Pyrometallurgy
O
ur strategy is to provide the industry with solutions to its refractory problems, from design, specification, installation and use through to disposal. This is achieved by building long-term relationships and partnerships with suppliers, customers and any third party involved in the value chain,” says Verref Shaped’s MD, Dennis Braizer. Vereeniging Refractories, better known as Verref, has been supplying the Southern African pyrometallurgical industry with refractory products for over 130 years. Over the past six months, as part of a renewed strategy, the refractories company has been unbundled into three separate entities, which according to Braizer will better serve the refractory industry. “This process will result in business units that are focused on developing refractory solutions within their areas of expertise.” These business units are Verref Shaped, Verref Elgin and Verref Trade. Verref Shaped will produce a range of Basic and aluminosilicate refractory bricks out of its Vereeniging and Springs plants. In addition to refractory brick, a range of
basic monolithic and recovered refractory products, hollowware products, acid-resistant brick and tiles, and insulating bricks are also available. A technology centre, staffed by metallurgists and refractory engineers, is available for all refractory test work needs form the industry. In addition, refractory training courses have been developed to assist in improving the skills of customer employees in refractories. Verref Elgin produces aluminosilicate monolithic products out of its Springs operations. In addition, the business unit has a precast and installation section for small to medium refractory items and installations. This feature has become important with monolithic products where installation can impact on ultimate product performance. Verref Trade is a new business unit that trades in refractory products sourced locally and from China. These products range from basic and aluminosilicate bricks, silicon carbide products, basic monolithic products, certain refractory raw materials, slag conditioners and graphite products. Verref Trade has entered into a joint venture agreement with Yingkou Heping Samwha Minerals Company, based in China, for the supply of
LEFT Verref's expansive footprint in Vereeniging ABOVE Inside the Verref facility
the majority of the products. “The needs of our customers are changing faster than ever before, and we are well positioned with our new strategic focus to exceed these consistently,” Braizer concludes.