The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Co-operative Education Unit and the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment lecturing staff in Mechanical, Electronic and Computer and Industrial Engineering recently visited Bell Equipment in Richards Bay. The aim of the visit was to look at the company’s site and to place DUT learners for work experience and research development at the esteemed company.
Bell Equipment manufactures and markets a various array of earthmoving and materials handling machinery for the mining and construction markets. DUT has and Bell Equipment have a strategic partnership which has seen the university recently presenting Bell Equipment with a Host Employer award.
The Director of the Co-operative Education Unit, Dr Themba Msukwini, and his team consisting of Shireen Singh, Nhlanhla Hadebe and the Mechanical, Electronic and Computer and Industrial Engineering staff represented by Moeletsi Moletsane, Molefi Makhetha, Matshidiso Moso respectively, have visited Bell Equipment in a bid to strengthen the relationship between the company and DUT. “The company have a long-standing partnership with DUT which stems over 20 years for skills development of students,” said Dr Msukwini
The visit commenced with a presentation that outlined Bell Equipment’s history, mission, and the breadth of machinery they manufacture. The highlight of the visit was a detailed tour of their production facility. The assembly of loader vehicles, starting from basic components (cutting of heavy-duty steel and bending) to the final product was shown to the DUT delegation. A practical demonstration of a loader vehicle’s capabilities was arranged, where the DUT delegation experienced first-hand the comfort and smooth operation of the company’s machinery.
The DUT delegation in attendance explained that the integration of robust electronic systems in heavy machinery was particularly noteworthy at the visit. They commented further that as vehicles and equipment become increasingly reliant on electronic control systems for enhanced functionality and safety, the relevance of digital electronics in industrial applications was more pronounced than ever. They further added that observing these systems in action provided valuable insights into the practical applications of theoretical concepts covered in digital electronics coursework.
The DUT delegation indicated that they were given unique and practical insight into the real-world applications of the theories and concepts. The Bell Equipment team willingness to share their experiences, challenges, and solutions provided valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and problem-solving approaches in a real-world engineering environment. These conversations reinforced the importance of effective communication, teamwork, and innovative thinking.
The DUT delegation professed the visit to Bell Equipment was not only informative but also inspirational, highlighting the critical role of advanced manufacturing and engineering in modern South African industries. The DUT delegation gave the Bell Equipment team a huge thumbs up and said they had underscored the importance of integrating electronic systems into mechanical designs to achieve superior performance and reliability. “This experience will enrich the curriculum and provide students with concrete examples of how digital electronics propel innovations in heavy machinery and industrial equipment,” concluded Dr Msukwini.
Pictured: The DUT delegation and the Bell Equipment team at the site visit.
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