Beyond Rolling Stock – Transnet Engineering Now Manufactures Key Port Equipment
Transnet Engineering (TE), which has for 150 years focused solely on rolling stock maintenance, is now actively operating in the maritime space, doing research, design, manufacturing, refurbishment, and maintenance of port equipment.
According to Tshwanelo Tswai, Transnet Engineering General Manager for Manufacturing & Ports, through this diversification and expansion of the TE footprint, they are developing new business opportunities with other Transnet operating divisions (ODs) and external players in the market, as well as venturing into African ports & other international markets.
“Transnet is the lifeblood of South Africa’s economy and across the organisation, in every OD, we are committed to unlocking opportunities and improving the way we service our customers, to achieve economic growth. At TE, that meant exploring new markets and after only three years, we can confidently say that we no longer rely solely on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). We are manufacturing from scratch right here at our plants, driving skills development and job creation, as well as ensuring optimal utilisation of TE assets and capabilities for the sustainability of the industry,” said Tswai.
TE is currently supporting the ports of Cape Town, Saldanha, Richards Bay, Durban, Gqeberha and Ngqura, demonstrating that they are able to manufacture, repair and refurbish, assemble and maintain port handling equipment, including port haulers, trailers, skips and straddle carriers, among others.
Leading stakeholders on a site tour of the TE Salt River plant this week, Siyabonga Maqabangqa, Executive Manager for Port Business, explained that Transnet Engineering was looking into future capacity through research and development, that would see them eventually manufacture some equipment like bogeys in its entirety, and not just certain components as is currently the case.
“We currently do repairs and refurbishment of the rubber-tyred gantries staircases, a component that takes a significant beating in the container terminals, but we also have the capacity to design and manufacture these from scratch,” he said.
Transnet Engineering Corporate Affairs Executive, Zodwa Mashishi, emphasised that this expansion of operational capacity means TE is able to support other ODs in improving operations.
“TE is now able to support Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) and Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) with equipment manufactured on home soil, which ultimately reduces lead times and improves their ability to service their customers more effectively, especially given that time is always critical in the logistics sector,” she said.
Transnet Engineering is poised to significantly increase its market share in the port equipment maintenance and manufacturing sector. These initiatives will not only strengthen TE’s position within South Africa but also establish its presence as a key player across the African continent and restore stakeholder confidence in Transnet Engineering.