A partnership was formed between South African interconnected mechanical consumables supplier Bearings International (Bi) and Italian industrial pump manufacturer SAER, as publicly announced on September 25, to add SAER pumps to Bi’s product portfolio, enabling customers to access various submersible and surface pumps in addition to its range of mechanical products, says Bi product application engineer Glen Espag.

SAER chose to introduce its pump range to the South African market owing to the country’s large centrifugal pump market share, which is a result of its advanced industrial base, established water structures and developed mining sector, claims SAER sales enablement head Ilaria Favella.

She adds that industry in South Africa is also an “interesting field” for further opportunity and growth in the centrifugal pumps market.

“Despite several challenges, South Africa remains a key market for centrifugal pumps, offering opportunities in original-equipment manufacturing and the replacement segment,” says Favella.

Moreover, the Bi team has identified a strong demand for SAER’s surface pump range, for agricultural, industrial and municipal applications in Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, says Espag.

Some of the SAER surface pumps now on offer from Bi include centrifugal, high- pressure and multistage pump units, which will be complemented by close-coupled variants and end-suction solutions.

In addition to offering customers fluid handling solutions, the partnership between Bi and SAER will also prove beneficial in that it will afford both companies access to the “lucrative pumps market in South Africa, which is steadily growing”, he says.

“By adding pumps to our product portfolio alongside drive systems, torque transfer, bearings and seals, as well as field services, we’re now positioned to offer a comprehensive suite of products. The partnership will add further value for customers through reduced lead times and enhanced technical support by leveraging local expertise,” notes Espag.

There is also a growing demand for premium pump solutions in sectors such as, construction, infrastructure and commercial development, industrial water processing and treatment, as well as the sugar industry, he adds.

“Historically, the market has seen steady growth and we’re currently witnessing renewed momentum driven by infrastructure investment and water security initiatives . . . Growth is expected to exceed 4% (a year) between 2024 and 2029,” says Espag.

All of SAER’s centrifugal pumps will be manufactured and stocked in Reggio Emilia, in Italy, and delivered to Bi in South Africa, with the first shipment scheduled to arrive in South Africa this month.

Going forward, a SAER-certified technician will provide Bi team members with in-depth training to equip the team with knowledge and skills relating to product specifications, installation protocols, and maintenance and troubleshooting processes.

Bi will also maintain a local stockholding of critical spare parts, which will be supported by a strategic branch network with a national footprint, enabling the company to provide clients with after-sales services.

“This SAER partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to helping customers futureproof their business sustainability by anticipating and meeting their evolving needs. We look forward to a long-lasting and mutually beneficial partnership with SAER, one that will create lasting value for both our companies and for our customers,” concludes Espag.