Tuesday, 19 July 2011

Rail repair facility launched

Obviously in high spirits after unveiling the plaque to commemorate the official handover of the South Dunes Wagon Depot are senior Transnet Rail officials Nathi Makhathini - Regional Engineer, Yolanda Ramcwa - Business Manager: Wagon Maintenance, Peter Cona - General Manager: Wagons and Bongani Madonsela - Regional Operations Manager

Transnet Rail Engineering’s R120-million South Dunes Wagon Maintenance Depot was officially handed over at a ceremony held on site on Friday.
The state-of-the-art facility was built to service an increasing demand for rail trucks. ‘This opening signifies progress and movement after expansion of the port left us unable to grow our repair business,’ said General Manager: Wagons, Peter Cona. ‘Not only is the depot the newest and best, it is extremely well equipped and laid out. ‘Richards Bay is one of our two most productive depots, maintaining some 6 000 of our fleet of over 7 000 coal line wagons. ‘'The depot has a proven ability to do 20 lifts a day and the demand is increasing as new wagons are built.’ Cona announced that future plans are in place for expansion of the depot, which will include a wheel shop and extended stock-keeping facilities. ‘This goes beyond mere job creation and capacity building. We are at the same time upskilling employees to maintain the new technology. ‘The depot has high performance standards and can compete with any in the world,’ said Cona.
Earlier, Chief Executive Richard Vallihu cautioned against complacency and stressed the need to improve safety standards. ‘The overall performance of the depot and business makes us proud, and it met its budget in the last financial year. ‘It is clear that we have to invest in our people and infrastructure that will continue to add impetus in this reputable sector and boost economic growth.’