A step change in technology

AEL’s Initiating Systems Automated Plant (ISAP) project is a R620 million investment in a modern, automated, high volume, high quality shocktube plant and is due for final completion in 2010.

Cyril Gamede, operations director (second from left), elaborates:

“Completion of the project will result in a new global level of shocktube quality and reliability. AEL will have a progressive manufacturing platform from which to service its existing local customers and international growth aspirations.

“Led by Zola Khoza, factory manager, the ISAP team made good progress in 2008. Production was ramped up as planned and 39 million units were absorbed by the market. The ramp-up process will continue over the next two years. All the equipment required for full production of the high volume, underground narrow reef products will be installed by end of 2009 with ramp-up continuing into 2010. Automation of the lower volume surface products will also run into 2010.”

AEL’s ISAP team (from left): Michael Taylor, Cyril Gamede, Gordon Morgan, Sheryl Kelly, Steve Caldwell, Zola Khoza.