CONCRETE BUSINESS GOES MOBILE WITHOUT SACRIFICING PRODUCTION
An Ammann concrete-mixing plant is helping Jilk Construction Co. Ltd. fill a key niche in the growing Kenyan market.
Nairobi-based Jilk recently purchased an Ammann CBT 60 SL Elba Concrete-Mixing Plant, which is compact and easy to relocate between projects. Despite its compact dimensions, the plant has the production output to support large projects. The result is a mobile plant with high production potential.
“We are in the process of obtaining the bigger projects in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya, and will use this plant on those jobsites,” said Sammy Maina, director of Jilk. The CBT 60 has production output of 60 m3 per hour.
“Normally in Kenya, 60 cubic metres is considered a larger capacity, and the most common hourly output is 30 to 45 cubic metres,” Maina said. “Our aim is to get the large projects to utilise this plant’s capacity.”
The mobile nature of the plant provides access to those large projects. “The compact design minimises transport requirements and results in cost savings,” Maina said. “The design also reduces the amount of land needed to install the plant.” Installation is fast and easy. “The plant is on steel frames – no concrete foundation is needed,” Maina said. “There is quick setup due to the folding mechanism. Electric and pneumatic components are pre-installed, and the control system is easy to use.”
Several options provide the flexibility needed to develop varied concrete types to supply mix to outside customers, too. “We also will be using the plant for selling commercial concrete,” Maina said. “The plant has all the options necessary for commercial selling in targeted areas, such as additives, silica and cement.”
Jilk undertook a thorough evaluation process before choosing the Ammann plant, including a visit to Techno Days at Ammann India, where the technological benefits of products were deeply explored.
“We chose the CBT 60 SL Elba because the proven European technology coupled with the India sourcing gives us the dual benefits of advanced technology at an affordable price – and excellent quality,” Maina said.
Options add value to the plant. They include the steel frame for the foundation; a 60-tonne cement silo with a transportable design; and a screw and accessories.
Some options support Jilk’s commercial efforts, including an additive storage tank with a scale and controls that enable effortless supplementation. The silica scale and its controls are also helping meet the needs of the outside market.
Jilk has played a key role in public institution development, upgrading of infrastructure, commercial and residential building construction, project management design and supervision.
“With the evolving modern technologies, the construction industry requires efficient utilisation of management and construction skills to realise the projects within the constraints of cost, time and quality,” Maina said.