Saiccor - The First 50 Years 5.8 MB - Sappi

The Tainton Period (1971–1983)
four months production from the machine only averaged 300–350 t/d�
However, from the beginning of 1981 design capacity of 450 t/d
average was achieved, although there were members of the Board
who could not appreciate that 500 t in 24 hours would average 450 t/d�
Total production in 1981 was 1 003 t/d, which exceeded the proposals
as set out in the expansion scheme� No 1 machine was shut down in
May 1981 but was restarted in October 1981, and instead flock output
was reduced from about 470 t/d to 250 t/d�
In first screening the centrisorters were moved from the washpit
floor to their new building, and restarted in October 1980� No 8 storage
tower was built by ND Engineering and was the first storage tower
in solid stainless steel – it was also the biggest at 4 500 m 3 , 12 m in
diameter 45 m high� No 8 tower was commissioned in February 1981
together with the two Rauma Repola J washers (Nos 5 and 6 Repolas)
and the Rauma 1 000 t/d high density pump� There were problems
with the hydraulic drives on the washers and capacity problems with
the pump� In those days it took a major effort to persuade the Finns
they had obligations for the performance of their equipment� When
they finally sent someone to site, he could hardly speak English�
Nevertheless, the problems were solved (the hydraulic drive was
upgraded), and later dealings with the Finns have shown a radically
changed attitude, being totally customer-focused�
First screening operators Ephraim Magubane, Milton Dlamini,
Moffat Ndlovu, Alfred Dlamini and Victor Sibisi played leading roles
in commissioning the new plant� Ephraim was one of three
Magubane brothers, each of whom gave long service to Saiccor, and
contributed to its success�
Moses Magubane joined Saiccor on 19 December 1955 as an office
messenger� He was promoted to Senior Personnel Clerk in 1963 and
Personnel Officer in 1976� He retired on 31 March 1994 after 38 years
service, to pursue a political career� From 1976, Moses had
responsibility for black employment and well-being, and was always
very politically involved�
David Magubane joined Saiccor on 5 February 1957 as a labourer,
in 1965 he was promoted to Shift Analyst in the laboratory and in
1974 to Induna in the digesters� He became a cook controller in 1979,
a chargehand in 1993, and retired early to his farm on 31 May 1999
after 42 years service� A man with a ready smile, David is remembered
for quietly doing what was required�
Ephraim Magubane joined Saiccor on 8 February 1963 as an
artisan’s assistant in the electrical department� In 1968 he became
an assistant operator in the liquor plant, slowly progressing to an
operator� In 1985 he moved to the magnesium plant, becoming Senior
Operator in 1988� In 1994 he was appointed Shift Superintendent,
first in the Mkomazi plant and then Pulp Preparation, his current
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Moses Magubane
David Magubane
Ephraim Magubane