Marthinusen & Coutts Rustenburg, formerly trading as TEMSO, an armature winding specialist and wholly owned SAVCIO Holdings (Pty) Ltd company, received SKF Certified Rewinder status in 2007 and Marthinusen & Coutts Rustenburg General Manager, Richard Lovemore, says that this certification dovetails perfectly with Marthinusen & Coutts Rustenburg's focus on quality products, processes and procedures.



The SKF Certified Rewinder Programme, a world-wide certification programme designed to deliver added benefits to end users of electric motors, was introduced to the South African market just over two years ago. Marthinusen & Coutts Rustenburg was the second electric motor company to be officially audited by SKF as a Certified Rewinder in 2007.

The SKF Certified Rewinder Programme is a three way partnership between the electric motor repair shop, the SKF distributor and the end-user. The objective of the SKF Certified Rewinder Programme is to improve motor repair effectiveness for enhanced motor reliability and improved mean time between failure (MTBF). Certified Rewinders can be confident that they offer superior quality electric motor services, reduced service variability, as well as consistent motor service specifications and standards. The SKF Rewinder Programme requires continuous training on best-in-class-practices, quality audits, technical standards as well as re-certification in the use of SKF bearings programme every two years.





Marthinusen & Coutts Rustenburg , located in Rustenburg, has been in the business of rewinding, repairing and refurbishing low voltage electric motors and ventilation fans for the platinum, chrome and gold mining industry over the past 28 years. Marthinusen & Coutts Rustenburg has firmly positioned itself as a company that delivers excellent and uncompromising quality standards across the service spectrum with the support of a committed and expert team. According to Lovemore, Marthinusen & Coutts Rustenburg has maintained a strong presence in the Rustenburg and surrounding areas and also enjoys a solid business relationship with SKF Rustenburg since 1981. "We enjoy the respect of the North West business community and we are particularly proud of both our "B" Rating, a technical audit grading system from AngloGold Ashanti, as well as SKF's Rewinder Certification."



"B" Rating is Anglo's Technical "Product Based Evaluation" Audit, termed "Technical Assessment", which is based on industry standards and requirements that the mining group expects from approved suppliers. A two-yearly audit is conducted by a technical committee and all rewinder workshops must comply with these written specifications in order to continue transacting with the mining group or to be selected as an approved service provider. The audit is based on a points system and audited workshops receive an A, B, C or D rating. No electric motor rewinder facility has achieved an A rating and Marthinusen & Coutts Rustenburg, which was assessed by Anglo Gold Ashanti, is one of only three local companies that have met the stringent criteria for a "B" Rating.



Both SKF Rustenburg and Marthinusen & Coutts Rustenburg share a long standing business relationship with Anglo Gold Ashanti. John Fourie, SKF Rustenburg Manager, explains: "When SKF signed a major contract with the mining house in 2002, "B" Rated Marthinusen & Coutts Rustenburg was one of the approved electric motor repair shops included in the list provided by the mining house. Anglo Gold Ashanti specifies SKF for all bearing repairs and thus the three way partnership was cemented".



Lovemore says that when the opportunity to be audited for the SKF Certified Rewinder Certificate arose, "We held up our collective hand.



The application for certification was a foregone conclusion as it was immediately evident that the SKF Rewinder Programme presented another avenue for further improving our service standards. SKF Rewinder Certification was a smart move that has given us a competitive edge 'separating the men from the boys', so to speak, and has assisted us in achieving our objective".



According to SKF Managing Director, Gavin Garland, the fact that "B" Rated Marthinusen & Coutts Rustenburg also breezed through the stringent SKF Certified Rewinder criteria came as no surprise. Garland expands: "Our certification sets rigorous repair standards for the bearing related components of the motor repair which include disassembly and installation procedures, geometric and form tolerances for associated components, lubrication standards and procedures, documentation, etc. The programme also addresses a number of other key concerns: The high rating placed on motor reliability incident reports, customers requesting quality assured maintenance and the problem of early failure of serviced motors. Bearing failure is recognised as the primary mechanical symptom of motor failure and reliability depends on bearing type, installation, lubrication, handling, storage and maintenance. The programme also includes all-important continuous training on best-in-class-practices, quality audits, technical standards and re-certification in the use of SKF bearings every two years. On-going training is invaluable to keep technicians informed of latest technological developments," states Garland.



Lovemore comments on the merits of the certification: "It is an accepted fact that 60% of motor failures are bearing related and, thanks to the SKF Rewinder Certification Programme, we are able to pass on to our customers the benefits of SKF's stringent repair standards for the bearing related components of motor repairs. Although price will always play a role, end users are increasingly recognising that quality and efficiency pay dividends in the long term. While a repair performed by a certified rewinder may be slightly more expensive initially, the higher cost is justified by guaranteed professional workmanship and repairs for extended motor life."



"We have reduced rework on the bearing side of repairs to a bare minimum and improved quality of repair to OEM standards," reports Lovemore and adds that Marthinusen & Coutts Rustenburg has recorded process improvement as technicians are moving motors in and out rapidly and with greater efficiency. "SKF's expert in-house training keeps our technicians abreast of new technology and developments to guarantee quality workmanship and faster turnaround times," continues Lovemore. "We have made major investments in new equipment and infrastructure improvement and, through SKF's Rewinder Programme, we also enjoy wider access to SKF's comprehensive range of service resources".



"In a nutshell, our customers are assured that repairs are carried out to the highest industry standards and they enjoy the benefits of increased reliability, reduced downtime, improved productivity and, most importantly, lower total cost of ownership," comments Lovemore. "Furthermore, our entire team agrees that SKF accreditation develops customer trust, sustains good customer relationships and assists with securing some of the larger contracts more easily".



Lovemore concludes by expressing his satisfaction with SKF Rustenburg's service: "John and his team are always willing to go the extra mile to provide excellent service. Because of this long relationship, stockholding is mutually planned and they carefully monitor our stock, they are prepared to scour the country to source products for us and they keep us in the loop about the status of stock shipments," concludes Lovemore.



Marthinusen & Coutts Rustenburg is the first company within the SAVCIO Group and only the second company in South Africa to be certified as an SKF Rewinder. SKF Distributor Development Manager, Robin Briggs, says that SKF has re-affirmed its commitment to industry by certifying Marthinusen & Coutts Rustenburg as a SKF Certified Rewinder. "We share numerous areas of common ground with Marthinusen & Coutts Rustenburg including the ongoing pursuit to deliver quality across the board. According to Briggs, the SKF Certification Programme demands such superior quality across all service standards and in order to maintain the prestige of the programme, Marthinusen & Coutts Rustenburg will remain the only certified rewinder company in the Rustenburg area.



SKF has also given an undertaking to consider certification of selected electric motor repair companies within the SAVCIO Group that meet the stringent certification criteria," concludes Briggs.

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