June 2016System Integration & Control Systems Design
Kempton Park-based SA Gauge was founded by Chris and Judith du Plessis in 1992, in close proximity to potential customers in the East Rand. Du Plessis explains that back in the early 1990s, with the exception of one other local manufacturer, branded pressure gauges and thermometers were only available from outside South Africa. He felt that a local manufacturer would have a distinct advantage over companies that imported their products.
The company opened shop with six people and initial manufacturing equipment included labour intensive manual machines that were slow and inefficient compared to current standards. Today the company uses computerised machining centres and presses to manufacture the components needed to assemble the pressure gauges, thermometers, diaphragm seals and transmitters. Many of these machines are able to produce high accuracy components with minimal supervision, enabling the company to cope with large orders just as easily as it can with small specialist one-of-a-kind requests.
SA Gauge has two self-owned branches, one in Durban and the other in Kempton Park. It currently employs 48 people, six of whom are technically qualified in the manufacturing division and a further two who are METCERT certified metrologists in the company’s ISO 17025 SANAS accredited calibration laboratory. Two qualified graphic designers ensure that in-house dial design and other special OEM requirements are speedily met.
“Although the company can cope with large volume orders, it is geared more toward smaller, OEM requirements where customers can choose their own specifications or a dial design using their own logo. Because all of the processes are done in-house, we are in control of the outcome and can make sure that quick turnaround times are possible. In most cases customers can collect their instruments, made to their specifications with their own logo, within a couple of hours,” says Du Plessis.
Du Plessis explains that SANAS accreditation assures the company’s customers of the accuracy and traceability of all SA Gauge’s products. He says that this is especially important when fully imported gauges come in from the East and the accuracies of these gauges are questionable. “Cheap imports from the East are one of the company’s main challenges, and also the fact that local customers seem to be lackadaisical about the accuracy and reliability of the instruments they purchase,” he adds.
Customised instruments are one of the company’s specialities. “All our equipment is manufactured exactly to customer requirements. The instruments are handmade and individually calibrated, which enhances their accuracy tremendously. In addition, SA Gauge’s heavy duty glycerine filled pressure gauges are guaranteed for a period of two years,” says Du Plessis.
SA Gauge exports approximately 10% of its products, mainly to the UK, USA and Australia. The company also offers a repair and calibration/recalibration service of its own as well as other brands of gauges, issuing SANAS ISO 17025 calibration certificates for the work done on request. The company’s most recent substantial project is the successful development and supply of special gauges to the Transwerk locomotive contract.
Powering southern Africa’s industrial evolution for over five decades Oilpower
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Established in 1974, Oilpower is a recognised name in South Africa’s hydraulic and pneumatic sector. What started as a small, family-run business has matured into a highly structured operation with specialised teams, experienced engineers and a reputation for technical excellence and reliability. Oilpower is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year
Read more...Metal plant automation upgrade ABB South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
A combined compressor house (CCH) control system replacement project, undertaken by NJC, an ABB Authorised Value Provider (AVP), has won high praise from client ArcelorMittal.
Read more...SIs - the channel’s conductors of light Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Today’s original equipment manufacturers are innovators in the truest sense, driving the absolute newest in technological advancement. While they develop advanced and often groundbreaking solutions, it is the system integrators who bring these innovations to life.
Read more...The state of the SI industry remains strong and is expanding
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The system integration (SI) industry is expanding with the adoption of AI, automation and data sharing, allowing companies to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness across diverse sectors.
Read more...The symbiotic relationship between OEMs and SIs Schneider Electric South Africa
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
While businesses tend to turn directly to original equipment manufacturers OEMs or vendors when embarking on IT projects, the role of the SI as a key facilitator and partner cannot be overstated.
Read more...Flexible and precise dispensing technology Beckhoff Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The Scheugenpflug ProcessModule axis system forms the basis of Atlas Copco’s dispensing and screwing cells and a flexible integration platform for general contractors and machine builders. Precise process sequences are ensured by TwinCAT CNC and servo drive technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...Monitoring the health of systems SA Gauge
Pressure Measurement & Control
Pressure and temperature gauges are vital instruments in various industries. However, they are susceptible to failures that can compromise their accuracy and reliability. When these gauges fail, the consequences can be severe.
Read more...The time is now for systems integrators
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
Integrators combine sophistication regarding technology innovation with practical, hands-on experience. Collaborating with systems integrators is the means to significant productivity improvement, powered by the convergence of automation and information and operations technology.
Read more...System integrators are a diverse market
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
System integrators (SIs) combine expertise on emergent technologies with real world experience. Working with SIs, it’s inevitable that at some point someone will say, “We’re not a typical SI.” And in many ways, it’s true. SIs come in all shapes and sizes.
Read more...Avoiding the pitfalls of PLC and scada control system integration Iritron
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Upgrading your control system by integrating PLCs with scada systems should be a simple seamless process. Regrettably, the industry is plagued with control system integration and upgrade myths and misconceptions that can lead to liability issues, project delays, cost overruns and decreased plant performance.
printer friendly version