Localisation for Africa
World-class Valves from Local Manufacturers Calls for World-Class Quality Castings
Changes are abound in the valves sector as the formation of The Valve and Actuator Manufacturers ’ Cluster of South Africa ( VAMCOSA ) gears up to provide significant demand prospects for local manufacturers . However , with great promise comes great responsibility , and local manufacturers need to step up to the plate to produce world-class valves that are able to compete with imported products .
The South African Valve Manufacturing industry has been in a steady decline since 1994 as a result of the higher quality and affordability that imported products provide . In an attempt to turn the industry around and promote the growth of locally sourced valves , VAMCOSA was formed in 2011 . While this may mean that industry giants such as Eskom will now have to look closer to home for a supply of valves , the pressure is on to meet demanding requirements for the same level of quality as internationally produced products . In the next five years , Eskom is expected to replace an estimated 5,500 valves in on-going operations and maintenance projects at existing power plants , significantly increasing demand for control valves , multiturn valves , quarter turn valves , as well as electric and pneumatic actuators . It stands to reason that local valve manufacturers will benefit considerably from this massive replacement programme .
Now more than ever , local valve manufacturers need to seek out the support of a well-established foundry for the supply of raw castings . As the first South African PED-certified foundry and material supplier , Steloy Castings is able to produce as-cast and machined components that conform to stringent quality assurance requirements necessitated by the pump and valve industry . Being qualified to produce PED-class castings allows valve manufacturers to attach the coveted CE ( Conformite Europeene ) mark to each item of pressure equipment , and ISO 9001 accredited facilities provides the added assurance of superior quality and product integrity .
Over 25 years of experience in the valve industry has put Steloy in a good position to provide the customer support and an understanding of the product requirements and specifications expected from globally competitive companies . This and other specialist competencies goes a long way to improving Steloy ’ s capacity for providing quality , delivery , fast reaction times and overall service excellence , which is invaluable when it comes to providing the cost effectiveness and time saving that the South African valve industry needs to grow .
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