The local mining industry declined by 10.8% in the first quarter of this year and the industry is on a huge cost-saving run, says bearings and power transmission products distributor Bearings International (BI) mining business development leader Shaun Combrinck.

He tells Mining Weekly that BI is focusing on the products and services it has to offer the mining industry, as equipment being used at mines will still have to be maintained or replaced.

“We have developed a strategic plan in our approach to our mining clients and are rolling it throughout our extensive branch network. Together with BI’s business development leadership and sales representatives, the company has years of experience to accommodate our clients.”

Combrinck says the company has established a mining workbook that focuses on targeted mining sectors – BI covers sales for many mining applications and carries approved brands used on original mining equipment.

“Targeting niche products for sectors such as mining has always been a strategy for the company. BI now has the opportunity to showcase its niche products to the mining industry, providing solution optimisation with active client involvement to optimise maintenance for its clients.”

Combrinck advances that BI can enable cost savings for the mining industry through its quality products that “outlast the rest” and are targeted for specific applications, at the best possible prices. He notes that BI also has agreements with mines for contractual items and buying all their stock from a single point of contact has an inherent cost saving for the mines.

“Our vast range of premium-brand products offers longevity and we determine, together with our technical team, the best possible solutions to fulfil client requirements,” he adds.

In this regard, BI’s coupling range has been extended with two new product offerings – the Ringfeder-Henfel-Henflex split flexible coupling was introduced in May this year and the Dodge Raptor coupling was introduced in October last year.

The company is also expanding into the greater Africa region as a consolidated group, which will be launched soon, he concludes.