5 Technical reasons to fabricate machines locally than importing from China
An online poll recently conducted by our company shows that about 85% of Nigerians will prefer to place order for their machines from overseas while about 70% will prefer to place order for their machines in China other than sourcing from local fabricators in Nigeria. Comments made by entrepreneurs in the poll shows that many people believe that Nigerian’s engineers and fabricators are not innovative and creative enough to fabricate simple machines producing toothpicss, film polythene, soap and so on. In the online poll, one funny reason that a manufacturer gave was that, “it is a prestige to tell his own clients and customers that the machines he is using for production is from overseas”.
Abeg, who prestige epp? What matters most is efficiency, performance and durability of the machine.
You can check out how a locally produced machine measure out in terms of efficiency and performance and supersede imported machine in terms of quality ( ).
Customers are interested in the final products or outputs of the machine not the machine itself.
As an experienced fabricator, I have compiled 5 technical reasons why we should always consider the option to fabricate locally than importing machines.
Please you can also read this article (9 things to look out for when sourcing for machines locally)https://www.nairaland.com/4728457/9-things-look-out-when

1) Shipping and clearing cost: The cost of shipping and clearing imported machines at the port is very costly. Many of the shipping company who handles shipping and clearing of machines at the port charges per kg. A known company charges $5.2 per kg. You can do some calculations of the total cost of shipping a block making machine with conveyor and mixer which is more than 3000kg. The total cost can almost buy another machine here in Nigeria if it is fabricated locally.
Pros of local machines: The only cost associated with a locally fabricated machine is the cost of transport from the fabshop to client’s destination.
2) Failure to put into consideration Nigeria environmental factors such as soil types, irregular and fluctuating electricity supply in their machine designs and fabrication. I remember a time when about 30 earth moving equipment i.e graders were supplied to all local governments in my state. After few months of use, the hydraulic control cylinders or arms were rupturing and bending. Before it was recalled back to the company where it was purchased, our company did an assessment test and it was observed that the company did not put into consideration the soil type available in Nigeria which is hard and compact than the one available in the manufacturer’s country. Our company later carry out an adaptive maintenance process and the machines work effectively from that time on.
Some foreign machines comes with 415 volts electric motor. For these machines to work here in Nigeria, it must be modified. Any modifications will come at a cost to the owner of the machine.
Most times the electric motor used in imported machines are wired with aluminum coil. This aluminium coil works perfectly in countries where there is steady and full voltage electricity. But in a country like Nigeria, where electricity is irregular and the voltages are sometimes below normal. Aluminium coil become heated up and with constant use, the electric motor got burnt in no time.
Pros of local machines: An experienced local fabricator will use electric motor with copper coil. They last long.
3) Adopting casting for major parts/components of the machine: Because of the huge rate at which Nigerians and other African countries make order for their machines abroad. The company employ methods that will make them meet demands. The company always employ the method of casting which is faster and comes out in bulk. The casting parts massively produced are not as strong as machined mild steel. They are brittle and they find it hard to withstand shock and vibration.
So if there is a part in your foreign machine constantly tearing up, cracking and wearing. Think about this point.
Pros of local machine: A local experience fabricator will machine most of his parts using mild steel rather than casting. Machining will make the machine last long due to resilence, toughness and strength of mild steel
4) Reducing the weight of the machines: The higher the weight of the imported machine, the higher the shipping cost and other logistics. This may be a turn off for someone who intend to import a machine.
To combat this problem, Chinese manufacturers employ a weight reduction mechanism to make their machines very light.
But the sad truth is that the weight reduction mechanism affects the efficiency and rigidity of a machine especially machines that operate with the principle of vibration and pressure.
A local fabricator will not in any way reduce the weight of the machine. This will in no way compromise for the shipping cost.
Pros of local fabricator: An experienced fabricator will use correct materials.
5) Using of high powered rating electric motor: As an engineer, I have carried out adaptive maintenance on an imported machine with a 15 kw electric motor. I replaced the electric motor with 12kw. This is done to reduce the cost of energy consumed. This has increased the monthly profit made by the company.
Pros of local fabricator: A right and suitable electric motor of the lowest possible rating will be selected and used by an experienced fabricator.

Visit our website www.domkinutfabrications.com or facebook page @domkinutfab to see how we meet international standards of fabrication in term of fabrication or call or WhatsApp us on 08038634118. We can help you with your fabrications.

Forward our contact to anyone who might be interested in fabrication of machines, repair of machines, fabrication of spare parts. A trial will definitely convince you.
Check my other posts on nairaland on fabrications.

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