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Local manufacturing
now, but when we get to the volumes we want, it could
rise to 50 or even 100 employees.”
Offshoot industries are also being created.
Steely resolve
Both men say the late Dirk Vorster from Easyflex was the
man who initiated the development of the SANS 1689
standard and who drove the process forward in South Africa.
“It was a team effort — a whole bunch of people were
involved over a four-year period, and we’ve received
support from both the SABS and other working group
committee members,” Eric explains.
Inox Systems and Easyflex had to design and construct
unique testing equipment to be used in the product’s
certification process. The testing equipment had to be
properly calibrated as well. Once testing is concluded,
the equipment will be used in the company’s
manufacturing facility to periodically test samples for
compliance and quality.
1.
2.
The value of corrugated
stainless steel pipes
(CSSPs) is less known
than that of copper,
reducing the likelihood of
theft.
Eric and Ofir Levi with line
technician, Tladi Mokotedi
(middle).
Everything written in the standard has to be tested, which
includes pressure, hammer, and drop tests. The pipes have
also been evaluated by an independent laboratory.
Ofir says the intention with SANS 1689 was to make it
difficult to achieve so that companies entering the market
do so with high-quality offerings. “When it comes to the
Standards, you don’t want to be lenient. We can’t allow
other companies to lower the quality.”
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July 2017 Volume 23 I Number 5
“Besides manufacturing quality CSSPs, we want to
ensure the plant’s compliance with environmental
standards. Therefore, we pay particular attention to the
disposal and storage of harmful materials such as nitric
acid and ammonia.”
Always online
The company’s website, www.inox.co.za, is not a selling
tool but rather an information resource, complete with
illustrated installation instructions, product pictures, and
technical data.
Inox Systems also provides a replacement warranty.While
Inox Systems can supply fitting kits for the pipes, they are
sourced from Easyflex (developed by Vorster), with whom
the brothers share a close working relationship.
“Our strength is that we’ve been around for a while, we
have the machines, we understand the product, and
we’re one of the pioneers of this product in South Africa,”
Eric states.
He says their mission is to supply high-quality, easy-to-
use products. “We want to be a recognisable brand in
South Africa and able to supply abroad.”
The brothers also believe the African market is huge
and waiting to be tapped. “We’re looking at Botswana
next, where in part, the plumbing industry still uses older
piping technologies. The African market is very open-
minded, but we need to grow the business smartly,” Eric
concludes. PA
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www.plumbingafrica.co.za