Pumps specialist outlines localisation benefits

The localisation of pumps manufacturing will have a direct benefit for end-users who can, consequently, avert the logistical challenges that have arisen because of Covid-19, says industrial valves and pumps specialists Brimis Engineering technical director Moeketsi Mpotu.

The local market will also benefit from having fully localised pump manufacturers across all pump sectors, which would create jobs upstream, at various manufacturing stages, while clients can enjoy the support from original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) throughout any operation.

He adds that, while South Africa has a mature pumps industry, with clean water pumps and slurry pumps having a strong localised manufacturing presence, a significant gap remains in the specialised and fully engineered pumps in the high-pressure and temperature segment.

These include screw and gear pumps, critical application pumps and severe application pumps for sensitive industries.

Thus, Mpotu encourages government to tighten the monitoring of local-content requirements across the board for projects requiring pumps.

“We suggest government demarcates a special economic zone for the manufacturing of pumps, valves, piping and associated accessories. The industry is worth over R6-billion and supports all essential infrastructure market segments, including mining, power generation and waterboards.”

Further, while local capability is beneficial for the local pumps industry, Mpotu says there is a lack of artisans who have the necessary qualifications and experience to support the aftersales market and meet customer demands.

Despite this, the biggest opportunity for growth in the industry lies in the specialised and critical applications segment, considering “there are no more than five major players in this space, occupying over 98% of the market”.

To assist in developing local capability, Brimis Engineering has partnered with international and local entities.

The company also provides trained artisans to support clients at its workshop in Middleburg, in Mpumalanga, or at a client’s workshop.

Services Provided

Brimis Engineering offers mobile support for pump and valve repairs.

Mpotu notes that the company has one of the widest mobile repair capabilities in South Africa, with a fully equipped valve repair mobile workshop to refurbish and test valves as required.

Brimis has also partnered with a global sourcing company, in Switzerland, to source critical valves, with the resourcing company having a network of local partners and representatives of global “giants” in the pump space.

For instance, through its global networks and partnerships, Brimis sourced a mechanical pump, which Mpotu describes as “difficult to uncover”, in France for a local client. The client had tried to locate the pump’s OEM for 12 years.

The pump is set to be delivered to the client within contractual timelines.

Further, Brimis Engineering aims to continue supporting clients in the power generation, mining, heavy engineering, and pulp and paper industries.

“In the long term, we aim to transition all technical resources to support a just energy transition. To this end, we have partnered with an Indonesian entity to diversify our offerings and transition our technical skills in supporting the renewables and just transition market of the future.

“Brimis Engineering has acquired the widest range of mobile refurbishment equipment, gearing up to support our clients across the country,” Mpotu concludes.