COVER STORY
Invincible Valves – a force to be reckoned with Invincible Valves is more than just a name in the valve industry. As the company celebrates 40 years in business this year, they continue to pride themselves on their high-quality products and outstanding service. Pipes, Pumps, and Valves Africa sat down with Managing Director Pam du Plessis to find out what 2022 has in store for Invincible Valves. Much in the world might have changed since Invincible Valves was founded in 1982, but what has stayed the same is the company’s commitment to its clients, along with its resilience, tenacity, and ability to find solutions in the most difficult conditions. “Invincible Valves has been built on the back of customer service,” says Du Plessis. “We have never been in the business of just selling a valve to a customer. We have always been solutions-based and we make sure that we find solutions for our customers that work.” It is an approach that has stood the test of time as the company continues to go from strength to strength. As a well-established valve company that offers a onestop-shop experience for its customers locally, its offering has always been known on local shores, but it has also caught the attention of major international players and has become a distributor and exporter of products around the world. Particularly in the growing African market, the Invincible Valves team has made major inroads. “Our ability to offer a viable alternative to large industrial customers has boded us well. Not only do we have the advantage of local knowledge but we can also compete competitively from a price point of view.” Du Plessis has been at the helm of the company for the past eight years. Her fierce loyalty to her staff and her unwavering commitment to bringing superior quality products to the market has seen her turn more than one challenge into an opportunity. “I firmly believe that every challenge is an opportunity,” she says. “It is important to not be afraid and to make decisions quickly grabbing that opportunity with both hands. At Invincible Valves, we have learned to not be dictated by the challenges, but rather what we can make from the situation.”
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Pipes, Pumps and Valves Africa - Jan/Feb 2022
Dealing with adversity Times of late have not been easy. Falling commodity prices and the outbreak of a global pandemic caught many a business off-guard. “It has been interesting,” says Du Plessis, indicating that the company has opted to branch out despite these tough times. “During Covid, we had to bring about some changes to our operations. Some people started to work from home, while our factory operations had to ensure the correct social distancing measures were in place. Being an essential service, however, our entire team was very quickly on board with these changes. We are proud to say that as a company, we are 100% vaccinated.” According to Du Plessis, now more than ever diversity is important. Hence the decision to expand, not only their physical presence but also to launch a strategy to grow the business internationally. “We continue to expand our footprint into other areas and markets, but at the same time, we remain true to our core philosophy of finding solid customer solutions. We will always be customercentric.” As an approved Level 1 broad-based black economicempowerment supplier, servicing all major industries in South Africa, the company has expertise and experience across a spectrum of industries and applications, offering a comprehensive range of local and imported valves and accessories for the mining, petrochemicals, power generation, water, sewerage, and general industries. “We also have an extensive international footprint built off the back of our solid reputation and our competitive costs.” Growth strategy As part of its growth plans, the board recently approved the purchase of a new building just down the road from the current premises in Germiston. This new building, says Du Plessis, is currently being converted into a reconditioning and rubber lining factory. The 2500 square meter under roof space will
