The sugar masterplan being implemented by the government has seen a commitment from large users to procure at least 80% of their requirements from local growers. This is good news to companies like Bearings International (BI), for which the sugar industry is a major growth market. From growing sugar cane on the agricultural side to sugar refineries on the production side, BI plays a key role in this important economic sector. With 60 years’ experience servicing the industry, it has gained meaningful expertise and established itself as a critical supplier.
“The sugar industry remains a major focus and contributor to our portfolio,” comments Nick Allanson, segment development leader: Sugar. “As a distributor of various quality brands in the industrial power transmission sector, we are able to incorporate these products into the drive solutions we supply to the sugar industry.”
Nick Allanson.
These solutions relate to the conveyor equipment used to move cane through all the stages required to extract the sucrose, to the final movement of the waste by-product used as a combustible fuel source for boilers. Reliable conveyor systems are critical for sugar mills to maintain productivity, as any stoppages have a knock-on effect along the entire process.
BI focuses on stocking the loose components that play an important role when servicing the sugar industry. Loose components are vital for the refurbishment of chains, a focus of BI’s for many years. Extending the life of chains is essential to assist in reducing the operational costs of sugar mills. Without a large stock of these loose components, BI would be unable to contribute to reducing the total cost of ownership of these chains.
BI is the official distributor for Senqcia Chain, formerly Hitachi, manufactured in Japan, and Ewart Chain, manufactured in England. Orders for new chains and components are placed months in advance, with sizes and quantities to suit the various conveyor carriers. BI also supplies high-quality transmission chain, bearings, industrial gearboxes and lubricants for the sugar industry. On-site inspections throughout the year form part of its value-added service offering.
Environmental sustainability is a major focus in the sugar industry at present, coupled with socio-economic goals to ensure that adequate job creation and training initiatives are in place. “BI’s own social and environmental policies have much in common with that of the sugar industry,” concludes Allanson. “Therefore we see ourselves as an aligned partner and look forward to a positive long-term future.”
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