South Africa-based slurry pump specialist Pump and Abrasion Technologies (PAT) in November launched its Battlemax pump range in Zambia through an exclusive partnership with pump solutions company Tri-Pump. The company highlights this as the largest market rollout ever attempted by the Battlemax brand outside South Africa.

“One of the challenges we faced when we entered the Zambian market was that Battlemax was still a new brand name among Zambian locals,” says PAT head of sales and marketing James Pienaar.

He adds that the Zambian community is comfortable using familiar suppliers. “However, owing to the partnership with Tri-Pump, which is a credible company and has been operating in Zambia for the last 19 years, the market is very open towards Battlemax and is willing to implement our product immediately,” he adds.

PAT says the Zambian market trusts Tri-Pump to supply it with a good product. “Previous Battlemax users who are working in the Zambian mining industry were elated and are looking forward to the same quality and service that they were used to,” says Pienaar.

Meanwhile, the company notes there is a need for skills development in the Zambian mining pumps industry. “PAT is ensuring that locals are trained and that the transfer of skills is taking place so that the in-country promotion and selling of the product can continue.”

Battlemax has been used in several mines in African countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tanzania. “Most recently, the company has supplied pumps to coal filtration services provider Enprotec for the new flotation and filtration plant at Chirodzi coal mine, in Mozambique,” says Pienaar.

“Launching Battlemax in Zambia is an exciting development for the Zambian mining industry, as the venture includes the combined expertise and alignment of two companies that understand Africa’s mining industry well,” he adds.

Battlemax has been distributed to other countries in Africa and PAT is well aware of the needs of the African mining market. Further, Tri-Pump is present in Ghana, Tanzania and the DRC, with a head office in Kitwe, Zambia.

“This will ensure a swift and efficient roll-out of top-quality products with all the necessary client services in place, ready to service the Zambian market,” says Pienaar.

Tri-Pump is optimistic about the future of Battlemax in Zambia. “We have the capability and capacity to ensure that this roll-out is successful in the long term. We believe that the product has a bright and sustainable future in Zambia, as does our partnership with PAT,” says Tri-Pump MD Larry Mapani.

Battlemax Pumps

The pumps are designed for heavy-duty slurry applications and boast a long life span and efficient operation, which is supported by maintenance services, resulting in a lower total cost of operation.

“Typically, we go through a stringent appointment process when choosing exclusive partners and, when it came to the Zambian venture, it was clear from the start that a partnership with Tri-Pump was the right way to go,” says Pienaar.

“When it comes to marketing the Battlemax pumps in Zambia, we feel that we can rest easy, as our product is in safe hands. We chose Tri-Pump because it is credible, experienced and well entrenched in the market. Our choice in partner shows that we are here to stay,” he adds.

About Pump and Abrasion Technologies

PAT has developed a range of products, including Battlemax and Battlestream, for the mining and industrial pump markets, offering after- market pump spares at competitive prices, with a high level of service excellence.

This service provision includes the supply of complete pump sets, comprising a pump, an electric motor, accessories and technical support. PAT is an ISO 9001-accredited and TUV Rheinland-accredited company.

PAT tells Mining Weekly that its export division is always working to expand its reach in Africa. “Our expansive factories in China and in Centurion, South Africa, comprise 20 000 m2 of foundry, machine shop, repair and assembly workshops, as well as warehousing, providing ample capacity for high-volume production,” says Pienaar.

PAT offers pumps made of natural and synthetic rubbers, polyurethane, ceramics, and stainless steel and chrome alloys.

Meanwhile, Pienaar says the biggest potential for growth lies in cost-effective maintenance. “This is achieved through witnessing any problems that the client may experience firsthand on a daily basis,” he says, adding that being involved in the maintenance process ensures that the company uses the correct materials and that the pump is correctly assembled for efficient performance.

He adds that, while the quality of the Battlemax pump range is important, it is also cost efficient. “These factors ensure long-standing relationships with clients.”

Meanwhile, Battlemax plans to be an internationally renowned brand in the industry. “We are aiming to expand into Africa through partnerships and to branch out into countries that will ensure shorter lead times on site assistance,” says Pienaar.