PHOTO: The new line is meticulously inspected while installed to ensure only the best quality product is produced

IN 2014, when Trevor Zulberg became CEO of the AMPA Group, his vision was to elevate the group to a R1-billion organisation by 2019.

There is no question that the attainment of such a formidable target would require the group to gain recognition as a world class player.  But against the backdrop of the weakening Rand and volatile global economic markets, such grand corporate visions often become diluted. However, the AMPA Group has not lost sight of its goal.  Based on its aggressive investments in human expertise and innovative technology, it is already on track to becoming a globally recognised plastics extrusion company.

 

Bolstering local production without compromising on world class quality

Ampa’s relentless focus on continuous improvement resulted in the recent acquisition of two state-of-the-art extruders.  One of these is a calendered process machine, which is used for the end stage in the production of PVC film and sheeting.  The molten material is fed into the machine from an extruder. Thereafter, the machine’s superior calendered rollers facilitate the manufacture of PVC film or sheets from a width ranging from 380 to 1100mm with gauges from 130 up to 800 micron.  The PVC will be available in any colours, in sheet or roll formats of up to 350kg.

The AMPA Group’s second purchase is a PET extruder capable of extruding PET and PET-G sheets from widths of 380 up to 1100mm and ranging from 180 up to as much as 1000 micron thick.

PET is formed by combining two monomers, modified ethylene glycol and purified terephthalic acid. The result is a fully recyclable material which AMPA can produce in black, white and basic colours.  PET and PETg films and sheets can be extruded with or without anti block or silicon, both of which prevent the sheets from sticking to one another.  PET and PETg film, sheets and rolls serve an important purpose in the pharmaceutical, packaging, advertising and printing sectors.

Both machines will bolster local production without compromising on world class quality.  Clients will derive the benefits of reduced lead times which will result in speedier service.  Over and above the significant outlay required to purchase these machines, AMPA will be deploying considerable resources to upgrading and improving the quality of locally manufactured PVC, PET and PETg.  This is aligned with its strategic imperative of supplying materials that meet the standards of comparable imported products.

More than simply investing in cutting edge technology, the AMPA Group’s recent recruitment of industry specialist, Rita Chetty, underpins the value it places on attracting and retaining the very best people in the business. 

AMPA PVC, PET PETg sheets, films and rolls are used in a wide range of applications.  Whilst every item conforms to ISO standards and is available in a range of standard sizes and thicknesses, AMPA can manufacture non-standard sizes as required.

 

Machines will go into production at AMPA East London facility

Both machines will go into production at the Group’s East London facility at the beginning of 2016. The calendered PVC process machine has the capacity to produce 2920 tons per year, while the PET extruder is able to deliver 3650 tons per year.

Although the output capabilities of each machine seem high at first glance, it is important to note that the AMPA Group has distribution outlets in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal, Togo and Benin.

AMPA has increased its presence in Africa at a rapid pace and is now looking to expand its footprint further into Africa. From Africa to the rest of the world, the Group’s potential is boundless.

www.ampa.co.za