From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

Heavy equipment manufacturer Case launched its newly re-designed backhoe loader, the V-series, into the South Africa market earlier in October. The new models feature fuel efficient engines, better controls and a redesigned cabin to improve maintenance and operator comfort. Case Construction South Africa MD Graham Forte speaks to Creamer Media’s Donna Slater about the new models.

Case Construction South Africa MD Graham Forte:

Sashnee Moodley:

Case is also supporting breast cancer awareness month in October with pink hats and initiatives to support women in the construction industry.

Case Construction South Africa MD Graham Forte:

Sashnee Moodley:

Steel producer ArcelorMittal South Africa launched its newly acquired ArcelorMittal Rail and Structures facility, last month, following the successful acquisition of the former Highveld Structural Mill, a transaction which was effective from August.

Tasneem Bulbulia:

The acquisition of this facility is posited to provide ArcelorMittal South Africa with an African edge to producing heavy-gauge mainline rail products to high-quality standards and to facilitate extended opportunities to address the critical railway infrastructure programmes in the region.

Presiding over the launch, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel lauded welcomed the opening of this facility and outlined how it came to fruition.

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel:

Tasneem Bulbulia:

Patel also highlighted the benefits this facility would engender

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel:

Tasneem Bulbulia:

He also acclaimed this facility would provide a competitive edge to the continent as it looks to boost its participation in the global steel market.

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel:

Tasneem Bulbulia:

ArcelorMittal South Africa South Africa CEO Kobus Verster also comments on the acquisition and launch. 

ArcelorMittal South Africa CEO Kobus Verster:

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.