South Africa’s most prestigious award for engineering design excellence was made last night to Pilot Crushtec for its design of the TwisterTrac AC210 mobile vertical shaft impact (VSI) crusher.

The design of the 250t/h machine, that incorporates a modern PLC control system, is seen to be a breakthrough for the industry.

The DISA Design Excellence Award presented by the Design Institute of South Africa, a division of the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), was initiated 38 years ago to recognise the achievements of South African product designers. The Award seeks to encourage local product design and manufacture, as well as to promote the international competitiveness of local products.

Jet Park-based Pilot Crushtec, a leading supplier of mobile crushing and screening equipment, is the first manufacturer in the world to go into production with a mobile VSI crusher.

The TwisterTrac AC210 mobile VSI crusher was introduced to the world market nearly two years ago and to date, close on 30 units have been sold into operation in southern Africa, Europe, the UK and Australia. Last year, Pilot Crushtec was the overall winner of the first annual SA Pro/Awards competition, which recognises engineering design excellence, for its design of the TwisterTrac AC210.

Seen receiving the SABS Disa Award for Design Excellence were engineering manager Jorge Abelho and managing director Sandro Scherf from Pilot Crushtec.