TROTECH was recently appointed to design and construct 18 large multi-purpose and chemical tanks at its state-of-the-art tank terminal in KwaZulu-Natal. These tanks are being constructed simultaneously and will be completed within nine months. This is a notable feat. TROTECH’s ability to significantly accelerate the construction of high-quality tanks in a safe manner remains a strategic competitive edge.

TROTECH has been constructing tanks for the company for more than 20 years. It was, therefore, an obvious choice for this leading steward and handler to again entrust TROTECH with the delivery of its new tanks.

TROTECH was also appointed to design and construct five mega tanks for Sasol. This technically complex contract again reaffirms the company’s standing as the first point of contact for quality tank building services in the energy and petrochemical industries.

Since inception in 1993, TROTECH has already designed and built hundreds of tanks. Each project has provided the company with the opportunity to refine and hone its innovative processes that have established the benchmark in the industry.

TROTECH is the only company in South Africa to reverse build tanks. Tanks are constructed at ground level and then jacked to their final height one strake at a time after they have undergone intense quality inspection and control. Apart from being a much safer way of constructing tanks, this method significantly reduces the amount of scaffolding required inside and outside the tanks. This is in addition to freeing up valuable space in built-up areas where these projects are usually undertaken.

In partnership with ESAB, a leading global welding technology specialist, TROTECH also deploys mechanised welding on most of its projects.

The technology significantly enhances productivity and efficiency and ensures a consistently high-quality weld. Welding parameters are preprogramed into the system, mitigating human error, and changes from one position to the next are undertaken effortlessly, reducing downtime. Furthermore, only minimal grinding and inter-run cleaning are required due to a reduction in spatter. As the system operates on a magnetic track as opposed to be being tacked on tank shells, there is no material contamination. Moreover, lower heat input reduces distortion.

Importantly, the technology also provides many safety benefits. This is considering that it reduces fatigue and avoids exposure to direct contact with fumes and hot surfaces.

As part of the Murray and Dickson (M&D) Construction Group, TROTECH is now in an even better position to undertake mega projects in the mining, petrochemical and paper & pulp sectors. This includes playing a key role in the development and construction of facilities that are needed to store the significant quantities of clean fuel that will be imported into the country in the foreseeable future. TROTECH is also strategically positioned to deliver the storage required for liquid-natural gas and hydrogen as countries diversify their energy mix to “greener” technologies. At the same time, the interest shown in liquid petroleum gas as a means of reducing energy poverty and improving the health and safety of South Africans bodes well for the company.

“With the support of the M&D Group, we are well on track towards realising our 10-year vision of being the foremost tank builder in Africa that is at the forefront of technology and benefiting all stakeholders. This is being driven by our unwavering commitment to the M&D Group’s core visions of ‘Be Safe’; ‘Do it Right’; ‘Find the Best Way’; and ‘Do What you Say’, as we are again demonstrating on these two flagship projects,” Lukas Brink, Operations Manager of TROTECH, says.

Rukesh Raghubir, Chaiman of the Board of TROTECH and CEO of the M&D Group, commends Brink and his team for their stellar performance on the two new contracts.

“This year marks another important milestone in the journey of both TROTECH and the larger M&D Group, which celebrate their 30^th and 40^th years of operations, respectively. Together, we are embarking on our next growth trajectory with our eyes firmly set on our ‘4G’ vision. This is to grow a ‘Great company with Great people and Great partnerships,” Raghubir concludes.