Despite difficult global trading circumstances, WearCheck enjoyed a successful and busy year in 2011 with lots of ‘firsts’ and other highlights, including many exciting new services and tailored tests, new laboratory instruments and a presence in several new countries.

Reliable, world-class oil analysis service from a highly experienced team is supported by state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and well-trained back-up staff.  This, coupled with WearCheck’s structured expansion has seen the company show steady growth in both the domestic and international markets, entrenching its position as one of the global leaders in the oil analysis industry.

Some of the 2011 milestones are:

• A brand new, state-of-the-art Perkin Elmer gas chromatograph for determination of fuel dilution was installed in WearCheck’s Middelburg laboratory, bringing its analysis capabilities in line with WearCheck’s other laboratories.

• WearCheck entered the market in Namibia, with the opening of sales and support branches in Windhoek and Swakopmund.

• WearCheck's India laboratory was officially opened in July, expanding the WearCheck network from southern Africa to the Middle East and across to India. WearCheck India aims to service the burgeoning local wind turbine industry.

• The planning and groundwork for the January 2012 opening of WearCheck Kitwe progressed throughout 2011, culminating in the opening of our doors on the January the 20th.

• Each month, ongoing specialised staff training and upgrading of laboratory equipment took place, keeping WearCheck at the forefront of technological innovation.

• Service levels reached new heights with the launch of the first underground sampling facility for the mining industry, boosting WearCheck’s range of on-site sampling services. This was in conjunction with the expanded sampling service offered in the Steelpoort area with the purchase of a second vehicle and recruitment of additional sampling staff.

• Adding to WearCheck’s tailored product range of fluid analysis tests for specific industries was the introduction of the comprehensive and sophisticated heat transfer and turbine oil analysis kits. 

• The online reporting system was formally introduced and has become increasingly popular, with many customers preferring this method of receiving their test results.

• WearCheck workers showed their hearts by partnering with the company in several community upliftment initiatives. During 2011, the children at St Vincent’s orphanage received gifts, treats and two wonderful parties, the U13 Highway soccer team sported new sponsored uniforms; and the education of 700 adults at the Thuto-Mfundo Adult Centre was boosted through the donation of a new computer laboratory and sewing machines.

• A daring team of WearCheck and Set Point staff took part in the popular, but daunting, 94.7 cycle race. All participants agreed that training and racing together was a great team-building exercise, and went a long way towards boosting fitness levels, improving motivation and setting and achieving goals.

• A feather in WearCheck’s cap, and further confirmation of their strong service excellence ethic, was having several SABS audits conducted throughout 2011 without any major findings.

• The annual WearCheck International (WCI) conference was hosted by WearCheck’s Pinetown branch in 2011. WCI members from seven countries met to discuss the latest oil analysis developments and share their experiences, technical research and skills.

• And a real achievement for 2011 is the increase in the number of samples processed per year - now in excess of 600 000 annually - a statistic that entrenches WearCheck’s position as the leaders in oil & fuel analysis!