KEW Foundries has been awarded a number of contracts by Sulzer Pumps (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd., the South African legal entity of the Swiss-based group Sulzer. Sulzer Pumps, active in mining, petrochemical and water supply, is headquartered in Elandsfontein, Johannesburg, and has a well-established, 18 year relationship with KEW Foundries.
KEW Foundries recently supplied SG iron castings to Sulzer Pumps
Harry Hillis, procurement manager, Sulzer Pumps, says that the two companies enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship. “The quality of KEW’s products is excellent, and is supported by favourable pricing, good lead times, communication and service.”
KEW Foundries is currently supplying SG iron castings to the company for two contracts – a water treatment plant project in Durban and the Umgeni Water project. The castings are manufactured in SG iron as the material is ideal for clear water treatment pumps.
The SG iron conforms to the stringent quality specifications specified by the client, adds Hillis. “SG iron is ideal because of its competitive market price. KEW is selected for our SG iron orders as their facility ensures a high capacity and timeous delivery of products.”
KEW Foundries also supplies castings for other Sulzer Pump products, including mine dewatering pumps and turbine housing spares.
“KEW recently supplied castings for turbine housing spares for an existing project of ours,” says Hillis. “The casting was complex, but the team delivered a product we were happy with.”
John Bryson, Foundry Director, KEW Foundries, says that a core part of the KEW business philosophy involves working closely with clients to ensure a quality casting which ultimately leads to a quality product.
“There is a lot of close co-operation between ourselves and our clients, between our pattern shop and theirs. For Sulzer Pumps especially, we worked closely with their team regarding the intricate shapes and various material thicknesses that were required.”
Bryson notes that this commitment to quality and precision, as well as the company’s expertise, has played a significant role in building up a loyal client base. “We found that our approach to business builds up a relationship of trust with our clients. And once our products have proven themselves, this leads, not only to more business, but orders for heavier and more sophisticated castings.”