Valves Industry set to capitalise on global market growth at Pumps Valves & Pipes Africa 2011

Trading in a local market estimated at $549 million by 2014, South African valve manufacturers will find opportunities to maximise growth at the Pumps Valves and Pipes Africa (PVPA) exhibition, scheduled to take place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from 7 to 9 June next year (2011). Current global trends point towards increased demand in the industry, the result of a number of factors ranging from growing demand in the oil and gas sector, food processing advancements and the global water crisis. The PVPA 2011 exhibition will give local suppliers the platform they need to raise their market profile and take advantage of this growth.

Growing demand for valves worldwide
Recent research conducted amongst leading valve suppliers by Oil & Gas Middle East found thatvalve suppliers to the oil and gas industry are witnessing a rebound in demand as upstream projects and drilling operations get the green light in the Middle East.

“The global valve market is estimated to be worth around $ 45-billion, with an annual growth of 4 to 5 percent,” says John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of PVPA 2011. “Out of this market, oil and gas makes up 18 percent, with refining operations taking a 14% share.” In addition to opportunities in the oil and gas sector, increased demand from other sectors is helping to drive this growth.

“Developments in the food processing sector in particular are proving to be extremely lucrative for pneumatic valve manufacturers,” adds Thomson. “The shift towards automation in this industry, as well as in the packaging sector, is allowing these suppliers to profit from increased demand for food products in light of the population explosion.”

Desalination on the rise
Given the recent research suggesting that South Africa will be facing a significant water availability crisis by 2025, the search for alternative water sources, particularly desalinated water, has also given rise to increased valve demand.

The reverse-osmosis process of desalination, a common process in such plants, uses high-pressure valves, pumps and piping. The increasing scarcity of water is one of the greatest challenges of this century and the valve and sealing industry has long recognised this.

Valve manufacturers are actively involved in developing water supply systems, from extraction to treatment, transport and supply. The gradual depletion of water resources means that water catchment is becoming increasingly important, and many companies believe seawater desalination plants are a viable solution as they offer inexhaustible potential.

Local industry strength
The sophistication of South Africa’s valve manufacturing processes, as well as the country’s capability of providing internationally-accredited products, has placed the local industry in a prime position to become a preferred supplier to meet increasing demand – and both exhibitors and visitors to the PVPA exhibition will be looking to make the relevant business connections.

 “The valve manufacturing industry is capital-intensive and was developed at great expense. Local investment is extensive in terms of facilities, equipment, trained manpower and material, supported by a well-established foundry industry for the supply of raw castings, including stainless steel and more exotic materials,” says SAVAMA Chairperson, Peter Thompson, who also represents Premier Valves, an exhibitor at PVPA 2011. “The valves industry in South Africa comprises small and medium-sized business selling predominantly locally-manufactured valves to the Southern African community, with growing sales in niche markets worldwide.”

A number of leading brands have already signed up for PVPA 2011. Enserve Engineering, a repeat exhibitor, is a major supplier of both reconditioned valves and new valves, and counts Engen, Sasol, Rand Water, Mondi and Sappi as part of its customer list. “Pumps Valves and Pipes Africa is definitely a good venue to showcase our company and the type of business we are in,” adds Allan Leathers, Sales and Marketing Manager. Royce Water Systems, a specialist supplier to the water industry, will be showing their wide range of thermoplastic valves, as well as measuring, analysing and controlling instruments. Other key exhibitors include Atlanta Instruments, LVSA Valves, and SPP Pumps.

Supporting Organisations
Pumps Valves & Pipes Africa 2011 is endorsed by leading organisations:

  • African Water Association (AFWA)
  • Association of Steel Tube and Pipe Manufacturers of South Africa (ASTPM)
  • Corrosion Institute of Southern Africa
  • Foundation for the Development of Africa
  • South African Association of Water Utilities (SAAWU)
  • Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA)
  • South African Pump Manufacturers Association (SAPMA)
  • South African Valve and Actuator Manufacturers Association (SAVAMA)
  • South African Irrigation Institute (SABI)
  • The Capital Equipment Export Council