Crane manufacturer Condra is solidifying its position as a supplier of cranes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), leveraging its expertise in durable, application-specific equipment to meet the region’s demanding mining and industrial needs.

The company last year delivered a 21-m-span, 5 t single-girder overhead crane to a copper and cobalt mine in the Katanga province.

The crane, designed for general workshop duties, demonstrates Condra’s ability to align its engineering capabilities with the practical requirements of clients, says MD Marc Kleiner.

The crane design, representative of many cranes manufactured for the DRC market, offers a functional, durable and robust lifting solution.

The simplified overhead crane is well suited to standard factory and mining applications and is often ordered without optional refinements such as full automation technology, load cells, digital readout interfaces, walkways, audiovisual safety warnings and anti-collision systems.

The crane was completed in just four weeks at Condra’s factory in Johannesburg, South Africa, the efficiency of which Kleiner attributes to the manufacturer’s extensive stock of sub-assemblies.

“We hold around 250 sub-assemblies in stock, which enables us to accelerate production timelines significantly. In this case, only the box girder had to be manufactured from scratch, enabling us to deliver the crane swiftly while maintaining our high standards of quality.”

Kleiner notes that, as the only crane supplier with an established agency in the DRC, Condra combines innovative engineering with localised support to meet the practical requirements of clients, entrenching its role in the region’s mining and industrial growth.

Condra sold its first crane destined for the DRC in 2008.

Further, Condra’s approach to crane design in the DRC reflects its emphasis on functionality and durability over unnecessary complexity, says Kleiner.

While the single-girder crane delivered to the mine in Katanga is considered a simpler design, it is robust enough to handle the rigours of the mining environment.

Condra’s lifting equipment, including hoists, is engineered to be tougher than comparable products from Europe or China, he adds.

However, Kleiner advises that the preference for rugged and “straightforward” equipment does not necessarily imply a lack of interest in technological advancment, pointing out that political considerations and commercial attitudes could play a significant role in shaping this trend despite increasing demand for automation and other advanced features as industries in the DRC modernise.

“Automation is a sensitive issue because it can lead to job losses, which raises political concerns. However, apart from automation, there is scope for more advanced features to become part of future projects.”

Success Factors

Shipping large, heavy equipment to remote regions such as the DRC presents unique logistical challenges, which Condra has mastered through decades of experience, Kleiner says.

The company plans meticulously to ensure all crane components, such as girders and sub-assemblies, reach their destinations in optimal condition having either been crated or otherwise protected to withstand long, and sometimes arduous, journeys.

“In some cases, poor road conditions necessitate a more tailored approach. We design spliced girders that can be containerised for easier transport. These sections are bolted together on site, ensuring seamless assembly and minimal risk of damage during transit.”

This level of attention to detail not only ensures product reliability, but also enhances Condra’s reputation for reliability in challenging markets, he adds.

In addition, a key factor contributing to Condra’s success in the DRC is its ability to provide responsive, localised support. With a Kolwezi-based technical team and an authorised agent in Kitwe, Zambia, the company ensures rapid service and maintenance, thereby reducing downtime and ensuring quick turnaround for clients.

“Our competitors do not have agents in the DRC, which puts us in a strong position to offer superior service,” Kleiner states.

This proximity has also enhanced Condra’s competitiveness in securing tenders for new projects, with the single- girder crane for the Katanga client a “prime example” of how the company’s localised approach and technical expertise “give it an edge over competitors”.

Proven Strategy

Condra continually adapts its offerings, such as refining its designs, to align with the unique requirements of the region’s mining and manufacturing sectors.

“Our 60 years of experience in design and manufacturing have allowed us to evolve in line with the needs of Africa’s industries,” Kleiner says, adding that the company remains committed to maintaining this adaptability as market conditions change.

Despite its focus on Africa, Condra also operates manufacturing facilities in Cape Town, South Africa; and Dryanovo, Bulgaria.

These strategically chosen locations – in addition to its headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa – optimise production and logistics, enabling the company to meet the diverse demands of clients across different regions.