Solid Wedge successfully completes Royal Swazi plant expansion project
May 2022
News
Leveraging its experience in the field, Solid Wedge recently supplied, installed and commissioned electrical and instrumentation equipment for Royal Swazi Sugar Corporation Limited’s (RSSCL) Mhlume Sugar Factory capacity expansion and efficiency improvement project.
RSSCL’s Mhlume mill is a dual tandem setup with a milling tandem capacity of 175 tchr and a diffusion tandem capacity of 175 tchr. The combined capacity of 350 tchr is sufficient to process about 1,6 million tons of cane in a season.
To meet rising demand, RSSCL embarked on a capacity expansion project that entailed the construction of a new plant and expansion of the existing one. Here, the Swaziland stock exchange-listed company sought the services of Solid Wedge to supply, install and commission electrical and instrumentation equipment.
While the project was awarded in August 2017, execution of the four-month project started during the January to May 2018 period. “The scope was sizeable, and project timelines were tight and inflexible due to the client’s production requirements,” explained Lloyd Dzinotyiwei, MD of Solid Wedge. “Despite the tight timeline, the project was completed on time and within budget.”
According to Dzinotyiwei, Solid Wedge’s track record as a reliable equipment supplier, and its reputation in previous projects for the same client, were key in the awarding of the R5,5 million project. In addition to mobilisation and demobilisation, site management and supervision, the project scope included the supply of tools and equipment, consumables, scaffolding as well as transport and lifting equipment.
“The scope of the project also entailed the supply and installation of LV panels, variable speed drives, power cables and accessories, lighting and power sockets, cable trays and support, as well as instruments cables,” concluded Dzinotyiwei.
Further reading:
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments
News
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments to support grid readiness for the AI era.
Read more...
Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.
Read more...
What to expect at Africa Automation Indaba 2026: From AI readiness to bankable automation projects
RX Africa
News
Africa Automation Indaba 2026 will give delegates a practical view of what it takes to move automation from ambition to implementation with a two-day programme focused on industrial readiness, skills development, policy alignment, investment realities and the future of intelligent operations.
Read more...
SKF achieves SaiMechE CPD accreditation
SKF South Africa
News
SKF South Africa has achieved SaiMechE CPD accreditation, a decisive step that empowers the next generation of engineers.
Read more...
Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy
ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...
40 years of PC-based control
Beckhoff Automation
News
When Beckhoff elevated the industrial computer to the status of a central control system four decades ago, a paradigm shift occurred.
Read more...
One visit, five shows: practical solutions for safer, smarter operations
News
Five co-located shows will bring together the full picture of how organisations manage risk, compliance, infrastructure and energy.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: A little bit of magic
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Whatever your view is of America today, the Artemis II mission showed the world that it can still deliver moments of wonder. For a few days, the chaotic headlines gave way to something more. Who could
...
Read more...
Electra Mining Africa 2026
News
Electra Mining Africa will take place at Nasrec, Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026.
Read more...
Woman of Stature Awards South Africa
News
In a powerful recognition of excellence in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Thabisile Phumo won the Woman in Mining and Engineering award at the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa.
Read more...