Panel Discussion
macsteel fluid control Given South Africa’s ongoing water conservation efforts, why is it important to specify quality products and equipment? RB Increasing water scarcity makes breakdowns and associated leaks unacceptable. Added to this, the growing shortage of qualified, skilled artisans means that product quality and a proven track record become even more important. Macsteel Fluid Control is ISO 9001:2008 certified, and our products range from basic commodity gate, globe and check valves through to highly specialised control valves, filtration systems and tank equipment. What are important markers of quality to look out for? Besides the usual quality standards (such as ISO and SANS), clients need to look at the valves they intend to purchase in conjunction with the supplier’s ability to provide aftersales backup, stock holding and technical support. The products offered by Macsteel Fluid Control meet and exceed not only local quality standards but international standards as well. How do you optimise the supply chain to enhance cost savings? Macsteel Fluid Control uses a central assembly and test plant for all Bermad control valves. This consolidates the stock-holding requirements of our regional branches. It further allows for accurate and traceable record archiving. How are your manufacturing facilities geared to meet market demands? Macsteel Fluid Control employs factory-trained technicians with expertise, skills and detailed knowledge of product design and specifications at all four of our branches. These are located in Bethal, Cape Town, Durban and Richards Bay. What are the benefits of a your larger range of products and services? We are proud of our diverse product range and believe it to be the most diverse in the industry. As a company, we pride ourselves on our ability to
supply a full solution tailored to our customers’ needs, instead of only the hardware itself. How do you manage costs in order to transfer savings to the client? We have a Central Procurement Department that ensures we procure premium-quality products at the best possible prices. What is your stock-holding capacity and how does this impact your turnaround times? Macsteel Fluid Control stock is determined through our threedecade-long sales history, as well as our understanding of the market.
Rowan Blomquist CEO
We aim to satisfy most control valve requirements within a two- to threeweek time frame. For large projects or non-standard requirements, our strong relationship with our principals ensures a quick ex-works lead time.
“As a company, we pride ourselves on our ability to supply a full solution tailored to our customers’ needs, instead of only the hardware itself.”
FAST FACTS Macsteel Fluid Control’s brand offering includes: Amiad: Water filtration systems Amri: Butter fly valves and actuators Armstrong: Steam and condensate products Bermad: Control valves Cyl: Knife gate valves Elfab: Bursting discs Galcon: Controllers Igema: Level gauges and boiler controls KSB: Gate valves, globe valves, check valves and diaphragm valves Natco: Gate, ball, check, butter fly valves and actuators Schubert & Salzer Control Systems: Control valves SRI: API ball valves Smith: Interlocks, flexi drives and easi drives Strahman MG: Specialised valves Elmac: Flame arrestors Motherwell: Tank valves, pressure vacuum valves Mueller: Strainers Terofox: Cast/forged API valves, gate valves, globe valves & check valves Franklin: Double block and bleed expanding plug valves Ateco: Tank roofs
JULY / AUGUST 2017
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