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Thato Moichela

Thato Moichela

Trade Tested Mechanical Fitter and Turner

Talent
BenoniMember since July 3, 2026
Precision alignment of pumps and gearboxesLaser alignment equipment and DTICNC Haas Mill with basic G-code programmingBreakdown maintenance5S housekeeping standardsConfined space and hot work permitsFault diagnosis and repair
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Precision alignment of pumps and gearboxesLaser alignment equipment and DTICNC Haas Mill with basic G-code programmingBreakdown maintenance5S housekeeping standards

About

Trade Tested Mechanical Fitter and Turner qualified at Indlela (Olifantsfonstein) with N3 and N4 in Fitting and Turning. Over 8 years' hands-on experience in plant maintenance and mechanical fitting across FMCG and heavy industrial environments. Skilled in precision alignment of pumps and gearboxes, machining to ±0.02mm and breakdown response on conveyors, extruders, and process equipment.

Proven track record of working to SHEQ standards with strict adherence to LOTO, permit-to-work, and 5S housekeeping. Reliable team player ready to support artisans and ensure safe, efficient operations.

Experience

Mechanical Fitter and Turner - Nedan Oil and Protein

(2026-02)

  • Perform reactive, preventive and scheduled maintenance on all mechanical plant assets to minimize downtime
  • Precision alignment of centrifugal pumps, motors and gearboxes using laser alignment equipment and DTI
  • Maintain and repair bulk material conveyors: bucket elevators, chain conveyors, screw conveyors, rubber, slat and belt conveyors
  • Service boiler ancillaries and water treatment systems including blowdown valves, pressure relief valves, feed check valves and steam lines
  • Overhaul and refurbish gearboxes, centrifugal pumps and mechanical seals
  • Maintain rotary airlocks, cyclones, hull fans and filter fans on extraction systems
  • Service seed expellers/presses, heat exchangers, extruders, flaker flakers, cracker machines, plate filters, leaf filters, deodorizers and centrifuges/separators
  • Maintain plant air compressors, hydraulic power packs, and pneumatic valve actuators
  • Maintain and repair industrial ovens, dryers and associated burners, thermocouples and temperature control systems
  • Support maintenance on Clean-In-Place circuits to prevent cross-contamination
  • Work under LOTO, permit-to-work, confined space and hot work permits. Participate in RCFA for major breakdowns
  • Log jobs, spares and hours on SAP/On Key to track PM completion and breakdown trends

Mechanical Fitter and Turner - Crofts Gears

(2023-10 - 2026-01)

  • Interpreted engineering drawings, assembly diagrams and OEM specifications to build gear units to tolerance
  • Assembled and refurbished industrial gearboxes: worm, bevel, helical, double reduction, lift actuators, and K-series units
  • Set and adjusted end floats, backlash, and bearing pre-load to company and OEM tolerances using DTI, feeler gauges and shims
  • Performed lapping of helical gear sets to achieve correct tooth contact patterns and reduce noise
  • Conducted test runs of completed gear units under load and no-load conditions and issued test run certificates
  • Stripped, inspected and reported on returned gearboxes and couplings to assist the quoting department with repair assessments
  • Fitted and aligned chains, couplings, and drive components during final assembly
  • Operated conventional workshop machines: lathe, milling machine and surface grinder for machining bushes, shafts, keys and spacers
  • Applied engineering principles for fault finding on gear failures, wear patterns and lubrication issues
  • Ensured all work complied with Quality, Environmental, Safety and Health (QESH) standards
  • Maintained 5S housekeeping standards in the assembly and test bay

Mechanical Fitter and Turner Semi-skilled - Productive Systems

(2017-10 - 2023-10)

  • Assembled, installed, and commissioned various conveyor systems on client sites, including belt, chain, and roller conveyors
  • Performed preventive and breakdown maintenance on conveyor belts: tracking, splicing, pulley lagging, and bearing replacement to minimize production stoppages
  • Manufactured and fitted precision components for packaging machinery using conventional lathe, milling machine, surface grinder, and CNC Haas Mill with basic G-code programming and setups
  • Read and interpreted engineering drawings and component tolerances to fabricate parts within ±0.02mm for critical assemblies
  • Conducted fault diagnosis and repair on mechanical systems for bagging machines, self-adhesive labelling machines, plastic closure cap assembly machines, wadding machines, leak testers, and trimmers
  • Drilled, tapped, cut, and shaped metal components and fitted fabricated parts into complete machines and sub-assemblies
  • Used mechanical measuring equipment: verniers, micrometres, DTI, and height gauges for quality control during manufacturing and assembly
  • Reduced machine downtime through rapid diagnosis and repair of mechanical failures on production lines
  • Adhered to SHEQ standards during on-site installations and workshop fabrication, maintaining zero LTI record

Education

Fitting and Turning - Shalom Technical College, Benoni Campus

N3 - Fitting and Turning - Shalom Technical College, Benoni Campus

N4 - Fitting and Turning - Shalom Technical College, Benoni Campus

Furthering N courses - Shalom Technical College, Benoni Campus

Skills

Trade Tested Mechanical Fitter and Turner

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