PFERD wins top award at KITE
September 2023
News
PFERD-South Africa has been awarded the prestigious General Machinery and Equipment award in the International Company Design and Manufacture category for its innovative CC-GRIND ROBUST grinding wheel at the Innovation and New Product Awards at the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition.
PFERD’s CC-GRIND ROBUST is a modern, high-performance and ergonomic grinding solution developed with environmental sustainability, productivity and ergonomics in mind. The CC-GRIND ROBUST is an efficient alternative to conventional grinding discs, flap discs and fibre discs. Launched in South Africa in the first quarter of 2023, this innovative patented solution transforms metal stock removal processes to maximise productivity, cost effectiveness, and operational efficiency.

From l: Jonathan Porter, export business development advisor, PFERD South Africa; Leon Viljoen, VSM application specialist, PFERD South Africa; Eric Bruggeman, CEO, South African Capital Equipment Export Council; Roelof Strydom, marketing coordinator, PFERD South Africa; Sugen Moodley, technical sales advisor, PFERD South Africa; Matthew Corin, Specialised Exhibitions; Gary Corin, managing director, Specialised Exhibitions, a division of Montgomery Group.
The advantages of the CC-GRIND ROBUST are that stock removal is significantly faster and the process noticeably more ergonomic when compared to conventional grinding consumables. The CC-GRIND ROBUST is significantly more durable compared to traditional fibre and flap discs, and achieves a far superior surface finish compared to traditional grinding discs. The product’s design and construction, which is focused on efficiency improvement and ergonomics, results in faster processing times, increased comfort, better safety, and significantly reduced levels of dust, noise and vibration.
The CC-GRIND ROBUST’s lightweight design and high stock removal rate makes it both energy- and cost-efficient. The product does not require any special equipment, and can therefore be used on regular angle grinders, making it ideal for everyday tasks on steel and stainless steel such as surface grinding, weld dressing, deburring, chamfering, and removing imperfections.
Entries to the 2023 Innovation and New Product Awards were assessed by independent adjudicator Eric Bruggeman, CEO of the South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC). Bruggeman says he was impressed by the capabilities of this innovative grinding wheel, its ability to make operations more efficient, and how it makes life easier for the operator.
“We are delighted that the CC-GRIND ROBUST, a product that PFERD is proud of developing, has been recognised at the highly respected Innovation and New Product Awards,” says Dennis Phillips, national sales manager at PFERD-South Africa. “The award is testament to the quality and performance that underpins this unique solution, which is unmatched by any other product in the market. As leaders in the development, production, support, and distribution of premium tool solutions for work on surfaces, PFERD has long been committed to excellence and innovation. Globally, the business is at the forefront of international metal fabrication developments, providing the advanced abrasives and tools needed by industry.”
Further reading:
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...
Beyond the exhibition: AATF 2025 Conference lineup brings exclusive
News
While the Africa Automation Technology Fair (AATF) 2025 exhibition floor will showcase cutting-edge automation solutions, the real game-changing insights will be found within the conference halls.
Read more...
How to claim CPD points
SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
News
SAIMC makes it possible for you to claim CPD points for attending courses and technical meetings, or completing an online quiz on a
SA Instrumentation & Control magazine.
Read more...
Festo celebrates its centenary
Festo South Africa
News
Creating added customer value through innovation has been the driving force behind the family-owned company from the beginning and remains the key to Festo’s success today. The company’s anniversary is being celebrated with employees, customers and partners worldwide throughout the year.
Read more...
RS Group cements its position as an ESG leader
News
RS Group has announced its inclusion in the prestigious CDP A-list, having improved its CDP rating this year from A- to A for its commitment to climate action, environmental transparency and disclosure
Read more...
ECSA awards full accreditation to IIE degrees
News
The Independent Institute of Education has received full accreditation from ECSA. This is the first private higher education provider in the country to be recognised in this manner by the industry authority.
Read more...
Growing demand for staple foods in Africa drives Bühler’s growth
News
Opportunities in strengthening local supply chains, especially within food processing and agribusiness, will be the main focus for Bühler Southern Africa in 2025.
Read more...
South African students advance to international round of Young Researchers awards
News
Two Masters in Engineering students from Stellenbosch University have advanced to the international round of the 2025 Blue Sky Young Researchers and Innovation competition. Their projects impressed the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa for their originality and relevance to the forestry sector, which plays a key role in producing wood and paper.
Read more...
The ultimate range for design and repair
RS South Africa
News
Design and repair are fundamental aspects of any industry. The launch of the new RS PRO Design & Repair range caters to a wide array of industries, including discrete and process manufacturing, energy and utilities, facilities management and intralogistics.
Read more...
Why Africa needs automation now
News
The upcoming Africa Automation Technology Fair will bring together industry leaders, policymakers and innovators to chart Africa’s automation future.
Read more...