Nigeria Machine Tools Charts New Path for Indigenous Spare Parts Manufacturing

Despite the many challenges associated with manufacturing in the country,  Nigeria Machine Tools Limited (NMTL), an indigenous company engaged in the production of industrial spare parts and fittings, has remained a beacon of industrial excellence and innovation, writes Emmanuel Addeh.

Since achieving ISO-9001-2015 certification in 2014, NMTL has earned its place as a premier in-country manufacturer of bolts and flanges. This achievement, coupled with independent approvals from major oil and gas companies across Nigeria, the firm says, underscores its commitment to quality and industry leadership.

Brief History

The story of NMTL began in 1980, initially focusing on serving a wide range of technical industries, and specialising in industrial metal processing machine tools and custom production machinery.
In those early days, NMTL was under the stewardship of the federal government, which guided its operations through the challenges and triumphs of the early years.
In 2007, NMTL underwent privatisation, having been acquired by Quinn McGrath Limited, a fully indigenous Nigerian company, thereby heralding a period of significant transformation.
The new chapter was marked by an ambitious goal: to steer NMTL toward a path of sustained profitability and growth.

New Chapter of Expansion, Innovation

As the company entered the period between 2012 and 2014, NMTL embarked on a bold expansion of its production capabilities. The introduction of five new production lines was a strategic move aimed at enhancing service offerings, particularly in the energy sector.

They included: Stud-Bolt Manufacturing Plant, designed to produce high-quality stud bolts, a critical component in various industrial applications as well as a Zinc & Zinc Nickel Electroplating Plant wherein advanced anti-corrosion coatings were provided, ensuring durability and longevity for various products.
Besides , NMTL floated the Zinc Phosphating Plant which improved surface protection through phosphating, further enhancing product resilience.
In addition, the PTFE Coating Plant where specialized PTFE coatings were applied was established, adding an extra layer of durability to components.
Not done, the new managers of the NMTL, floated a Hot Dip Galvanising Plant, helping to implement hot dip galvanising techniques and delivering superior corrosion resistance.
These expansions were not just incremental improvements; they were pivotal in advancing the in-country production of stud bolts and elevating anti-corrosion treatment solutions.
Additionally, NMTL’s machining capabilities were strategically adapted to include the production of flanges and customised machined components, meeting the diverse needs of multiple industries.

 Impact of Transformation

NMTL’s journey from its government-managed origins to a privately-acquired entity marked a significant transformation. The company’s evolution was not merely about expanding facilities or increasing production capacity; it was about reimagining its role within the Nigerian industrial landscape. By integrating advanced technologies and embracing a culture of continuous improvement, NMTL positioned itself as a leader in industrial manufacturing.
Today, NMTL stands as a testament to what can be achieved through innovation, dedication, and strategic foresight. The company’s legacy is built on a foundation of excellence and its commitment to delivering high-quality products that meet the rigorous standards of the oil and gas industry and beyond.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigeria’s industrial sector, Nigeria Machine Tools Limited (NMTL) has carved out a distinguished reputation as a premier integrated engineering and manufacturing entity. Specialising in piping packages, anti-corrosion protection, and bespoke industrial solutions, NMTL has established itself as a cornerstone of excellence in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Milestones

NMTL’s path to prominence is marked by a series of significant milestones that underscore its commitment to quality and innovation. The journey began in 2014 when the company achieved ISO-9001-2015 certification. This international quality standard affirmed NMTL’s dedication to maintaining the highest levels of excellence in its operations.
In 2015, NMTL received its initial OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) approval from Shell Companies in Nigeria, validating NMTL’s capability to produce high-quality stud bolts and nuts. The following year, in 2016, the company’s reputation was further solidified with OEM qualifications from Exxon Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited and Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) for the same products.

2017 was another landmark year, with NMTL gaining OEM approval for flanges from Shell Companies. This achievement was complemented by its listing in Shell’s Technical Acceptance Management of Procurement (TAMAP) list in 2021, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to excellence.
By 2018, Chevron Nigeria Limited recognized NMTL’s prowess, qualifying it as an OEM for both stud bolts and flanges. The momentum continued into 2020 when Total Energies also added NMTL to its list of approved manufacturers for these critical components.

NMTL’s Contribution to Key Industry Projects

NMTL’s expertise has played a vital role in several high-profile industry projects, underscoring its capacity to deliver on a grand scale. In 2017, the company contributed to the Bonga FPSO Turn Around Maintenance for Shell, showcasing its ability to support major operations with precision-engineered solutions. The following years saw NMTL’s involvement in the QIT
Offshore Maintenance Projects for Exxon, highlighting its ongoing role in the offshore sector.
Nigeria Machine Tools is the only Nigerian company that has received Shell TAMAP approval. This certification highlights its commitment to excellence and adherence to international standards.
Between 2020 and 2021, NMTL made significant contributions to the Ikike Project for Total, demonstrating its adaptability and commitment to large-scale ventures. The company’s engagement in the Train-7 Project from 2020 to 2022 further cemented its status as a key player in advancing Nigeria’s industrial infrastructure.

Project Delivery

NMTL’s dedication to quality and operational excellence is evident in its successful execution of numerous high-priority projects. Among these, several notable contributions stand out.
They include the Julius Berger Quarry where NMTL delivered precision-engineered rotor ledges (600mm & 800mm), enhancing the efficiency and performance of quarry operations and Lafarge, where the company supplied and installed specialised segment kiln inlet protectives, improving both safety and operational efficiency.
Others were: Iron and Steel Industries; Metal Recycling Industries; Baker Hughes; Shell; Egbin Power Plc; IKIKE project; Sokoto Cement; NNPC(Port-Harcourt Refinery and Petroleum Company); Nigeria LNG Limited – Maintenance, repair and upgrade services as well as Nigeria LNG Limited Train 7 Project.
In addition NMTL has been deeply involved in Total Energies, where it was engaged with facility maintenance as well as NNPC’s Warri Refinery and Petroleum Company.
Situated on a 110-acre site, NMTL says its natural setting is not merely a backdrop but a reflection of its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

Environmental Stewardship

NMTL has embraced eco-friendly building designs and renewable energy solutions. Its facilities are outfitted with green building practices and energy-efficient technologies, aiming to minimize the company’s environmental footprint.
The company takes active measures to protect its forested areas, which serve as a sanctuary for local wildlife. This commitment underscores NMTL’s dedication to preserving biodiversity and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
 The natural environment surrounding NMTL offers a unique opportunity for environmental research. The company leverages this setting to explore sustainable innovations and align its business operations with ecological preservation.

Social Responsibility

NMTL stresses that it recognises that a supportive work environment is crucial for employee well-being and productivity. The company’s social impact initiatives, it says, focus on fostering a balanced work-life environment and community engagement.
These can be enunciated under employee satisfaction and retention, community engagement.

Governance Excellence

According to NMTL’s operations, the company has a strong commitment to ethical leadership and transparency, based on ethical leadership.
The company’s focus on work-life balance and transparent communication about policies exemplifies its ethical approach to management. NMTL ensures that its governance practices are fair and responsible.

Sustainability Policies

 Formal policies are in place to promote energy conservation and set specific goals for achieving sustainability. NMTL’s leadership actively supports these policies, encouraging employees to adopt sustainable practices, including efficient resource use, among others.

Future Outlook

The NMTL pledges to continue its relentless pursuit of innovation. The upcoming Valve Assembly & Testing programme is a testament to this forward-thinking approach. This collaboration with AMPO Valves not only enhances NMTL’s technical capabilities but also reinforces its commitment to sustainability.
The programme is designed to meet stringent environmental and social criteria, ensuring that the company’s growth aligns with its core values of responsible stewardship and operational excellence.

Collaborations

In a momentous occasion for both NMTL and the Nigerian Navy, the Chief of Naval Engineering, Rear Admiral Levi, led a distinguished delegation from the Nigerian Navy Engineering Division to NMTL’s cutting-edge facility in Osogbo on  July 23, 2024. This visit underscored the growing collaboration between NMTL and key stakeholders in the defence sector.
Upon arrival, the Rear Admiral and his team toured the NMTL’s expansive facility, renowned for its state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities and technological innovations. The delegation was impressed by the advanced production processes and sophisticated equipment that define NMTL’s operations.

Building Bridges with NLNG

In a significant step towards fostering closer ties, a delegation from NMTL led by Obehi Ojeaga, General Manager of Business Development and Corporate Affairs, and Ikemefula Chikwendu, Assistant General Manager of Business Development and Projects, recently visited the Nigeria LNG facility on Bonny Island. This visit was aimed at reinforcing and familiarizing NMTL’s relationship with NLNG, while also exploring potential collaboration opportunities.
The delegation engaged in in-depth discussions with NLNG representatives about ongoing and future projects. The conversations centered on identifying how NMTL’s advanced product offerings and engineering solutions could align with NLNG’s operational needs.
 The goal was clear: to explore ways in which NMTL could contribute effectively to NLNG’s projects and operations, thus strengthening the partnership between the two organizations.

Exploring Opportunities with UNIDO

In a separate but equally significant engagement, NMTL was honoured to host a distinguished delegation from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) at its headquarters.
The team, led by Dr. Reuben Bamidele, National Project Officer, and Mr Azubike Emechebe, Project Coordinator for the Regional Centre for Small Hydro Power (SHP), visited the facility to explore potential collaboration opportunities.
The primary focus of their visit was to discuss how NMTL could serve as a key partner in the design, development, and manufacturing of small hydro-turbines.

Celebrating Art with Next of Kin Series 6

In its commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression, NMTL  sponsored the renowned Next of Kin Series 6, hosted by Thought Pyramid. This prestigious art event is celebrated for showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists from around the globe.

Strengthening Ties with NCDMB  

A delegation from NMTL, led by our Executive Vice Chairman Norbert Chukwuma, had also visited the NCDMB Liaison Office in Ikoyi. The team included Smart Idahosa, Finance Director;  Ojeaga, General Manager of Business Development and Corporate Affairs; Ikemefula Chikwendu; and Daniju Aishat, Business Development and Corporate Affairs Intern.
During the visit,  Chukwuma delivered a comprehensive overview of NMTL’s history and activities. The delegation showcased its in-country manufactured stainless steel stud bolts and nuts, which are crucial for various industrial applications.
“We anticipate that this engagement will further strengthen our collaboration with NCDMB and pave the way for achieving new milestones in our partnership. NMTL is enthusiastic about continuing this fruitful collaboration and advancing our shared goals for industrial and economic development.
“Through our support of cultural initiatives and strategic industry partnerships, NMTL remains committed to contributing positively across various sectors, enriching the cultural landscape, and driving industrial progress,” it said.