PIA MEMBER NEWS | SPONSORED EDITORIAL
SUPPORTING CUSTOMERS DURING
THE SUPPLY CHAIN CHAOS
The disruption of the global supply chain is causing havoc for many businesses. Time delays, exorbitant increases in shipping costs, strikes and threats of more strikes have all caused a reshuffle of priorities in many a boardroom. Crusader Hose, also affected by these worldwide events, has been working tirelessly to help support its customers during these unprecedented times.
T
he worldwide pandemic has illustrated the vulnerability of the global supply chain and has forced many businesses to review their supply chain strategies. Analysts writing for Harvard Business Review encourage businesses to examine their Tier 1, Tier 2 and other level suppliers. Relying heavily on importers is no longer seen as a viable business model. Sourcing from local manufacturers for goods is being encouraged to reduce risks associated with supply chain disruptions.
A trusted local manufacturer
As an essential service provider and Australia’s local manufacturer of industrial layflat hose, Crusader Hose has been able to keep its doors open and continue to service the mining, industrial, agricultural and firefighting sectors. It has delivered well over 550,000m of hose since the first major lockdown. Crusader Hose, an Australian-owned company, has been manufacturing layflat hose for over 35 years and has grown from a small, family-run business to a medium-sized business with more than 40 employees. In its early years, the volume of imported hose on the streets had put significant pressure on the company. However, with its culture of continuous improvement, its many investments and machine upgrades have been producing world-class hoses. Crusader Hose has forged many strong partnerships throughout Australia and is the name many companies trust. Working closely with industry, Crusader Hose has been designing, manufacturing and supplying the pumping sector with layflat hose for water logistics and bore water pumping. During these challenging times, the Melbourne-based factory has been working around the clock to support resellers in meeting the demands of their customers.
Products designed to meet customer needs
24
Flexibore® flexible rising main is the ideal solution for the installation of submersible pumps. Manufactured with a TPU-extruded textile reinforcement of high-tensile polyester, Flexibore® can withstand the weight of the pump and the weight of the column of water without a safety cable. The flexible nature inherent to the hose makes handling Flexibore® easy and simple compared to rigid pipes; its swelling feature of up to ten per cent makes it extremely efficient in reducing pumping costs and friction loss. By dilating under pressure, no internal build-up of iron bacteria occurs, as seen with rigid pipe use such as steel or fibreglass. Flexibore® is compact, requiring less trucks for transportation and a smaller workforce and machinery for installation. The Flexibore® systems are designed to handle the small pumps often used with shallow bores to the very large pumps, which handle the ultra-deep bores to 400m. Installation rollers and lifting clamps are available to suit the different systems. pump industry | Summer 2022 | Issue 38
Waterlord®, their heavy-duty layflat hose, is ideal for moving large volumes of water. Manufactured in large diameters of up to 12”, Waterlord® moves water in quickly and safely, assisting in keeping projects efficient and on time. The high-pressure reliability of Waterlord® comes from the world’s-best manufacturing process of the TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) thru-the-weave extrusion encasing a robust textile reinforcement. It is manufactured in one continuous length of up to 250m and can handle high-working pressures; its tough exterior can withstand all types of terrain – urban and regional. Both flanges and couplings are available, which can easily connect to existing pipelines. Its progressive engineering department has designed and manufactured turntables and reeling systems to safely and efficiently deploy and retrieve multiple lengths of hoses. Although a smaller workforce suffices when unrolling shorter lengths of hose, turntables and hose reel systems are ideal for pipelines. Interchangeable spools make it quick and easy to handle multiple lengths. Many operators are asking for the Waterlord® layflat hose reeling system because of its inbuilt properties: keeping multiple lengths compact, and making layflat hose easy to handle and deploy. “We have seen the importance of supporting local manufacturers in the preservation of the supply chain for successful business,” said Francois Steverlynck, Managing Director of Crusader Hose. “Buying from an Australian producer gives you peace of mind regarding backup, quality, quick turnaround and excellent customer service. We stand by our products so your needs will be looked after.” Local manufacturing is critical in these times of uncertainty. Let Crusader Hose be part of your business success for the timely delivery of the products you need.
Waterlord® reeling system: fast, compact and easy to use for rapid dewatering.
www.pumpindustry.com.au
