Despite the recent volatility in the local mining sector, fluid conveyance and solutions provider Incledon has consistently gained measurable market share in mining operations across South Africa through increased sales volumes and product range offerings.
“Incledon is currently commissioning a 14.4 km, 355 T-PVC bulk-water line that runs from the main shaft at the mine to a bulk storage area, in Secunda.
“Work on the bulk-water line started in June last year and we expect to complete the project by June this year,” says Incledon divisional director for mining Gary Els.
The contract is worth about R16-million and includes 273 products that are to be supplied by Incledon, such as valves, pipes, steam fittings, galvanised pipe fittings and couplings.
In addition to Incledon continuously working closely with mining companies, Els notes that the company’s strategically located branches in several mining areas across South Africa have added substantial value to the company’s product and service offering to customers.
“With mining branches in Secunda, Lephalale, Welkom, Klerksdorp, Burgersfort and Kathu, among others, Incledon has ensured that it is categorised as a preferred supplier for projects, turnaround times are minimised and after-sales service and support are prioritised,” he explains.
Els says that the recent labour unrest has had minimal disturbance at operational level for the coal, iron and manganese sector. This has resulted in exceptional growth for Incledon, particularly in these regions.
He adds that Incledon aims to develop its mining business to include other sectors that will enable the company to further service and assist the industry.
“Our biggest challenge currently is to maintain what we have achieved and go forward as a successful company. We are planning to penetrate the Burgersfort area, which is a focus area. We will continue to work in the coal areas, but are also considering expansion into the diamond and gold sectors, which is where we see a lot of potential for the company and we have not fully penetrated these opportunities as much as we would have liked.”
The Incledon mining division branches are making a significant contribution towards the overall growth of the company, and this will certainly make Incledon founder Herbert Incledon proud, as he opened Incledon in South Africa in 1906, predominantly servicing the mines.
“As this success seems certain to continue, I am optimistic that we can obtain larger contracts and expand our workforce. Incledon will also consider the establishment of a new strategic branch in the North West, within the next year, thereby pursuing the company’s short-term objective of establishing a presence in all major mining hubs in South Africa,” Els concludes.