In a strategic move to bolster its African operations, Normet Africa has inaugurated a cutting-edge service centre in Jet Park, Gauteng. This facility, sprawling over 4,800 square meters, is a testament to the company’s commitment to enhancing service delivery and uptime for underground mining activities across the continent.
The new headquarters, which is significantly larger than its predecessor, is designed to streamline operations by housing a comprehensive workshop, a component workshop, and six service bays equipped with a 15-ton overhead crane. This expansion allows Normet Africa to internalize functions previously outsourced, thereby improving efficiency and response times.
Johan Strydom, Normet Africa’s director, expressed his enthusiasm about the new centre, stating that it marks a substantial upgrade in terms of warehouse space and capabilities. The facility now supports the Southern African region up to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with spare parts from Johannesburg and can handle sea freight, a new addition to the company’s logistics.
Normet Africa’s growth trajectory over the past six years has been remarkable, with significant inroads made in countries like Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, and particularly the DRC. The company’s next phase of growth is anticipated to come from innovative product offerings, including battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology.
The first BEV project commenced in the last quarter of 2023, and the company foresees that within the next five years, underground electric equipment will become commonplace in advanced African mining jurisdictions. Preparing for the uptake of BEV technology, Normet Africa is investing in the development of its service personnel to meet the increasing global demand for BEV technicians.
In addition to its technical advancements, Normet Africa has achieved Level 4 black economic empowerment compliance, further solidifying its position in the South African market. The company has also established growth nodes through dealer partnerships or direct in-country presence to enhance customer proximity and meet localisation requirements.
Normet Africa’s service agreement model is central to its business strategy, ensuring efficient and cost-effective supply chain management. The presence of technicians on mine sites facilitates real-time communication and swift response to breakdowns, with spare parts ready to ship from Johannesburg or the central distribution warehouse in the Netherlands.
The company leverages its global relationships as part of the Finland-headquartered Normet group, offering high-quality, technologically competitive equipment. By being transparent and realistic about lead times, Normet Africa sets itself apart from competitors.
Source: Mining Weekly
