SKILLS TRANSFER
Rexus shares its experiences and research in all aspects of pipeline design and often provides technical seminars and on-site training
Photo by: Duane Daws
Local pipeline systems manu- facturer Rexus completed a project to supply pipes, valves, fittings and couplings to the value of R21-million to an Eastern Cape municipality water project in January.
Rexus director Allistair Balutto tells Engineering News that the company also offered training on installation of the products to contractors and municipal employees as part of the contract.
“We are passionate about the water infrastructure industry and believe that training and skills development are instrumental to the growth of the industry,” he says.
This was a repeat contract for Rexus in the Eastern Cape area, having supplied the region with various products over the years, Balutto notes, adding that the company has been awarded two more contracts from this region to the value of R6.5-million and R7.5-million.
He highlights that the company also has several ongoing projects throughout South Africa, citing a R7-million pipes, valves, fittings and couplings supply project in a Limpopo municipality as an expample.
Balutto attributes Rexus’ success – established in 2010 to manu- facture high-quality products for water infrastructure – in being awarded major projects to its focus on innovative product design and manufacturing processes, which enable high quality and cost efficiency for clients.
“We also have a passion for the valves industry and give back to the industry by offering technical training. “We share our experiences and research in all aspects of pipeline design and often run technical seminars and provide on-site training,” he adds.
Rexus also manages a South African Institution of Consulting Engineers-registered training course on a yearly basis. The one-day seminars are open to all interested parties, make provision for a minimum of five delegates per seminar and are run free of charge. The seminars cover aspects of valve application and pipeline design.
New Product Range
Balutto tells Engineering News that Rexus will launch three new ranges of valves and fittings in August and September to cater to specific industry niches. The ranges have been subjected to rigorous testing and have been designed to suit Southern Africa’s tough conditions.
He explains that the new ranges have also undergone intensive research and development (R&D), similar to the R&D that went into Rexus’ flagship internationally patented brand, the AirFlo air valves.
“AirFlo has made major inroads as one of the preferred air valve designs in the Southern Africa valve market and is now specified or accepted by an increasing number of consulting engineers, water boards and municipalities. The valve uses Variable Orifice Technology, which progresses the method of surge protection in an innovative, yet simple and elegant, way.
“Its performance has been tested in the field and on many applications, including the largest pressurised pipeline installed in South Africa to date. The brand wasalso verified through South African Bureau of Standards third-party testing in October 2013,” he elaborates.
Focus on Complementary Products
Balutto says, even though many companies and projects emphasise the importance of valves, the nature and quality of fittings, joint components and other complementary products are not given as much attention.
However, he says Rexus has made this a focal point.
“One reason for our growth is the development and supply of complementary products, which ensures that every valve fits into a valve chamber and every isolating valve has a dismantling joint or flange adaptor. “Our approach has been to supply all the requirements of a valve chamber, thereby ensuring uniformity in quality and better planning for the contractor to allow for on-time delivery, as well as peace of mind for the contractor and end-user,” he details.
Further, Balutto explains that Rexus works closely with consulting engineers and contractors.
“Our KII range of couplings, flange adaptors and dismantling joints are 100% locally manufactured in all sizes, and have been developed with a focus on ease of application, reliability in sealing and short lead times for manufacturing,” he concludes.