Construction World October 2024

CONSULTING ENGINEERS

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE South African stainless steel industry The 2024 Sassda & Columbus Stainless Awards Gala Dinner marked a significant showcase of innovation, sustainability, and excellence within South Africa’s stainless steel sector. Attended by 200 industry professionals, including manufacturers, suppliers, fabricators and designers, the event heralded the return of these prestigious awards after a five year hiatus.

on creating customer value through innovation and leadership in the stainless steel industry. Runner-up: Anderson Engineering – Recognised for its quality, innovation, and customer engagement in the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care sectors. Ferritic Stainless Steel Awards Winner: Mpumatech – For its innovative use of stainless steel split sets in underground mining, improving safety and efficiency in challenging environments. Runner-up: Guardiar – For reducing complexity and environmental impact through innovative use of ferritic stainless steel. Export Achievement Awards Winner: Ener-G-Africa – Advanced biomass stove and eCO2pot, providing sustainable energy solutions to millions across Sub Saharan Africa. Runner-up: ND Engineering – For its contributions to global energy saving technologies and the supply of complex stainless steel components to Europe. Austenitic Stainless Steel Awards Winner: Fabrinox – Collaboration with Eco Clarity on a sustainable management system for fats, oils, and grease waste. Runner-up: Vinco Steel – Recognised for innovative handling of grapes in the wine industry. Lifetime Achievement Award The gala also honoured Sakkie Nel, who was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decadeslong contribution to the stainless steel sector. Nel’s leadership and vision have left an enduring impact on the industry. Overall Winner The evening culminated in ND Engineering being awarded the Overall Winner title thanks to its consistent excellence across multiple categories. The South African owned company was lauded for setting industry benchmarks in innovation, sustainability, and customer value creation. Chairperson’s remarks Reflecting on the evening, Sassda Chairperson Bertus Griesel stated, “As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Sassda, we not only honour our rich history but also look toward an exciting future filled with new challenges and opportunities. This milestone is a testament to the collective vision, resilience, and dedication of our industry. The achievements recognised tonight reflect the innovative spirit and commitment to excellence that will guide us into the next chapter of our journey.” 

C elebrating 60 years of stainless steel excellence in South Africa, the awards honoured individuals and companies that have made significant contributions to the industry. The night saw top achievers across several categories recognised exceptional work. Welcoming guests, Sassda Executive Director Michel Basson remarked, "The 2024 Sassda & Columbus Stainless Awards mark a triumphant return after a five year hiatus. We are proud not only to honour the companies and individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the stainless steel industry, but also to highlight the crucial role our industry plays in supporting The evening culminated in ND Engineering being awarded the Overall Winner award. Winner: Eco Clarity - Innovative technology in recovering fats, oils, and grease from food service establishments, converting waste into biodiesel using 304L stainless steel components. Runner-up: Mpumatech - Recognised for its sustainable solution in mining, replacing corroding mild steel split sets. Special Merit Award Venter Consulting Groundbreaking work in manufacturing closed vane impellers, raising standards of innovation and manufacturing excellence. Duplex Stainless Steel Awards Winner: ND Engineering - Work on the multipurpose pulp tank for Sappi Ngodwana, highlighting the benefits of duplex stainless steel in production efficiency. Runner-up: ND Engineering – exceptional use of duplex stainless steel in Sappi Saiccor’s Project Vulindlela. people, the planet and the South African economy." Key winners of the 2024 Sassda & Columbus Stainless Awards: Sustainability Awards

Business Excellence Awards Winner: ND Engineering – Acknowledged for its relentless focus

26 CONSTRUCTION WORLD OCTOBER 2024