InfrAstructure & Development - Trademax Publications

Cement & Concrete
100 years of Slurry
PPC Ltd., South Africa’s largest producer of cement, celebrates 100
years since the founding of its iconic Slurry cement factory near
Mafikeng in the North West Province.
From its early beginnings, in 1913, the Slurry factory
quickly turned the South African cement industry into
a competitive and flourishing market, growing annual
cement production from 60 000 tons to 128 000 tons
annually.
Situated on the borders of old Transvaal, in 1916, the
factory produced its first lot of cement and from then on,
has been operating at full capacity, breaking production
records in quick succession.
It is unclear who dubbed the factory ‘Slurry,’ which is the
name of the mixed raw materials of the cement industry
when the wet manufacturing process is used. But at the
time, the name was apt, as the factory utilised a wet
process. It was only in the 1950s that PPC changed the
cement manufacturing process from a wet to a dry process
for which Slurry was altered accordingly – but the name
still stuck.
General Manager at PPC Slurry, Frikkie Van Zyl said,
“Leaders have come and gone, markets have risen and
fallen, our products and processes have evolved over time,
innovation and cost-saving opportunities have been
exploited. Throughout all this, the one constant thing has
been the reliability of our incredible team. Day after day
(and many a night), the people of Slurry have worked
tirelessly to keep the business running. They have
cultivated a ‘can-do’ culture that is sustained by teamwork,
a sense of ownership and accountability, and taking pride
in what they do. We do it together, properly, or we don’t do
it at all.”
“We move with confidence and excitement into the second
century and we are mindful of our responsibility and
privilege, to build a new link in the Slurry chain – a link
that unites our past with future generations of the Slurry
family,” he said.
PPC Chief Executive Officer, Ketso Gordhan said the
company wants to optimise its current operations, and in
particular the Slurry, Dwaalboom and De Hoek plants.
“Slurry’s expansion process is currently under way and its
manufacturing resources and capable team will play a
leading role in ensuring we achieve our objectives,” said
Gordhan.
“By continuously investing in our people and plants, the
company has built a strong foundation on which much of
our country and region rests. PPC has a truly remarkable
history and a proud heritage. For over 120 years this
company has used the vision, courage and sheer
determination of its leaders and their teams to navigate a
course through the nation’s rich, invigorating and, at times,
challenging history. Long may our journey continue,” said
Gordhan.
Follow PPC on Twitter @PPCisCement, like us on
www.facebook.com/PPC.Cement and visit us at www.ppc.co.za.
32
august 2013