Industrial equipment supplier Auma South Africa emphasises the positive impact of technology on the actuators market ecosystem. Auma's electric actuators and gearboxes are fitted onto third-party-supplied valves before distribution to end-users as an option, with a strong emphasis on maintaining good relationships with various manufacturers. All its products are sourced from Germany and assembled in-house according to customer specifications.

Auma highlights that it embraces current technology advancements, which allows users to connect through their phones or laptops to download extensive parameters for actuator maintenance, fault-finding and parameter optimisation. Fault reports can be promptly sent to Auma or its German counterparts for precise servicing recommendations, enhancing operational efficiency.

Recently, Auma launched the Profox and Profox-X actuators in May 2020 and March 2024 respectively. These actuators cater to a range of applications including modulating and isolating valves, and explosionproof environments. The Profox-X variant, available in 24 V DC and 220 V AC, allows it to be integrated to a uninterrupted power supply system and contribute to operational reliability.

“Notably, the Profox-X, despite its recent introduction, has seen significant sales growth, owing to competitive pricing and robust performance. Auma’s use of smart positioners with adaptive behaviours further enhances operational efficiency, aligning with its value engineering principles,” asserts Auma sales engineer Herman Kleynhans. He adds that the interchangeable parts across units provide cost-saving benefits, enabling streamlined maintenance processes and reducing spare part inventory complexities.

Auma’s commitment extends to offering comprehensive electronic monitoring systems and ‘round-the-clock’ assistance, supported by a substantial R70-million stock inventory for swift issue resolution. The company’s maintenance contracts with major utilities and industry players, such as Eskom, Rand Water, Total and Sappi, underscore its reliability and industry presence.

Moreover, Auma recognises emerging opportunities in explosionproof markets and the burgeoning hydrogen power sector. With anticipated growth in hydrogen-related investments, particularly in neighbouring Namibia, Auma anticipates a significant market expansion in the near future.

“Auma’s proactive adoption of technology, commitment to customer satisfaction, and strategic market positioning reflect its continuous growth trajectory and readiness to capitalise on evolving industry trends,” Kleynhans concludes.