As part of its strategic expansion plan, Johannesburg-based dewatering pump solutions provider Integrated Pump Technology has invested in a service centre in the mining town of Steelpoort, Limpopo. The service centre, opened at the beginning of the year, is the first to be established by the company and reinforces its commitment to the area’s mining community.

Integrated Pump Technology is the sole distributor of Grindex submersible pumps in Southern Africa and the distributor of Godwin diesel-driven pumpsets in South Africa and selected African countries.

“Since our inception in 2014, we’ve continued to explore how we could further our reach into major mining areas. Our route to market is through distribution channels but the establishment of this service centre has helped us to position ourselves in a way that will strengthen our relationship with mines, the end-users of our pumps, directly,” Integrated Pump Technology MD Jordan Marsh tells Engineering News.

The roughly 400 m2 facility is in a major industrial park in the heart of Steelpoort. Not only does the branch comprise a service centre with a fully equipped workshop but it is also stocked with fast-moving products and critical spare parts.

Marsh highlights that the wear rates of units sold to mining operations around Steelpoort tend to be higher than most, with many slurry pumps sold in the area.

“That’s what makes our Grindex slurry pump range so ideal – these submersible pumps are robust enough to withstand the area’s harsh, abrasive operating conditions. Additionally, having critical spares and a service facility in proximity to their mining operations is paramount for customers.”

Service with Speed

One of the biggest challenges faced by customers in the Steelpoort area is a long turnaround regarding pump repairs and the quick delivery of replacement pumps to their sites after breakdowns.

“Most of the original-equipment manufacturers are based in Johannesburg, but being serviced by a Johannesburg branch is not always straightforward when you operate in a remote location,” highlights Marsh.

Integrated Pump Technology’s Steelpoort service centre addresses this challenge as it will significantly reduce the long turnaround times that customers in the Steelpoort area had to accommodate when waiting for spare parts or when dealing with repairs.

“Now, if there’s somebody that needs a quick pump repair, we’ve got the facility in the area to do that. Being able to alleviate a ten-hour turnaround is key, because when it comes to mining, time is money,” states Marsh.

The company has received positive feedback from customers in the Steelpoort, Burgersfort and Lydenburg areas following the launch of its new service centre.

“Anytime a mine sees that there’s stock available in their vicinity, as well as a service centre, it gives them peace of mind. Our newly appointed distributor in the area, Rob Day Mining, will also make use of the facility, which is to its benefit,” explains Marsh.

Rob Day Mining was appointed Integrated Pump Technology’s official distributer for Steelpoort earlier this year.

“The decision was based on the company’s extensive mining knowledge and great footprint in the area. In addition, Rob Day Mining has significant access to many of the mines around Steelpoort and a good reputation,” adds Marsh.

For Steelpoort and surrounding areas, Integrated Pump Technology offers a comprehensive range that includes Grindex submersible dewatering pumps from 10 kW up to 90 kW and a substantial Grindex slurry pump range, in addition to Godwin diesel-driven pumps.

Integrated Pump Technology has a permanent, skilled and qualified technician in Steelpoort and plans to grow its workforce by employing members of the local community.

Marsh says its Steelpoort customers and those in the surrounding region can expect the same level of customer service and quality that they have come to expect when dealing with the company’s main service centre in Jet Park.

“An integral part of our DNA is good after-sales service, whereby we ensure that our customers are fully satisfied and have all their needs met. The goal of our Steelpoort service centre is to maintain that standard.”