Strengthening mining capabilities

Customers can benefit from stronger regional capabilities developed by FLS, according to Bernard Kaninda, FLS president sales and service for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

According to newly appointed FLS president sales and service for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Bernard Kaninda, regional capabilities are important for customers. As a leading full flow sheet technology company, FLS occupies a distinctive place in the market, says Kaninda, giving it a special relationship with customers.

“Being a partner through all their mineral processing requirements, FLS walks with customers throughout the lifecycle of a comprehensive range of equipment and solutions,” he says. “This engagement gives us greater impact in helping the mining industry achieve its sustainability goals.”

FLS aligns itself with industry imperatives by committing to energy and water reduction targets, and committing to reach zero emissions by 2030. To achieve these goals, he says, it was imperative to further grow the region’s capability – shifting from the previous regional definition which comprised sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East and Southern Asia to a more cohesive EMEA region.

“We believe the move to an EMEA region will better create the capabilities we are looking for, combining the strengths of Africa and Europe, and our learnings in the Middle East,” Kaninda explains. “We expect to be able to respond more quickly with services, spares and equipment, and are building local resources to achieve these improvements.”

The focus on communication and partnership is being fostered through clusters within the region, which are empowered with adequate resources for quick response times and effective support for end-users. “As a partner that tailor-makes solutions for our customers, we go further by guaranteeing the performance of that equipment,” he says. “This means being able to respond effectively as and when the situation demands, so we need to be in close proximity to the customers’ sites – and very familiar with the conditions they experience.”

“The mining sector is dynamic, however, so we are constantly expanding our equipment footprint and will be establishing a presence wherever we have a significant installed base,” he says. “It has always been a matter of pride for us that FLS customers will receive the same close attention irrespective of where they are around the globe.”

Streamlined logistics are an important aspect of the strategic shift, which will reduce delivery times through better availability of inventory in-country, facilitating faster access to service and parts. “We are also committed to the communities in the regions where we operate and are increasing our local employment as we develop our presence in different countries,” says Kaninda. “We believe in building local capability and this is visible in our teams, in which 90% to 100% of staff are already local in the region.” These teams are supported by specialised training provided by facilities in South Africa.