SUSTAINABLE FLOW CONTROL INNOVATION
S U P P O R T I N G
P A R T N E R S
C E L E B R AT I N G A C E N T U RY O F H E R I TAG E Comprehensively supporting customers, Sulzer South Africa is dedicated to improving pumping processes, operational reliability, and the high performance of industrial rotating machinery. We discuss all this and more with Managing Director, Henry Craukamp Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Poppi Burke
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here is often a tendency to label Africa as one market or industry, but it’s important to remember that the continent is made up of 54 distinct nations, each with their own unique opportunities and challenges. Several noteworthy trends are shaping the current landscape, as despite the enduring challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, many African companies are steadfastly maintaining their focus on pivotal trends, including digitalisation and sustainability. It is no secret that Africa is simultaneously experiencing an
increase in urbanisation, leading to an upturn in the need for water and electricity. The global requirement for natural resources also continues to boost investments in the mining industry, as the demand for raw materials is still a powerful factor in continued investments in the vast African mining sector. Meanwhile, across a plethora of African industries, the intense competition for talent acquisition remains an ongoing and pressing concern for businesses. Expertly navigating these numerous challenges is Sulzer South Africa (Sulzer), established in
1922, who has intricately built a rich company legacy rooted in the region’s industrial growth. “Our evolution from diesel engines and boilers to comprehensive electrical services marked the early stages of our diverse portfolio,” introduces Henry Craukamp, Managing Director of Sulzer. “Over the years, we have expanded our offerings to include solutions beyond pumps, catering to industries such as water treatment, chemical solutions, transportation, food processing, and power generation,” he expands.
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At Sulzer, we are more than just a product supplier; we aspire to be true partners in delivering substantial value to our customers.”
A HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE
MANUFACTURING OUTLOOK: HOW DID YOUR CAREER JOURNEY BRING YOU TO YOUR CURRENT ROLE? Henry Craukamp, Managing Director: “My career journey began as a technician in the South African heavy industries. As a young engineer, I quickly realised that service excellence and maintaining close contact with customers were fundamental. “In order to provide service excellence in these industries, it is important to have a profound understanding of how electrical and mechanical equipment works and impacts various processes. As a result of this realisation, I developed a passion for understanding the intricate details of electrical and mechanical systems. “My professional journey was founded on this realisation, emphasising the critical intersection of technical expertise and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.”
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Craukamp is a seasoned business leader with a wealth of experience in various aspects of the industrial and engineering sectors. As of 2022, he serves as the Managing Director and Compliance and Information Officer at Sulzer, where he oversees the entire business, assuming responsibility for sales and operations within the region. With approximately 300 employees, the company’s operational region currently serves customers in 10 countries from within South Africa, based out of two major service locations, Johannesburg and Welkom. Sulzer’s overarching mission as a full-service provider is to adapt continuously to meet the country’s evolving needs. Throughout Sulzer’s history in South Africa, it has accumulated extensive experience in navigating the complexities of investing, divesting, and reinvesting in a variety of countries and industries. “Our experience has enabled us to adapt and evolve as the landscape changes, and we find that difficulties like these are truly inspiring,” Craukamp tells us. “By transforming challenges into opportunities, we can provide solutions that directly meet the specific needs of our customers.
The roots of Sulzer’s history lie in the development of a range of pumps used in diverse applications where fluids are treated, pumped, or mixed. “We can stand out from the competition in this market because of our facilities, manufacturing and engineering capabilities, and the level of service we provide our customers,” Craukamp acclaims. A great example of Sulzer’s engineering capabilities is its ability to design equipment for a variety of industries and applications. “We have crafted a team of seven engineers, with backgrounds in turbine and hydrodynamic design, who are not only involved in local projects but also in global R&D efforts,” he elaborates. Because of this, Sulzer is more competitive than other pump manufacturers with centralised engineering activities. Moreover, the company has developed reverse engineering capabilities, so it can provide solutions for mechanical rotating equipment, high-speed gearboxes, hydrodynamic couplings, and electromechanical systems. In addition, customers can also benefit from Sulzer’s global network of expertise and know-how. With specialised requirements and a limited number of experienced service engineers in the industry, Sulzer values experience and knowledge. Throughout the organisation, the company invests a lot of time and effort in training and developing its employees. “With one engineer working with us for over 25 years, we have a seasoned, experienced engineering team and value their contributions highly.” With respect to Sulzer’s specialised capabilities, it boasts two service
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centres in Elandsfontein and Welkom that provide pump, rotating equipment, and electromechanical services. Additionally, the company offers in-house full-performance testing for pump systems, allowing the customer to feel confident when installing the equipment and reduce commissioning time.
EXCEPTIONAL SOLUTIONS AND SERVICE Sulzer has played a pivotal role over the last century by delivering exceptional solutions through its comprehensive engineering expertise, industry-specific product range, and customer-centric services. “While we are often recognised as the preferred pump company, our offerings go far beyond pumps and pump-related services. Our journey in South Africa traces back to the early 1900s when we were involved with diesel engines and boilers, preceding our formal establishment in 1922,” Craukamp shares. The company then seamlessly diversified into electrical services 6 | Manufacturing Outlook Issue 2
“ O U R E VO LU T I O N F R O M D I E S E L E N G I N E S A N D B O I L E R S TO CO M P R E H E N S I V E E L E C T R I C A L S E R V I C E S M A R K E D T H E E A R LY S TA G E S O F O U R D I V E R S E P O R T F O L I O ” – H E N RY C R AU K A M P, M A N AG I N G D I R E C TO R , S U L Z E R S O U T H A F R I C A
Engineering machine workshop Specialising in the refurbishing of old and new pumps of any variety including HPH, HPL, BKN, PJ250, and MSJs pumps Fedpump, founded in 1991 by Ermindo da Cunha, is a engineering machine workshop dedicated to the refurbishing of a variety of pumps including HPH, HPL, BKN, PJ250 and MSJs. With a strong focus on quality, precision, and customer satisfaction, we have established ourselves as a trusted provider of pump refurbishment services in the industry. Our experienced team of engineers and technicians possess extensive knowledge and expertise in handling a wide range of pumps, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Our Expertise: At Fedpump we specialise in the refurbishment of a variety of pumps including HPH, HPL, BKN, PJ250 and MSJs, covering both old and new models. Our team of skilled engineers and technicians possess in-depth knowledge of various pump types, designs, and manufacturers. We have successfully refurbished pumps from renowned brands and can work with different materials, such as cast iron, stainless steel, and exotic alloys. Our expertise extends to: 1. Pump Inspection and Assessment: We conduct a thorough inspection of pumps to identify the root cause of any performance issues or failures. Our team utilises advanced diagnostic techniques and equipment to assess the condition of various components, including casings, impellers, bearings, seals, and shafts. 2. Repair and Replacement: Based on the inspection findings, we develop a comprehensive repair plan. Our technicians are proficient in repairing or replacing damaged or worn-out components, ensuring that the pumps meet or exceed original specifications. We source high-quality parts from trusted suppliers to ensure durability and performance.
Quality and Customer Satisfaction: At Fedpump, we are committed to delivering high-quality services and exceeding customer expectations. We prioritise the following: - Quality assurance: Our workshop adheres to rigorous quality assurance processes and follows industry best practices. We maintain strict quality control standards throughout the refurbishment process to ensure consistent and reliable results. - Timely delivery: We understand the importance of minimising downtime for our customers. Our team is dedicated to completing projects within agreed timelines, ensuring prompt delivery of refurbished pumps. - Customer collaboration: We value open communication and collaboration with our clients. We work closely with them to understand their specific requirements, provide regular updates on project progress, and address any concerns promptly.
Fedpump is a trusted engineering machine workshop specialising in the refurbishment of a variety of pumps including HPH, HPL, BKN, PJ250 and MSJs. With our expertise, we have dedication to quality. Contact us: Tel: (011) 894-3658 | Cell: 0605324233 Email: sonia.dacunha@yahoo.com
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“ BY T R A N S FO R M I N G C H A L L E N G E S I N TO O P P O RT U N I T I E S , W E C A N P R OV I D E S O L U T I O N S T H AT D I R E C T LY M E E T T H E S P E C I F I C N E E DS O F O U R C U STO M E R S ” – H E N R Y C R AU K A M P, M A N AG I N G D I R E C TO R , S U L Z E R S O U T H A F R I C A
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in 1925, before opening a pump reconditioning service centre in Jeppestown in 1936 to cater to the thriving gold industry of the 1940s. “To further support South Africa’s growth, we inaugurated a pump factory in 1951. During this period, we played a vital role in advancing the power, mining, and water sectors,” he adds. However, as the late 1960s approached, Sulzer anticipated a decline in demand for mine dewatering pumps, prompting a shift towards the power generation market and the increasing public need for water supply. In 1976, the company established a purpose-built pump manufacturing facility in Elandsfontein, which not only produced world-class pumps but also provided a comprehensive range of spare parts. This marked the inception of Sulzer’s journey as a combined supplier of new pumping assets and a service provider for rotating equipment. Furthermore, in 1979, a dedicated workshop for rotating equipment
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was introduced, aligning with the aging equipment in South Africa, proving to be a prudent move for both the company and its customers. Collaborations with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to manufacture approved spare parts further solidified Sulzer’s offering.
“While the 1980s witnessed the era of big hair and power dressing across the world, Sulzer was busy evolving into a leading independent service provider (ISP) in South Africa.” This impressive transformation was facilitated by the establishment of a new engineering department in 1984,
and by the end of the decade, Sulzer had become a fully-fledged ISP for rotating equipment for nearly any brand. Staying true to its heritage of adapting to customer needs, in 2023, Sulzer opened a state-of-the-art electromechanical services facility in Elandsfontein. This facility aligns with the company’s commitment to not only enhance its customers’ pump performance, but also optimise the entire associated drivetrain. The facility further bolsters Sulzer’s capabilities in refurbishing motors, gearboxes, and generators, offering customers in South Africa a comprehensive one-stop shop for their rotating equipment needs. Additionally, when necessary, customers can access Sulzer’s global network of over 100 service centres for comprehensive maintenance and repair works.
CSR PROJECTS Sulzer not only cares for its customers, but also for the communities where it operates. 10 | Manufacturing Outlook Issue 2
POWERING SUSTAINABILITY, POWERING SUSTAINABILITY, POWERING SUSTAINABILITY, POWERING SUSTAINABILITY, MAXIMIZING RELIABILITY MAXIMIZING RELIABILITY MAXIMIZING RELIABILITY MAXIMIZING RELIABILITY
John Crane is a global leader in mission-critical technologies for the energy and process industries and an innovator in rotating equipment, encompassing mechanical seals, couplings, filtration systems and cutting-edge asset management and digital diagnostics solutions. Blending a rich legacy of innovation with a commitment to service excellence, we’ve enabled our customer’s reliable and sustainable operations for over a century. While recognizing the role of • Packing traditional energy, we are pioneering solutions that enable cleaner alternatives, crafting a vision for a sustainable energy future. Our extensive global presence underscores our promise to • Mechanical seals customers, with over 200 service centers in 50 countries. With more than £1 billion in • Split seals revenue in fiscal year 2023, we are an integral pillar of Smiths Group plc, an FTSE 100 listed company dedicated to improving our•world smarter engineering. Sealthrough face technologies
GLOBAL PRODUCTS GLOBAL PRODUCTS GLOBAL PRODUCTS GLOBAL PRODUCTS • Packing • Packing
• Packing • Mechanical • Mechanical sealsseals • Mechanical seals • Split • Split sealsseals • Split seals •South Seal face technologies John• Crane in Africa, established in 1967, has service centers throughout Seal face technologies • Upstream Pumping South Africa that provide a full range of products, services, and solutions, with • Seal face technologies maintenance and repair capabilities throughout all our facilities in Springs, • Upstream Pumping • John Crane Diamond® • Upstream Pumping Durban, Cape Town, Sasolburg, and Secunda. Our application-specific • tailored Upstream Pumping • Couplings approach and service offering provide the right solution for every • John Crane Diamond® • John Crane Diamond® situation. • Filtration ••John Crane Diamond® The South African business is a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Couplings • Couplings (B-BBEE) Level 3 contributor following a successful partnership with Bunengi Couplings LOCAL Group, a• 100% women-owned investment andSERVICES services group, who • Black Filtration GLOBAL PRODUCTS Filtration share•our aspirations to enable underprivileged women to enter Science, • Maintenance and repair services • Filtration • Packing Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers.
POWERING SUSTAINABILITY, MAXIMIZING RELIABILITY
LOCAL SERVICES LOCAL SERVICES LOCAL SERVICES • Maintenance and repair services • Maintenance and repair services
• Mechanical seal reliability programs Further supportingseals John Crane’s commitment to invest in South Africa, our • Mechanical global gland packing production has now been consolidated in South Africa, with • Gas seal management programs • Split seals our Springs facility upgraded to a center of excellence, producing products to •various Assetkey management solutions support our local and global demand in the industries including mining. • Seal face technologies
POWERING SUSTAINABILITY, • Maintenance and repair services • Mechanical reliability programs • Five service centers in South Africa POWERING SUSTAINABILITY, • Mechanical seal seal reliability programs • Upstream Pumping • Mechanical seal reliability programs • Consignment stock agreements MAXIMIZING RELIABILITY • Gas seal management programs • John Crane Diamond® • Gas seal management programs MAXIMIZING RELIABILITY • Service exchange • Gas sealmanagement managementsolutions programsagreements • Couplings • Asset Supporting the broader economy through inclusive and equitable business practices aligns with the core values that define how we work with our partners, customers, vendors and suppliers.
• Asset management solutions
• Filtration • Asset management solutions
INDUSTRIES SERVEDAfrica GLOBAL PRODUCTS • Five service centers in South • Five service centers in South Africa GLOBAL PRODUCTS • Oil and Gas / Petrochemical • Packing • Five service centers in South Africa LOCAL SERVICES • Packing• Consignment stock agreements
• Consignment stock•agreements Mining • • Mechanical Maintenanceseals and repair services • Consignment stock agreements • Mechanical seals • Service exchange agreements • Pulp and Paper • seals • Service exchange agreements • Split Mechanical seal reliability programs • Split • seals Service exchange agreements • Chemical • Seal face technologies • Gas seal management programs • Seal face technologies Upstream Pumpingsolutions• Power Generation • •Asset management • Upstream Pumping •Africa Pharmaceutical • John Crane Diamond® • Five service in South •and Oilcenters and Gas / Petrochemical • Oil Gas / Petrochemical • John Crane Diamond® • General industries • • Couplings Consignment stock agreements • Oil and Gas / Petrochemical • Mining • Couplings • Mining • Filtration • Service exchange agreements • Mining • Filtration • Pulp and Paper
INDUSTRIES SERVED INDUSTRIES SERVED INDUSTRIES SERVED
Explore and discover the John Crane product or service that fits your needs
• Pulp and Paper B-BBEE Level 3 Contributor - South Africa LOCAL SERVICES INDUSTRIES SERVED •SERVICES Pulp and Paper • Chemical LOCAL • Maintenance and repair services • Chemical
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• Oil and Gas / Petrochemical • Maintenance and repair services • Chemical • seal reliability programs • Power Generation • Mechanical Mining Explore and discover • Power Generation Explore and discover the the • Mechanical seal reliability programs • Gas seal management programs • Power Generation Explore and discover • Pulp and Paper John Crane product orthe service • Pharmaceutical John Crane product or service • Gas seal management programs • Pharmaceutical • Asset management solutions • Chemical John Crane product or service that fits your needs Pharmaceutical that fits your needs • Asset•management solutions • General industries • General industries • Five service centers in South Africa • Power Generation that fits your needs Explore and discover the • Five service centers in South Africa • General industries • Consignment stock agreements John Crane product or service • Pharmaceutical • Consignment stock agreements Learn that fits your needs • Service exchange Learn MoreMore • General industriesagreements • Service B-BBEE exchangeLevel agreements 3 Contributor - South Africa Learn More
B-BBEE Level 3 Contributor - South Africa
INDUSTRIES SERVED B-BBEE Level 3 Contributor - South Africa INDUSTRIES • Oil and GasSERVED Petrochemical B-BBEE Level 3 /Contributor - South Africa • Oil and Gas / Petrochemical • Mining • Mining
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“This is part of our identity, our vision, and deeply rooted in our employees’ DNA. Our sense of care binds us together even more,” Craukamp exudes. In 2021, the company introduced the Sulzer Scholarship for Women in Science and Engineering. This scholarship is targeted at female students pursuing degrees in engineering, technology, and science, with the ultimate goal of increasing female participation in the engineering industry. As part of Sulzer’s commitment to the communities in which it operates, the company is actively collaborating with universities in South Africa to establish and promote these scholarships, reflecting its presence and business needs in the region. Sulzer further demonstrates its commitment to education by providing financial support to 10 students from Volksrus Primary School on an annual basis. “Furthermore, in 2023, we embarked on a two-year restoration project for Primrose Primary School. This project not only aims to provide 12 | Manufacturing Outlook Issue 2
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DRIVEN BY PURPOSE MISSION
CORE VALUES
Consistently deliver innovative solutions reinforced by responsive client service and a commitment to quality and excellence.
We invest in our people. At Pro-Industrial, we constantly enhance our professional knowledge and skills by staying abreast of the dynamic changes and technological advancements utilised by our clients and the industry.
We believe in partnering with our clients to help ensure their success. We are consistently driven to contribute to our clients’ ability to reach their VISION business goals. After all, we succeed when our Be recognised by our clients clients succeed. as their partner in the development, delivery, and We never compromise on our commitment management of engineering to quality. The core of what we do is ensuring engineering and design integrity. This defines products to samples and drawings as per customer’s who we are and our commitment to excellence. We are committed to diversity. The richness of requirements. our relationships and the success of our pursuits, individually or collectively, are influenced by the extent to which we respect, listen to, and appreciate one another irrespective of differences. In fact, diversity, in all of its forms, is the cornerstone of creativity and innovation.
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We pursue an unrelenting quest for excellence, continual improvement and cutting-edge modernisation of our machinery, technology and staff training. Guia Engineering’s core business is manufacturing a full range of precision machined components, on the latest CNC machines.
Our Services: •
Precision Component Manufacture
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CNC Turning, Milling, Drilling
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Precision Grinding
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ISO 9001:2015 Accredited
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1-100 000 Part Capacity
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Prototyping
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Light Fabrication
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Replacement Parts
Guia Engineering serves all manufacturing plant sectors, particularly the mining, pharmaceutical, FMCG, electrical and packaging industries.
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students with a school to take pride in, but also to create a safe and conducive learning environment, especially for students from the local informal settlement,” he adds.
STRATEGISING FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE Sulzer aims to be a responsible corporate citizen and endeavours to harness the power of fluid engineering to make life better, safer, and more sustainable. “Our sustainability strategy is composed of three pillars – minimising our carbon footprint, enabling a
Sulzer Johannesburg service centre
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low-carbon society, and engaging our employees and communities to build a more inclusive and sustainable future,” Craukamp offers. The three pillars are supported by Sulzer’s commitment to the principles of good corporate governance, which ensure a sound balance of power and support the company in creating sustainable value for its various stakeholders. Sulzer actively engages with its customers to address pump-related challenges, such as failures and evolving specification issues. Sulzer is also heavily investing in R&D for
leading engineering solutions to address these issues. “For example, we are working on utilising additive manufacturing for pump repairs and retrofits. This approach underscores our commitment to environmentallyresponsible practices, reducing the need for equipment disposal or extensive remanufacturing, thus aligning with our dedication to minimising our carbon footprint and advancing a low-carbon society.” Looking ahead, Sulzer’s key priorities include further enhancing its engineering capabilities, expanding its local footprint, and investing in advanced technologies. “We aim to position Sulzer as a leader in innovative solutions, ensuring our services align with evolving industry needs. Our focus on customer satisfaction, sustainability, and continuous improvement drives our strategic vision,” Craukamp sets out. “While specific targets are confidential, our overarching goal is to achieve sustainable growth, offer unparalleled customer experiences, and contribute meaningfully to the communities and industries we serve,” he excites. To summarise, Sulzer continues to expertly provide a comprehensive range of solutions to its customers. It is the company’s robust engineering capabilities and facilities in close proximity to its customers that set it apart from various competitors. Investing in continuous learning and development for its employees allows Sulzer to guarantee its services meet the highest standards, and will ensure that the company remains a leading fullservice provider in the market.
SULZER SOUTH AFRICA www.sulzer.com
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