The global pumps and valves manufacturing industry is showing renewed interest in this year’s Pumps, Valves and Pipes Africa Expo (PVPA), which is taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre, in Midrand, from May 20 to 22, says event organiser Exhibition Management Services (EMS).

The exhibition provides a versatile product showcase and business networking platform for local and international companies.

Early-bird exhibitors from Turkey, China and India have already signed up for this year’s event, with a flood of new and repeat participants expected to take advantage of countless business opportunities currently under way across Africa, says EMS.

Water Issues
“World demand for vital fluids – including water and oil – continues every day and pipelines, valves and pumps are the only sure infrastructure mechanisms to control and direct the flow rate and final destination of these commodities,” says EMS organiser John Thomson.

He adds that these systems are vitally important whether installed in drought-stricken regions to conserve and manage scarce water – such as in California and rural Africa – or in flood- ravaged areas, where pipeline systems preserve the integrity of potable water supplies.

Thomson points out that there are still several regions in Africa and the world where adequate pipeline systems do not exist and are desperately needed. Managing Africa’s water is a major driver of interest in the region for pumps and valves manufacturers and suppliers around the world, he says.

Lubi Pumps Debut
First-time exhibitor Lubi Pumps is an Indian manufacturer of more than 4 500 varieties of water pumps and motors, including submersible pumps, bare shaft pumps, end-suction pumps and pressure booster pumps; it considers itself a market leader in more than 80 countries.

“We decided to exhibit at PVPA because we want to investigate markets and business opportunities in Africa and showcase our energy efficient equipment.

“PVPA is an important platform for us because it focuses on our specific industry in a region that has potential for growth,” says Lubi Pumps export administrator Vishal Bhesaniya.

Other First-Time Exhibitors
Turkey-based pumps manufacturer Sempa will also showcase its products at PVPA this year. The company has expanded its product portfolio to include deep-well pumps, submersible pumps, booster sets, diesel and electric fire pumps, and wastewater and sewage pumps.

Another first-time exhibitor, China-based Anhui Sanlian Pump Industry, is a transindustry business group integrating scientific research, manufacturing and trading. It is the largest water pump manufacturer in China and plans to showcase its full range of pumps and fluid transfer systems, says Thomson.

“We decided to come on board as we see PVPA as the most professional pumps show in Africa,” says Anhui Sanlian Pump Industry agent Daniel Liu, adding that Anhui is targeting the South African market and hopes to see more growth in the coming years.

“Because the event has many high-calibre visitors, it will give us a good chance to find the right business partners,” he adds.

Vamcosa
The 20-member strong Valve and Actuator Manufacturers Cluster of South Africa (Vamcosa) will again participate in the PVPA that forms part of the hugely successful South African Industry & Technology Fair (Indutec).
Vamcosa spokesperson Greg Walker says Vamcosa’s participation in PVPA 2015 will help achieve its goal of building and strengthening relationships with other companies in the industry as well as State-owned enterprises (SOEs).

Established in 2011, Vamcosa aims to promote and facilitate much-needed growth in the local valve and actuator manufacturing industry. “We achieved some important targets at PVPA 2013, hence our decision to return to the show in 2015,” says Walker.

With the National Treasury’s recent instruction note, local industries have seen some positive change. The instruction note requires SOEs to buy 70% of required products from local manufacturers.
“In 2012, State-owned entities spent R4-billion on valves, with only R1.2-billion going to local manufacturers. We are confident that the new law will help the industry to grow again.”

Showcase for Local Industries
Thomson says South African engineering and mining companies, SOEs and municipalities should buy more valves and actuators from local manufacturers to boost the industry.

“Locally manufactured valves and control systems are just as effective and cost-efficient as any imported equivalent; this can be seen at this year’s PVPA event. It has proven to be an excellent platform to showcase South African manufacturers and their products to local and international customers,” adds Thomson.

Long-standing exhibitor valves specialist Kira Valves & Engineering will exhibit for the fourth time at PVPA 2015. The company provides products, services and solutions for the most challenging applications, particularly in the oil and gas, power, mining, chemicals, food and beverage, building and construction industries. It will exhibit various strainers and valves at the expo.

“These types of exhibitions have enhanced our growth tremendously. We are currently suppliers to companies such as Eskom, Sasol and Evraz Highveld Steel & Vanadium,” says Kira Valves & Engineering director Krish Manichum.

“Our goal is to showcase the highest-quality products, innovative design solutions and provide uncompromising service to customers,” says Manichum.

“So it was an easy decision to return to the 2015 PVPA because we received a great deal of positive feedback from the previous expo. PVPA is a great platform to market our products, meet many new potential customers and, of course, increase sales,” he adds.