Modern Mining January 2024

COMPANY PROFILE

autoclave, Invincible Valves can now rubber line pipes, addressing a need in the market. The acquisi tion of this equipment and the expertise and skills to rubber line further emphasises the company’s com mitment to diversification. “Moving forward, our strategy remains centred on diminishing our dependence on external sources,” Du Plessis elucidates. “This involves bringing the production of our actuators in-house. Considering the challenges at the ports, it’s evident that we need to enhance our self-reliance. Waiting weeks for con tainers to clear is not viable. Passing such costs to customers isn’t always feasible, so we aim to mini mise risks as much as possible.” The company has also invested in generators and is looking at various solar solutions to reduce the impact of loadshedding on its business. Strong outlook for 2024 Du Plessis expresses optimism for 2024. Despite South Africa gearing up for elections and the metals industry engaging in negotiations with unions over wage increases, she asserts that Invincible has a resilient and dedicated team that is steadfastly com mitted to delivering products of exceptional quality. “We have confidence in our ability to attain our established goals. Our investments extend to both our facility and our team. With the right organisa tional culture in place, we are diligently working towards achieving our growth targets,” she says. “We are incredibly customer-centric, dedicated to providing the best product, optimal pricing, and effi cient lead times. When we talk about the customer being king at Invincible, it’s not mere rhetoric; it’s a philosophy we live by. Our Invincible range boasts a superior product, verified through extensive test ing, including weight testing, where our product surpasses standard steel. Numerous successful proj ects substantiate our confidence in the superiority of our product, each speaking for itself in the long run. The recurring business we attract is the true testa ment to our quality.” 

possible. “We don’t just operate in South Africa but across Africa and the rest of the world. Our move to diversify, innovate and invest speaks to growing this footprint significantly.” The goal for 2024, she says, is to expand the business even more. And already, they are on track to do just that. The company recently completed a noteworthy project involving reconditioning valves for a uranium plant in Namibia. Invincible Valves’ expertise saved the client a substantial 42% by reconditioning valves, making them fit for purpose and ensuring efficiency comparable to brand-new valves. This success reflects the company’s dedica tion to cost-effectiveness and its ability to deliver on a global scale. With the market going through ups and downs, price remains a crucial consideration for project own ers. “The valve industry is extremely price sensitive and, in the current economic climate, we forecast that reconditioning of valves will see an increase, particularly in South Africa where this has not been a trend.” She says the company has also expanded into the rubber lining aspect of the business and is increas ingly being used by other manufacturers for rubber lining valves. Having purchased a 10-metre-long

54  MODERN MINING  January 2024