SA to export tow bars to Europe

TRADING CONDITIONS might be challenging in the local automotive sector, considering the topsy-turvy state of the rand, but a few companies are achieving success, particularly when it comes to exporting auto products from SA.

BRiNK Towing Systems South Africa, one of the largest manufacturers of tow bars in the country, has announced that it will be producing more accessories to deliver on a lucrative order from its parent company, the Netherlands-based BRiNK Group.

In October and November this year, BRiNK SA will export almost 10 000 additional tow bar units to Europe to meet unexpected demand for certain tow bar types in that market.

Mark Gutridge, Managing Director of BRiNK Towing Systems SA says, “BRiNK has a global network of manufacturing facilities, so it is an achievement for our local [Pietermaritzburg] operation to be chosen, despite South Africa’s comparatively high steel costs. We’ve always been flexible in terms of our production process and pride ourselves in our ability to quickly go from a run of one type of bar to another. Our adaptability was key in this case.”

A recent upgrade to local BRiNK operations, including the installation of a sophisticated twin sixaxis Yaskawa welding robot, has reduced time taken per unit. Its sophisticated circuitry allows it to be pre-programmed to carry out complex welding sequences with remarkable accuracy, speed and quality.

“Whilst close to half the total order comprises a bar of one type, there will be a total of nine different types in the mix, which requires careful planning from a production and materials perspective. In the meantime, we’ll also be continuing with our normal high-volume orders for the Ford Ranger and Toyota products,” concludes Gutridge.

BRiNK’s Pietermaritzburg plant has a production capacity of 120 000 units per annum, while the Brink Group, which has plants in the UK, Holland and France, produces over 1-million tow bars a year.