The total market for Valves and Actuators is estimated for the year 2002 at
R3 000 million (300 million US Dollars).
Locally manufactured products account for about 40% of this figure, the balance being imported
by specialists and traders for a wide range of applications.
The industry is composed of small and medium sized businesses, most of them selling SA valves throughout Southern Africa, driving towards world wide sales in niche markets.
The valve manufacturing industry is capital intensive and was developed at great expense. Local investment is extensive in terms of facilities, equipment, trained manpower and material, supported by a well established foundry industry for the supply of raw castings, including stainless steel and more exotic materials.
South Africa has a fairly sophisticated industry resulting in the need for most types of valves and actuators. The most clearly defined markets are:
| Waterworks - | Bulk water supply and distribution of portable water to urban communities. |
| Mining Industry - | Control of fluids in underground mining applications to surface treatment of product. |
| Process Industry - | A wide variety of plants from primary steel producers to most industrial consumable products, including pulp and paper. |
| Petrochemical - | A specialised market for valves mainly supplied with imported products |
After local manufacturers, the major supplier countries are Far East, EU and USA. Local suppliers and EU manufacturers dominate the market for actuators.
Local manufacturers and suppliers are in a good position to provide the customer support and service needed in the Southern African region. Any potential supplier is invited to contact a member of SAVAMA to explore the potential for development of sales in this region or for product solutions manufactured in South Africa.