Industrial equipment supplier Verder Pumps South Africa is focused on expanding its footprint in Africa by growing its network of local facilities and distributor partners.

“With a history of over 18 years on the continent, we have a proud tradition of technical excellence and being committed to finding innovative solutions to existing problems and forging new paths for future-proof solutions. And part of our plans to take our offering to the next level is focused around expanding our distribution partnerships and channel networks through local partners who operate as regional or industry specialists,” explains Verder Pumps South Africa MD Darryl MacDougall.

In 2018, the company announced partnership agreements with distributors for the KwaZulu-Natal and Nelspruit areas and in recognising new opportunities, the company is onboarding several distribution partners, including for the North West and Western Cape regions, and another which operates in Zambia, Ghana, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This expanded network is meant to benefit existing and new clients, over and above the company’s clients who are currently serviced from Verder’s headquarters in Johannesburg.

He adds that, as the aforementioned countries have established mining sectors, their markets present significant growth opportunities for Verder Pumps South Africa.

While the larger Verder Liquids Group is a multinational business, MacDougall maintains that Verder Pumps South Africa remains committed to contributing to the growth and development of local industries.

“We have the advantage of leveraging innovations, developments and acquisitions, led by our global Verder Liquids Group, to continuously grow our range of original-equipment manufacturer pump products and solutions offerings,” he states.

MacDougall highlights that this is one of the reasons for the company’s longstanding history in the local mining sector and its experience of more than 18 years in the broader African region.

The company provides a one-stop offering of cost-effective, efficient and long-lasting solutions for all mining applications. Its solutions have been installed at various mining projects sites in South Africa and the rest of the continent.

The local mining sector remains an important sector for Verder, as it is still a key contributor to the local economy, despite it being a difficult industrialised work environment.

The country’s gross domestic product for mining having decreased from about R229-million in the second quarter of last year to about R226.4-million in the third quarter of last year epitomises the constrained environment in which the sector operates.

This has resulted in a constant need to maximise yield for profitability while ensuring safety and meeting stakeholder expectations. Moreover, there is a constant requirement to balance costs versus return on investment amid economic challenges.

These include fluxes in the global economy, which impact on investment; cashflows and planning; trade or export potential of mineral resources; revolving regulatory changes; geopolitical, civil and social pressures; operational challenges, such as instability in power supply; and pressures from regulators and civil society over environmental and social requirements.

Verder Tops Dutch Manufacturing

Towards the end of last year, Verder Group was named the number one brand in the Maakindustrie100 (Manufacturing Industry100) for 2019 for a second consecutive year.

The Maakindustrie100 is a yearly list of the best performing manufacturing companies in the Netherlands.

“We look at manufacturing companies with a Dutch origin and a turnover of up to €500-million. We want to pay attention to the hidden champions of the Dutch economy,” states CFI director Kevin Driesen.

Revenue for the Verder Group amounted to more than €302-million in 2018, with revenue growth over the past four years of 16% and profit growth over the same period of 15%. The company has 1 850 employees globally.

“This recognition once again demonstrates the Verder brand’s unwavering commitment to bringing high-quality and fit-for purpose pumping solutions to market that are supported by performance warranties and an integrated service offering,” enthuses MacDougall.

“We are delighted to represent the Verder brand and its wide range of products and solutions in Africa – we’re grateful for the continued support of our clients, partners and peers that contribute to the growth of the local and international business,” he concludes.