From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

The South African division of global manufacturer KSB Pumps and Valves has embarked on a modernisation programme and revamp of its valves division to reassert its capabilities in the mining sectors in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Halima Frost has the details. 

Halima Frost:

KSB Pumps and Valves has historically imported all its valves, but in acknowledging the importance of local content, has implemented a strategy to achieve above 70% local content on its high-pressure steam valves. KSB Valve is constructing a new building at its KSB SupremeServ Service facility in Jet Park, in Johannesburg, which will host the sales department and a new manufacturing plant.

The assembly line will be fully operational in the last quarter of this year to achieve its target of 70% local-content manufacturing capability.  KSB Pumps and Valve training and special projects head/executive Stefano Testi explains the decision for the modernisation programme.

KSB Pump and Valve training and special projects head/executive Stefano Testi:

Halima Frost:

The first valve that will be produced at the new facility will be the Nori 500 high-pressure steam valve, which is one of three valves in the Nori range. The range is suited to South Africa’s minerals processing and industrial plant environments.

KSB Pump and Valve business development manager and GIW slurry pumps head Rob Bond describes the Nori range of valves as being suited to use in high-pressure and high-temperature situations.

KSB Pump and Valve business development manager and GIW slurry pumps head Rob Bond:

Halima Frost:

KSB Valves will be able to repair and certify valves in accordance with SANS 347 pressure equipment regulations. KSB Pumps and Valves offers the option to refurbish valves as an alternative to buying newer, more expensive valves.

KSB Valve service engineer Koos Taljaard discusses why KSB Valves are superior.

KSB Valve service engineer Koos Taljaard:

Halima Frost:

Newly appointed KSB valve business unit manager Jonas Moloto will be responsible for the South Africa and Africa regions. Moloto shares his excitement about heading up the valves division with its fresh sales team and technical support staff.

KSB valve business unit manager Jonas Moloto:

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.