Capital Equipment News August 2016

PARTS AND MAINTENANCE

POWERMITE – building on solid reputation

P owermite, a division of Hudaco, has earned the reputation as a specialist engineering supplier of world-class components, equipment and systems to Southern Africa’s mining, marine, industrial and general engineering sectors. “From buffers for overhead cranes to cou- plers for motors, we combine best-in-class products with experience, expertise and product know-how to deliver engineered solutions to our valued customers,” says Marketing Director, Donovan Marks. The company’s extensive product portfolio in- cludes energy supply systems, motorised and spring cable reels, container handling systems as well as industrial and mining cables, plugs and sockets. Powermite’s range of electrical products is manufactured locally by Ampco and Proof Engineering in a new state-of-the-art man- ufacturing facility making it the largest plug and socket manufacturer under one roof in Africa. First established in the late 1960s, this pioneering company is responsible for introducing a number of firsts to South Africa including cable reeling drums, conductor R efurbishment rather than replacement of valves is increasingly viewed as a means of reducing capital expendi- ture, but only if work being carried out is in accordance to the SANS 347, South African Pressure Equipment Regulations and manu- facturer’s strict requirements. This is according to Ryan Croker, KSB Pumps and Valves, Valve Service and Acting Sales Manager, adding that refurbishment can offer a number of advantages including reduced lead times for large engineered valves. In oth- er instances, the custom-fit nature of certain valves makes it preferable to refurbish rather than replace. Cost is also a factor, but these benefits are meaningless unless the valve is restored to OEM specifications and conditions to ensure reliable service in the long run. As one of the largest manufacturers and sup- pliers of valves for all industries, including high pressure steam valves for power gener- ation, chemical and other plants, KSB Pumps and Valves has recently invested in a work- shop and other facilities to ensure that even the most complex and precise valves can be

systems, festoon systems, flat cables as well as a large variety of industrial plugs and sockets of various specifications. Powermite rapidly captured substantial market share in the materials handling sector and with ISO 9001:2000 accreditation secured, the company was soon positioned as a single source supplier of electrical crane materials and flexible cables to Southern African mining and industry. Throughout its successful 45 year track re- cord, Powermite has secured a number of exclusive distribution rights for the supply of premium brand products to Southern African mining and industry. These com- panies include Conductix Wampfler, EKD, Telefonika, Mennekes and Proconnect. “We also supply a range of high quality cable accessories through our company division, Three-D Agencies,” adds Marks. Fundamental to Powermite’s success is the company’s ongoing commitment to maximising uptime and productivity for customers and end-users through the sustained delivery of quality products supported by service excellence that extends to optimised response time. “We continuously invest in local manufacture refurbished in accordance to the SANS 347, the South African Pressure Equipment Regu- lations and world-leading standards. Manufacturer approved “As an OEM manufacturer we are able to supply either new or refurbished valves, whichever make technical sense or according to customers’ requirements. Our workshop is specially equipped to deal with any type of valve and we specialise in high pressure steam and technically complicated valves. “Like our mother-company in Germany we have the technology and processes in place to do the work correctly and in accordance with all relevant legislations. Likewise, as an OEM we have access to all the required technical expertise and aftersales services to support our valves whether they be new or refur- bished,” says Croker. He adds that the valves division has been es- pecially beefed-up to meet growing demands from an ever-broadening customer base. Sales, service and logistics efforts enable them to reach out to all corners of the region

research to produce products that deliver efficient and reliable performance,” states Marks. “Our wide distribution network of well-stocked branches in Johannesburg, Rustenburg, Witbank, Cape Town, Durban and Richards Bay support the Roodepoort head office in efficiently serving the local market as well as 14 cross-border countries, including Mauritius. “We are working on establishing a foothold in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, in close co-operation with Hudaco, as part of our African expansion strategy.” b

REFURBISHING TIRED VALVES

and ensure that professional and competent services can be offered.

Market needs The promulgation of SANS 347 and subsequent upgrading of KSBs’ valve repair workshop is in line with efforts to ensure safer handling and usage of equipment classified as pressure vessel accessories. In light of the large fleet of specialised valves that exist in Southern Africa the establishment of a fully- fledged compliant workshop opens avenues for users to professionally refurbish rather than replace valves. In addition, KSB’s valve division will ensure that the industry has access to the best na- tional and international services from the company. Utilities like Eskom, various water authorities, as well as large-scale companies are already making use of the company’s re- pair and refurbishment services. “As an OEM we are now able to offer customers a full spectrum of services from sales, to support and maintenance to repairs and eventual re- furbishment if required. That is unique,” con- cludes Croker. b

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS AUGUST 2016 38