The Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jacques van Eck as Quality Manager, effective 1 July 2025.

Jacques is no stranger to the plastic pipe industry or the SAPPMA community, having had a long-standing and valued relationship with the organisation. Well-known and respected within the industry, Jacques brings with him a wealth of experience, in-depth technical knowledge, and a strong commitment to upholding quality standards.

In his new role, Jacques will be responsible for ensuring that all products manufactured by SAPPMA member companies fully conform to the relevant National Standards (SANS) and ISO specifications, as well as the internal requirements set out by SAPPMA. He will report directly to Jan Venter, CEO of SAPPMA.

His core responsibilities include: monitoring the quality assurance policies and procedures of member companies, overseeing compliance with the SAPPMA Code of Conduct, conducting regular audits, inspections, sampling, and laboratory testing, and resolving any quality-related issues by implementing corrective actions. He will also collaborate with Certification Authorities and accredited Test Laboratories, represent SAPPMA at SABS Technical Committee meetings, and drive continuous improvement across the sector.

In addition to his primary responsibilities, Jacques will provide support to SAPPMA’s consulting projects, such as welding procedure qualifications, inspections of welding machines, and on-site evaluations—although these will remain secondary to his main quality assurance function. He will also actively participate in SAPPMA meetings, marketing activities, training modules, and webinars.

Jan Venter, CEO of SAPPMA, welcomed Jacques to the team, saying: "Jacques' appointment as Quality Manager is a major win for SAPPMA and our members. His deep understanding of the technical requirements, combined with his passion for quality and integrity, will significantly strengthen our quality assurance function. Jacques has been a trusted ally of SAPPMA for many years, and we are excited to now welcome him as a formal part of our team."

Expressing his enthusiasm about the new role, Jacques said: "I am honoured to take up the position of Quality Manager at SAPPMA. Quality and compliance are non-negotiable in our industry, and I am looking forward to working closely with members to uphold the high standards that SAPPMA is known for. I’m excited to contribute to the industry in this new capacity and to be part of a dynamic team that prioritises excellence."

SAPPMA congratulates Jacques on his appointment and looks forward to the positive impact his expertise will bring to the industry and its stakeholders.