The manufacturer of valves, Zimmermann & Jansen S.A., has found itself uniquely positioned in the sub-Saharan market. Technology Digital learns how it is keeping up with demand
Written by Ellie Duncan & Produced by Isaac Frempong
It was back in 1972 that Zimmermann & Jansen S.A. (Pty) Ltd was established as an offshoot of the German valve manufacturing group Z&J Technologies, which itself dated back to 1877. With the support of its parent company, the South African arm began manufacturing custom-built valves. But these are not a basic valve mechanism; in fact, Zimmermann & Jansen’s valves are designed to withstand extremely high temperatures of 1,200 degrees centigrade and above. Sales Manager Ben Botha explains why the valves are of particular use in the metallurgical, petrochemical and power generation industries. “Obviously, you have hot gas and that hot gas needs to be contained and isolated,” he says. “And for that, you need to have a valve.
“This is how we developed what is called the hot blast valve because if you have a steel valve, at that temperature the steel valve will also melt. So Zimmermann & Jansen has designed a valve that is water cooled, that will withstand these temperatures and give positive isolation.”
DIVERSIFICATION
The company has maintained its leadership in the South African core valve market thanks to its specialised team of employees and its experience in valve engineering. Not only does the company provide manufacturing services, but it also reconditions and services valve products from its facility in the Gauteng province.
However, Botha admits that there were limitations where the company’s location is concerned. “Our product has a long-term life and our customer base is not that big in South Africa, so we had to find something else to continue to grow the business,” he explains. If it was to diversify though, Zimmermann & Jansen needed to manufacture products that would complement its range of valves. For that, in 1991, it began producing pressure vessels. 1993 saw the first heat exchanger manufactured, followed by distillation columns a year later.
Since then, it has built up quite a customer base, including smelters for platinum, gold and zinc, as well as some of the biggest chemical plants in the country. The company actually serves the sub-Sahara region, although, as Botha says, 155it still reports directly to its parent company in Germany. He adds that when there is an overflow of work at its headquarters, Zimmermann & Jansen will help pick up the pieces. “Some of their work will be passed down to our workshops for manufacture and, in 2008 and 2009; we have been exporting work to China and India from here.”
In fact, the demand in China for valves, vessels and heat exchangers is increasing as the country looks to erect 14 smelters/blast furnaces. But Botha insists that its focus remains solely on the South African and sub-Saharan regions. However, he does acknowledge that the exports market has served it well in the last year, helping to stave off the impact of the economic crisis. Today, it is feeling the effects more than ever. “Luckily, it has become evident that South Africa is moving into positive figures again, and we’re moving out of the recession,” he adds.
UNIQUELY POSITIONED
The company certainly has a couple of projects lined up that are likely to keep it busy in the long-term. Sasol’s Mafutha project is still at the design stage but this inland refinery located in the Northern Province is likely to see Zimmermann & Jansen supply some of its products. There is another refinery project involving government-owned Petro SA that will, again, demand the company’s products. Both of those are due to be executed in four years time.
“Foster Wheeler South Africa has been appointed as the Engineering contractor for the Sasol Wax plant extension. This announcement was made on Friday the 27th of November 2009. Long lead delivery equipment will be ordered in the 1st quarter of 2010,” says Botha.
Zimmermann & Jansen operates from a unique position in South Africa – no other company manufactures the same valves. As such, the company has produced and tested more than 1,400 new tailor-made valves, and has refurbished and repaired over 1,500 valves of varying types and sizes. Botha attributes its ongoing success to its bespoke manufacture and design processes, as well as the valves’ properties that ensure they can withstand both high temperatures and pressures.
He also cites the constant support and input from its parent company. “Besides the design impetus and investment from Germany, they also invest in expansions,” he says. “In the 19 years I’ve been with the company, we’ve had two extensions made to our factory facilities and machines supplied from Germany for those extensions.”
With this in mind, it appears that Zimmermann and Jansen in South Africa is well prepared for future growth and projects; both of which are sure to come its way.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
COMPANY NAME: Zimmermann & Jansen SA (Pty) Ltd
MD: Kobus Ehlers
OPERATIONS: Manufactures and custom builds valves for the metallurgical, petrochemical and power generation industries.
ESTABLISHED: 1972
EMPLOYEES: 60
www.zjtechnologies.de