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Flanged Gate Valves

Product News Thursday, September 30, 2010: EMV Africa

Valve specialist Energy Valves will launch a new range of stainless steel class-150 gate valves, for use in the mining industry, in the next year, as well as offer a wider range of body materials in its range of nonreturn valves, says Energy Valves GM Graham Whitty.

The company has introduced a range of class-300 ball valves, as well as certi- fied fire-safe ball valves, and also plans to increase its range of valves in stock over the next year, he says.

Energy Valves has formalised its in-house quality control processes and achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification for its business and products. He adds that any quality control process means long-term, continuous dedi- cation from the company to improve the business and the products.

“Good-quality valves are durable and offer lower operational costs to customers and the company ensures that all its suppliers are of the highest repute,” says Whitty.

Energy Valves’ projects division has been successful in expanding the company’s presence in the market, which enables it to tender for many work opportunities. The company supplies a significant amount of valves to the mining industry, and has seen its exports to mining projects in Africa increase steadily, he explains.

Exports to other parts of the continent have performed better during the recession than sales in the local market because demand in the local market has decreased significantly during the past 18 months, he says.

Further, the company worked with local partners to indirectly supply ball valves and check valves to several copper and cobalt projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the valves are primarily used in process plants.

The company also secured a number of projects in the mining sector, including 25-mm to 200-mm class-150 ball valves to mining company Simmer & Jack Mines’ gold processing plant, in Stilfontein, as well as for the Medupi power station being constructed in Lephalale, in Limpopo province, he adds.

However, there are increasing signs that more South African projects will start in the near future and the company expects improved growth in the mining sector over the next year, but also expects the marketplace to be highly competitive, he explains.

“The industry remains challenging. The recession saw many capital projects shelved or cancelled, but we managed to register growth in our valve business despite this and look forward to good growth in the near future,” he concludes.