Rototour 2019
Africa

ARMA 2019 delegates had the unique opportunity to visit 11 factories and enjoy some incredible travel experiences. The tour concluded with the ARMO 2019 Conference in Sun City, South Africa. 

Starting in Zimbabwe, the group visited Jojo tanks to hear about their proprietary technology, unrivalled expertise and technical know-how. This was followed by a game safari drive at Hwange, home to the world’s largest population of the African elephant. More sightseeing was on the program the next day with a visit to Victoria Falls. Comfortable walking shoes and a camera were a must!

Arriving in Durban the group experienced Africa at its laid-back best with Cocktails at the Beach Bar, exquisite views of the Indian Ocean, tropical weather, exotic flavours and soulful vibes.

The following day offered two factory visits, East Coast Moulders and Kaymac Rotomoulders. East Coast Moulders was a small factory located on the most amazing hilltop overlooking the surrounds. The staff didn’t speak English but were welcoming and delightful. They make some very iconic and recognisable products. Kaymac Rotomoulders were a leader in the automotive market working on a very large scale, however, when the bottom fell out of it they downsized and change their direction. They now run machines in only a small section of the factory. They also implemented injection moulding.

That afternoon we slowed down the pace and headed to Howick Falls, the region's second largest waterfall. Our guide educated us on the history of this colonial town. We then visited the Mandela capture site where Nelson Mandela was captured on the 5th August 1962.

The next day, before flying to Johannesburg, we enjoyed a Midlands Meader Tour starting at the Piggly Wiggly which had an array of craft shops and farm stalls. 

The next three days were packed full of inspiring factory tours:
At the Enviro Loo factory toilet systems are a whole process from start to finish as you walk through the different sections of the factory. It was unusual to learn that they service all of the loos in the field as part of their service as well. The Enviro Loo is a waterless, on-site, dry sanitation toilet system that functions without water or chemicals. It is designed for the benefit of all communities and can be installed almost anywhere.

At Duys Rotomoulders, one of the main products is tanks ranging from 250 litre to 10 000 litre in both vertical and horizontal configurations.

ACD Rotoflo is a privately owned company specialising in the 'Colour Compounding' and 'Pulverising' of Polyethylene Powders. They are one of the major suppliers in the region and we saw a lot of their powder as we walked through their factories.

Calcamite Tanks patented the World’s first one Piece Poly Manhole which had the benching, riser and lid former all made in one single unit.

At Pioneer Plastics we saw the first Persico Smart Machine to be installed in South Africa and Persico were on sight as well.

Completely different from the JoJo Tanks factory in Zimbabwe this huge, brand new factory boasts machine after machine making tanks and as you can imagine, with JoJo being the largest tank supplier in Africa.  

While not a large facility, CHM Plastics develop products on site which is quite unique for a SA moulder. They start with a client and an idea and literally design it onsite and direct it to the moulds they make. It is completely streamlined. They also make the Hippo-Roller which has gained worldwide acclaim.

At Sinvac Plastics it wasn’t just rotational moulding we found, they also provide piping for the mining industry as well as plastic fabrication. They are heavily involved in the community and charity work and spend time with their “Sinvac family” and it really shows.

After more sightseeing and fine dining, the group was ready for the ARMO 2019 Conference.

The ARMO 2019 Conference in Sun City lived up to its reputation as the major international event on the rotational moulding calendar for the year. For Rotational Moulders and Suppliers alike this was a great opportunity to Network, Socialise and Learn in the warmth of South Africa.

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