When a leading Rustenburg-based
block-making company acquired an additional two Birkenmayer block-making
machines it was to increase its production capacity to 13 million bricks per
month. What is significant is that the 37-year-old company, Cemblocks (Pty)
Ltd, has only ever used Birkenmayer machinery and attributes its success, in
part, to Birkenmayer’s high-quality equipment, professional installation,
support, advice and machine spare parts that are readily and speedily available.
Cemblocks, which supplies leading
national contractors and retailers within the greater Rustenburg area, opened
its doors in 1981 and decided on Birkenmayer as its preferred supplier based only
on contractor word of mouth.
Over three decades later and
several Birkenmayer block-making plants, the company is recognised as one of
the leading block manufacturers in the North West Province. Their current equipment
comprises a VB1, purchased when the company began production, a VB4, two VB5
block-making machines and one VB6. The significance of the company’s
expansion using only Birkenmayer equipment and services bears testimony to the
reliability and durability of Birkenmayer machinery, while professional advice
and OEM spares add to the equation.
“The VB1 purchased in ’81 is a
mechanical miracle,” says Cemblocks CEO Francois Alberts. “Birkenmayer assisted
with the plant assembly and we feel that this is a key contributing factor to
their equipment’s durability – correct procedures from installation through the
entire process up to initiating production.”
He says the plant operated on
24-hour shifts for many years and that its lifespan in combined shifts amounts
to approximately four decades. “Despite its age the plant continuously delivers
1 500 pallets of product
per day in nine-hour shifts and we have only had to replace the PLC
once,” emphasises Alberts.
“An endorsement of this nature,”
comments a Birkenmayer representative, “proves the durability, reliability and
consistency of Birkenmayer brick- and block-making machinery and parts.”
He says that once a Birkenmayer
plant is installed it is very seldom replaced due to production challenges.
“More often than not the plant
changes hands as company ownership changes, but machine durability ensures
ongoing production,” he explains.
As testimony to Birkenmayer’s
equipment production potential, when Rustenburg’s Midtown Mall was built in the
mid-80s, Cemblocks supplied the only contractor with all their brick
requirements making use of only one Birkenmayer VB1 block-maker over 24-hour
shifts.
“In our 37-year history we have
seen many other plants producing other suppliers’ products and spoken to
numerous brick and block producers’ owners and senior executives. Our own
experience, reinforced by these opinions, means we can say without fear of
contradiction that Birkenmayer has contributed to Cemblocks’ growth through its
equipment, guidance, support and parts availability,” Alberts states.
The company’s product range
comprises solid large blocks, maxis, stock bricks, several paving products,
retaining wall blocks and Rock Face bricks. Cemblocks also manufactures
tailor-made products on request.
Although 1,200 tons of material is used to produce the
daily production average of between 1,200 and 1,600 pallets per shift,
Birkenmayer’s equipment versatility means Cemblocks can produce normal daily
requirements of a particular product on any one of the Birkenmayer plants. This
results in far fewer mould changes and ultimately increased uptime.
The Birkenmayer range of brick-
and block-making machines was re-branded several years ago from ‘VB’ to ‘HB’ to
steer away from competitor branding. Aside from design upgrades and changes in
pallet sizes there are no significant changes to the range. Clients can rest
assured that regardless of model name or class, Birkenmayer’s block-making machinery
is as reliable as it has been for over 30 years.
About Birkenmayer South Africa
Birkenmayer South Africa, with its
extensive knowledge in industrial processing solutions, has over 50 years’
experience in the South African building materials and concrete production
market.
Birkenmayer locally manufactures
a wide range of reputable, robust, easy-to-operate and cost-considerate brick-
and block-making machines and Eirich industrial mixers, as well as supplying
Hydronix digital microwave moisture meters.
Birkenmayer South Africa also
provides complete industrial processing solutions where plants are designed,
manufactured and installed to specific client requirements. Birkenmayer offers
overall assistance in the planning of complete processing projects.
More information from Tel:
+27(0)11 970 3880 / www.birkenmayer.co.za
