Global refractory and industrial solutions provider Dickinson Group of Companies (DGC) Africa, with several operations across sub-Saharan Africa, is aiming to redefine the landscape of industrial furnace rebuilds through its comprehensive turnkey project approach.

This approach streamlines project execution, enhances operational efficiency, and offers significant cost and time savings, says DGC Africa South Africa operations and international business head Wynand Boshoff.

Leveraging advanced planning techniques and cutting-edge technology enables the company to deliver high-performance, fully operational furnaces, he explains.

Through this holistic approach, DGC Africa can provide efficient, safe and compliant furnace rebuilds that are crucial in the dynamic industrial environment, and which require careful management and expert execution.

A turnkey project in the context of industrial furnace rebuilds represents a full-service model, where DGC Africa assumes complete responsibility, from project inception to completion, Boshoff tells Engineering News.

This approach begins with a thorough assessment of a client’s requirements and existing infrastructure, followed by the development of a detailed project roadmap. DGC Africa’s engineering team then creates bespoke solutions tailored to specific operational requirements, ensuring future scalability.

“We manage all procurement and logistics, sourcing high-quality materials and cutting-edge equipment to ensure compatibility and cost-effectiveness,” Boshoff explains.

The company’s skilled teams then execute the physical rebuild with precision while adhering to stringent safety standards and industry best practices, he says.

This approach mitigates risks, provides peace of mind for clients, minimises delays and optimises resource allocation while often resulting in faster completion and cost savings.

Further, Boshoff highlights that the DGC Africa contractors managing these projects are adept at integrating strict safety standards and environmental regulations throughout the project duration.

This comprehensive focus ensures that all operations, from demolition to final commissioning, meet or exceed the required safety and regulatory benchmarks, providing peace of mind and mitigating potential risks, he adds.

“Our meticulous pre-project planning involves using advanced scanning technologies to gather precise data on existing structures. This allows us to create highly detailed project plans that account for potential challenges and contingencies,” Boshoff adds.

Additionally, cost management is also optimised in the company’s turnkey projects, considering that fixed-price contracts, which are often associated with these projects, provide budget certainty.

This, combined with the efficient execution of project tasks, maximises resource use and minimises waste, leading to considerable cost savings over the duration of the project.

Moreover, the quality assurance made possible by employing one contractor that is responsible for delivering the project in line with agreed specifications, guarantees a high standard of work, minimising the need for future modifications or repairs.

“Fixed-price contracts incentivise us to complete the project efficiently while maintaining high-quality standards. Efficient execution reduces labour costs and minimises production downtime, providing substantial indirect cost savings through reduced lost revenues and market share,” Boshoff comments.

Additionally, collaborative planning is also crucial for the success of a turnkey project.

Active client involvement during the planning phase ensures that the project aligns perfectly with the client’s vision, operational needs and strategic objectives.

“Clients bring invaluable insights about their specific operational needs, historical challenges and future growth plans. Their involvement leads to more accurate and achievable project goals, stronger commitment to the project’s success and better cooperation throughout the execution phase,” Boshoff concludes.