South Africa-based self-lubricated polymer-bushing manufacturer VescoPlastics’ bushings continue to be ordered by large manufacturers and suppliers of trailer axles in the Asia-Pacific and Australia-New Zealand areas.

The company converted to Vesconite Hilube bushings in 2002, having used nylon previously, and continues to order hundreds of bushings. It also continues to advertise that it has partnered with global experts in truck and trailer technology to ensure savings in maintenance and downtime.

Vesconite Hilube bushings are made from an engineered polymer that is wear resistant, operates quietly and does not delaminate or distort under high loads. The self-lubricating bushings last longer than bronze or nylon and, for axle manufacturers, the bushings also offer the opportunity of extending the warrantee offered with axles.

“The truck, trailer, bus and bakkie industry is among the many industries for which VescoPlastics produces custom parts at its factory in Virginia, South Africa,” technical consultant Eddie Swanepoel enthuses.

He says the S-Cam bushings are stock items, and the hope is that other axle manufacturers will also convert to Vesconite Hilube bushings so as to extend the warrantee that they offer.

VescoPlastics has the largest machine shop in the Free State, with 60 computer numeric control lathes and machining centres, and numerous large conventional lathes that are capable of machining bushings up to 3 000 mm in diameter.

As a result, S-Cam bushings, mechanical suspension bushings as well as other bushings can all be produced for the automotive and transport sectors.

VescoPlastics also has warehouses in South Africa, the US, UK, Netherlands and New Zealand, with stocking distributors in Argentina, Australia and Singapore. This means that the supply of transport equipment designed by original-equipment manufacturers can be undertaken easily and quickly.

VescoPlastics boasts customers in more than 100 countries, exports over half of its total sales, and dispatches large orders regularly to the US, China, South America and Australasia.