ZCJK in Ghana: 26 Days of Service, New Partnerships & A Second ZC1000

As construction and infrastructure activity continues across Ghana, block manufacturers need production systems that can deliver consistent output while remaining practical to operate and maintain. 

To directly support local customers, ZCJK sent a specialized field service delegation, including two foreign trade specialists and a senior mechanical service engineer, on a 26-day mission across Ghana.

During the mission, the team visited more than 50 clients, carried out hands-on maintenance and technical checks, and installed a brand-new ZC1000 fully automatic block making machine in Takoradi.

26 Days of On-Site Technical Service Across Ghana

For a concrete block factory, production performance depends on more than the forming machine itself. Hydraulic systems, electrical controls, vibration settings, aggregate grading, moisture content, molds, pallets, and routine maintenance can all affect production consistency.

During this 26-day field service mission, ZCJK’s team provided practical support focused on equipment condition and production performance:

• 50+ clients visits: The team inspected operating plants, checked mechanical components, hydraulic systems, electrical controls, and general operating conditions, while also finalizing cooperation with multiple customers and receiving partial payments on site.

• 1 new ZC1000 installation: In Takoradi, the team assembled, connected, tested, and commissioned a new fully automatic block production line.

• 3 debugging and commissioning operations: Engineers assisted existing customers with PLC-related settings, vibration adjustment, and material-mix optimization based on local aggregate conditions.

The purpose of these visits was not simply to restart equipment. It was to help customers identify operating issues, improve process stability, and maintain consistent block production.

Takoradi Case Study: Five Years Later, the Customer Orders a Second ZC1000

In 2020, a block manufacturer in Takoradi purchased its first ZCJK ZC1000 fully automatic concrete block machine. The customer has operated the equipment in a coastal environment where heat and humidity are important considerations for industrial equipment.

In 2026, the customer decided to expand the factory and selected another ZC1000.

The significance of the project is straightforward: instead of changing to an unfamiliar equipment supplier, the customer returned to a machine model they already had five years of operating experience with.

A repeat order does not, by itself, prove every aspect of a machine’s performance. However, it is a meaningful field reference because the customer had five years of direct operating experience with the original ZC1000 before deciding to purchase a second unit.

The new installation also creates a clear visual comparison. The original 2020 ZC1000 and the newly installed machine are now part of the same production site, showing how an established block manufacturer can expand capacity by adding another production line.

2020 vs. 2026: One Factory, Two ZC1000 Machines

• 2020: The first ZC1000 was installed and commissioned at the Takoradi factory.

• 2026: A second ZC1000 was installed to increase the factory’s production capacity.

• Today: Both machines are part of the customer’s expanded production setup.

Why the ZC1000 Fits High-Output Concrete Block Production

The ZC1000 fully automatic block making machine is designed for medium- to large-scale concrete block and brick production. It features a 12–22 second cycle time, 110 kN excitation force, 130 kW total power, and up to 118,800 standard bricks per 8-hour shift.

1. Automated Production Workflow

The ZC1000 integrates a three-stage batching system, JW750 mixer, automatic pallet feeder, conveyor, and double pallet stacker. This reduces manual handling and creates a more efficient, continuous production workflow.

2. Siemens PLC and Hydraulic Control

A Siemens PLC and touch-screen system supports production monitoring, formula storage, and fault diagnosis. Coordinated hydraulic control helps maintain stable forming operations and consistent machine performance.

3. 110 kN Dynamic-Static Vibration Table

The ZC1000 uses a dynamic-static vibration table with 110 kN excitation force. Combined with mechanical pressure, it provides effective concrete compaction for stable block density and dimensional consistency.

4. Durable Design for Continuous Production

The ZC1000 uses extra-thick rectangular steel pipes in its welded structure for demanding industrial applications. Automatic, semi-automatic, and manual modes provide flexibility for production, commissioning, and maintenance.

From One Machine to Two: A Practical Example of Capacity Expansion

The Takoradi project is valuable because it shows a real-world expansion path for an established block manufacturer.

The customer did not replace the original production line. Instead, the factory added a second ZC1000 after five years of operating the first machine. This approach allows an established producer to increase capacity while continuing to use familiar equipment and existing production knowledge.

The business case for a second block making machine should always be evaluated against actual market demand, available space, raw-material supply, labor, power availability, curing capacity, and expected utilization.

A second machine is most effective when the supporting plant systems can also handle the additional production volume.

Conclusion: Long-Term Service Matters as Much as Machine Selection

The Takoradi case shows that successful concrete block production depends not only on the right machine, but also on installation, commissioning, maintenance, operator training, and ongoing technical support.

When choosing a concrete block machine, manufacturers should consider product requirements, target output, raw materials, plant layout, and long-term service. 

Our 26-day field service mission in Ghana demonstrates ZCJK’s commitment to supporting customers throughout the entire production process.

Looking for reliable equipment and long-term technical support? 

Contact us to discuss your project.

FAQ

Q1: What products can the ZC1000 produce?

The machine can be configured with different concrete block and brick molds. We offer configurations for products including 240 × 115 × 53 mm standard bricks, 400 × 150 × 200 mm hollow blocks, 400 × 200 × 200 mm hollow blocks, and 200 × 100 × 60 mm paving bricks, among other configurations.

Q2: Does vibration alone determine concrete block strength?

No. Vibration is an important part of compaction, but final block quality also depends on aggregate grading, moisture content, cement and aggregate proportions, mold accuracy, forming pressure, demolding, curing, and quality testing.

Q3: What after-sales support does ZCJK provide?

We provide equipment installation guidance, commissioning, operator training, remote technical support, and on-site service. The specific service scope depends on the project and service arrangement.