A lack of access to finance and the fluctuating price of steel is constraining hydraulic equipment supplier Ezindaleni Hydraulics and Engineering’s manufacturing capabilities as it takes on work for mining industry clients that require a quick turnaround.

“When funding is not forthcoming, it becomes a challenge because most of the mining companies work on [sustaining a high level of] production volumes, and whenever they have breakdowns, they prefer that these can be attended to as soon as possible so that production does not get hindered,” highlights Ezindaleni CEO Letladi Makhudu.

He explains that the shifting steel price creates a considerable impediment to Ezindaleni’s transacting capabilities, as it forces the company to increase the pricing of its hydraulics products to ensure sustained profitability.

Nonetheless, Makhudu highlights that the company endeavours to pursue the correct funding options to improve and increase its operational scalability, while continuing to carry stock of hydraulic cylinders of all types.

The company manufactures, designs and repairs hydraulic cylinders, jacks and underground trailers, and Makhudu emphasises the need to ensure that this equipment and its spares are constantly available to timeously service clients in the mining industry.

Ezindaleni is not solely focused on one area of hydraulics specialisation, and is capable of undertaking maintenance and repairs on different mine equipment, including shuttle cars, excavator buckets and scraper conveyor chains.

For Ezindaleni, technology plays a crucial role in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the manufacturing and design processes within its operations. The company indicates that it relies on technology and improved manufacturing efficiency to reduce any safety-related incidents.

Further, the company uses a high technology test bench to conduct tests and to assess its hydraulic cylinders in terms of their quality and performance. These tests are also used by the company to indicate to their clients the parameters that the hydraulic cylinders can operate within.

“The test bench helps us in terms of matching what the original-equipment manufacturer [OEM] has given you when you purchase the original equipment. So, you are guaranteed that when you bring your hydraulic cylinders to us, they will leave our workshop meeting the OEM standard,” explains Makhudu.

He states that interactive technologies, such as social media, have also played a significant role in Ezindaleni’s marketing capabilities as it has facilitated an increase in the company’s public exposure and the company’s engagement with clients in other sectors of the local economy.

Social impact

Apart from its operations in Gauteng and North West province, Makhudu highlights that the majority of Ezindaleni’s business is conducted in Middelburg, in Mpumalanga, creating jobs there and assisting in regional upskilling.

“The creation of employment is one of the impacts that we have on society. The majority of our employees are based in Middelburg and this contributes to reducing unemployment in the town. We are also supporting other small businesses and suppliers in Middelburg through the supply of our steel materials, thereby demonstrating that we are contributing to the economy of Middelburg and Mpumalanga at large,” he asserts.

In terms of an environmental contribution, Ezindaleni insists on using licensed waste centers for the disposal of waste materials. Moreover, the company pays significant attention to the manner in which it manages this, with waste being classified into varying categories, ranging from recyclable to hazardous, thereby reinforcing a commitment to environmental sustainability.