Bosch Holdings engineering the new Mkuze sugarcane facility in KZN
April 2021
News
Bosch Holdings was appointed as the consulting engineer for the design and project management of a new cane trans-loading station in Mkuze. The new facility will assist small-scale sugarcane farmers in the Makhathini region, on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. The new rail side facility incorporates the design and installation of advanced equipment, including a new spiller, which is capable of offloading road vehicles at a rate of over 300 tons per hour, over a 24 hour period.
“A decommissioned spiller was sourced by Bosch Projects, in collaboration with Bosch Trading, a subsidary of Bosch Engenharia of Brazil,” says Bosch Holdings’ Bill Yeo. “After dismantling and refurbishment, the spiller was shipped to Durban, where it arrived in record time, reducing the project timelines by six months. The spiller design has been upgraded by Bosch Engenharia engineers to have a pull-out force of 50 tons and the hooking bar has been modified to accommodate the dimensions of South African vehicles. Other modifications include conversion to a frequency of 50 Hz and a robust control system that is suitable for harsh outdoor agricultural conditions.
“The Bosch Holdings team is proud to be part of this initiative that will benefit nearly 2000 small-scale sugarcane farmers. From the beginning of the upcoming sugar season, cane grown in the Makhathini region will be transported by road to the new trans-loading facility at Mkuze and transferred by the spiller, from road trucks to rail wagons, for transportation to the Felixton mill.
“With the new trans-loading station, small-scale farmers, who have been struggling with crippling transport expenses for some time, are expected to benefit from a total savings in operational costs of about R6,8-million per year. This initiative also creates jobs during construction and operation of the rail siding. Another significant benefit will be a reduction in the volume of trucks on congested roads.”
Bosch Projects, which has served the global sugar industry for over 60 years, works closely with its sister company, Bosch Engenharia, to develop high-performance equipment that adheres to stringent international quality standards and meets exact requirements for cost-efficiency and optimum productivity in the sugar sector.
Bosch Trading acquires and supplies both new and refurbished plant and equipment from Brazil, on behalf of South African sugar clients. This service is a significant benefit in reducing project costs and reducing installation timelines.
Further reading:
Meeting the Western Cape’s occupational health and safety needs
News
“A-OSH EXPO Cape Town is a dedicated platform where visitors can explore the latest products, services and training to safeguard their teams, improve workplace conditions, and ensure compliance with evolving legislation.
Read more...
SKF crowned champions in Sishen service provider competition
SKF South Africa
News
SKF wins Sishen service provider competition.
Read more...
Bühler hosts Student Career Expo
News
Bühler Southern Africa recently hosted its fourth annual Student Career Expo, reaffirming its commitment to inspiring and guiding the next generation towards diverse and rewarding career possibilities.
Read more...
Navigating global uncertainty through human-centred risk management
News
Global uncertainties are no longer exceptional events, they are the environment in which we work. This reality places new demands on how we manage risk.
Read more...
Africa Automation Indaba 2026: Catalysing a connected, competitive industrial future
News
Africa’s automation and process control landscape is poised for a major milestone with the launch of the Africa Automation Indaba, taking place from
13 to 14 May 2026 at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront, Cape Town.
Read more...
The unseen crisis in our taps
News
South Africa’s water crisis is no longer looming. It is already here. To move forward, water treatment must become part of a broader infrastructure renewal agenda. This includes decentralised solutions, private-sector innovation and long-term investment.
Read more...
German experts for bulk solids measurement technology join forces
Mecosa
News
MÜTEC Instruments in Germany has acquired DYNA Instruments. the German manufacturer of inline moisture and mass flow measurement systems.
Read more...
Specialised Exhibitions transitions to new name: Montgomery Group Africa
News
As part of a strategic move to streamline operations, strengthen regional alignment and support long-term growth, Specialised Exhibitions has transitioned to a new name: Montgomery Group Africa.
Read more...
RS South Africa and Qhubeka empower learners through the gift of mobility
RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa, in partnership with Qhubeka Charity, is continuing to make a tangible difference in the lives of South African learners through its bicycle donation initiative.
Read more...
A technical partnership that lasts
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
News
Ian Loudon, international sales and marketing at remote monitoring specialist, Omniflex reflects on the longevity of the partnership with Sasol, the key technology milestones along the way, and the most recent project in South Africa.
Read more...
printer friendly version