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FEATURE
SMS sent to yourself and your insurance co . as well as your designated plumber . This device will prevent a burst geyser from flooding your home , saving thousands of Rands in consequential damages and inconveniences .
Research & Development Besides the new products , Advanced Valves has an ongoing R & D program for continuous improvement on existing products in terms of performance and reliability . Almost every component has been revised and updated , some items several times , over the last eight years .
The R & D program involves 3D printed and machined prototypes , thorough testing and recording of data , and then implementing design revisions for production . This in-house design uses state-of-the-art 3D CAD and the data generated is used directly by the toolmaker for CAD / CAM machining and tooling , for extremely accurate products and tolerances .
This also allows this department the ability to rapidly introduce design changes . Additionally , all compression rubber moulds are designed completely in-house .
In-house manufacturing capabilities include CNC lathes and milling machines that are not only used for production , but the in-house manufacture of jigs and fixtures and moulds .
Other points of interest include the introduction of laser etched product marking and laser trimmed rubber components .
All of this allows Advanced Valves to compete strongly with imported products and in most cases beating the best the world has to offer in terms of quality , performance and of course value for money .
2 . What is it that attracts you to the valve market ? From the age of six , I got involved in the sport of sailing , and through my love of water and the very highly scientific principles of yacht racing
I found it second nature to be involved in the plumbing industry , and especially water-related valve controls . It ’ s an interesting , ever-changing industry and I am extremely passionate , determined and proud be at the forefront of geyser ancillary product design innovation and manufacture in this country .
3 . There is a view that imports are cheaper than local manufactured products . How do you respond to this view ? In some cases this may be true , yes , but imports can be inferior due to low quality materials , poor manufacturing processes and a lack of understanding of the local market and SANS specifications . Advanced Valves products are proudly designed and manufactured in South Africa , are SABS or SACPS approved , with a two-year guarantee . You will not find a better quality or better priced product in the South African market than ours .
4 . Has the lack of materials ( Covid and current supply situation ) benefitted local manufacture ? No , with careful planning , we have avoided any supply shortage . We also haven ’ t seen an increase in local manufacturing by other companies due to Covid .
5 . What fundamentally is the advantage of local manufacture to the company , the country , and the economy ? It ’ s massive - at a moral and ethical level it ’ s what we as South Africans need - to create jobs and opportunities within our country to help stop the ever-rising unemployment rate and decrease crime levels . Firstly , we are creating employment , not only for 77 people but we are indirectly supporting another 240 . This gives these people hope for a better future , gives them stability , meaning and purpose in their lives .
Secondly , we are a South African manufacturer that is employing its citizens . We are keeping our profits in the country , which benefits the economy because we are constantly growing . By comparison , importers only need a warehouse with a tenth of the employees . And the country
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline September 2022 Volume 28 I Number 7