Invincible Valves – a force to be reckoned with

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.”

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

become the main production hub for the company. Here they will be able to rubber line to unique specifications while reconditioning any valve. The company, as explained by Pam, are experts in reconditioning valves whether the products are supplied to them or manufactured by them. “Our approach has always been only to change what is necessary to replace and to recondition all parts that can be salvaged. Furthermore, we also do pressure testing on all our valves be it new, reconditioned, or rubber lined.” For Du Plessis it is all about standing out, gaining the advantage by going the extra mile. “Another one of the advantages we hold in stock. At any given point we have millions of Rands worth of stock on our floor meaning our customers can access equipment quickly. Turnaround times are fast and downtime is kept to a minimum.” Growing this stockholding is part of the strategy going forward, she says, indicating that the current 6500 square meter premises will in the future be the company’s warehouse once the new production facility is up and running. “We have been running out of space for a while and with the purchase of the new building we can extend and grow our business the way we want to.” Another important development, critical to the growth strategy, has been the implementation of a new management layer. “In the past, our management was quite flat but the new approach is wholly in-tune with our expansion plans and allows for more of a team approach. We have employed several team leaders and brought in junior leaders as well. This management style is very people-focused and we believe will allow us to increase our productivity and performance overall.”

Turning 40

Several functions will be held during the year to celebrate 40 years of business. “It is a big milestone for us and we want to share it with our staff, our service providers, and our customers,” says Du Plessis. A major staff function is being planned for May where the company will celebrate with every one of its employees. Several events will also be held with customers and service providers, while the company will also be exhibiting at some of the country’s biggest shows.