KEY POINTS
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Weir expands manufacturing and service operations across Africa.
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Gqeberha foundry capacity doubles to 800 tonnes monthly.
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New Alrode facility increases production of mining screens.
Mining equipment supplier Weir is expanding its manufacturing capacity and regional service network to improve equipment availability, reduce downtime and provide faster technical support to mining customers across Africa.
The company is investing in its South African operations while strengthening its presence in West and Central Africa, where mining activities involving gold, copper and critical minerals continue to grow.
Weir said the investments are aimed at improving production capacity, increasing access to spare parts and strengthening aftermarket services for mining companies operating in demanding conditions.
The strategy also reflects the growing need for reliable processing equipment as mines seek to improve productivity, maintain output and reduce operational disruptions.
South African factories receive major investments
Weir’s manufacturing expansion in South Africa covers its facilities in Alrode, Isando and Gqeberha, which serve customers across Africa and the wider Europe, Middle East and Africa region.
At its Alrode facility in Gauteng, the company has added a 1,600-square-metre production building to increase manufacturing capacity for its ENDURON Elite screening equipment.
The facility already handles pump and screen assembly, LINATEX rubber lining, hose manufacturing and regional distribution.
The expansion is expected to improve the availability of screening equipment and reduce delivery times for mining customers across African markets.
The ENDURON Elite banana screens manufactured at Alrode are designed for demanding mining operations and can measure up to 4.3 metres by 8.5 metres. Individual units can weigh more than 50 tonnes.
The equipment is designed to handle large processing volumes while maintaining efficiency and reliability in challenging mining environments.
Gqeberha doubles foundry capacity
Weir has also expanded its Heavy Bay Foundry in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, to increase production of large slurry pump components and heavy media cyclone equipment.
The investment has doubled the foundry’s production capacity from 400 tonnes a month to 800 tonnes a month.
The increased capacity is expected to support demand from mining customers in Africa and international markets.
At Isando, the company has developed its operation into an advanced manufacturing centre focused on smaller pump components, precision engineering and faster production turnaround.
These facilities form part of Weir’s wider strategy to manufacture more equipment and components closer to the markets where its mining customers operate.
Regional services target reduced downtime
Beyond manufacturing, Weir is investing in technical expertise, field service teams and strategically positioned inventories to improve support for mining operations.
The company said quick access to replacement parts and wear components is particularly important in mining, where equipment failures and unplanned maintenance can result in significant production losses.
In West Africa, Weir’s regional service centres and technical teams are intended to support mines located far from major industrial centres. The services include equipment maintenance, operational optimisation and access to replacement components.
The company is also strengthening its presence in Central Africa, where expanding copper and cobalt operations require dependable equipment and aftermarket support.
Through its regional infrastructure, Weir aims to help mining customers improve equipment performance, extend machinery life cycles and maintain production continuity.
Company strengthens long-term African commitment
Weir said its investments in local manufacturing, technical capabilities and regional distribution are intended to bring its services closer to mining customers across the continent.
By combining manufacturing capacity with field support and readily available spare parts, the company expects to respond more quickly to customer requirements and improve the reliability of mining operations.
The expansion also positions its South African facilities as an important supply base for mining markets across Africa and beyond.
