has technicians on contract at most of the mines in Namibia who look after Lincoln products,” Murman said.

Now, as a SKF authorised distributor, NLS is responsible for delivering the comprehensive SKF product and service portfolio in Namibia focusing on a condition monitoring service delivered by the company’s technicians who have been specifically trained in this field.

“NLS’ ultimate goal is to have multi-skilled technicians that are able to offer customers a complete maintenance package, thereby securing all the Lincoln Lubrication and SKF product offerings,” SKF said.

Murman concluded: “The success of this project solidifies our position as a powerhouse duo in the Namibian mining space. Furthermore, this agreement enables us to leverage off our Lincoln Distributor’s excellent reputation in the local market.

“When customers can see the real value that our authorised dealers add to their mine, plant or operation and realise that they are able to rely on their expertise, it becomes a win-win scenario.”