We can say that 2022 was an exceptionally good year for the HYDROMINE™ Group. As the Group CEO I had lots of goals for the HYDROMINE™ Group of Companies and most of them were achieved or are very close to being achieved.
One of our most important goals for 2022 was to improve our production capacity. We did that by purchasing a valve pressure testing bench, CNC lathe, CNC 4 axis milling machine and an SolidCAM software system. (SolidCAM is an on-premise computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) program that handles and governs CNC milling procedures. It permits users to merge with other CAM and computer-aided design (CAD) interfaces and offers diverse tools to streamline milling and turning operations.) We trained all our CNC programmer and upskilled fitters and turners to use SolidCAM. The system gives us the ability to use SOLIDWORKS models, then generate machining procedures to machine parts automatically, by using the CNC machines and programming it with the SolidCAM software; it is now much quicker, more accurate and less chances of making mistakes in the machining processes of valve bodies and parts. The above-mentioned models are generated by our drawing office, using SOLIDWORKS software.
With the pressure testing bench, we have managed to speed up the pressure testing with most of our valves up to DN200 / 8”. Previously we used blank flanges to pressure test these valves. Fitting and stripping the blank flanges to and from the valves are very time consuming.
We have generated at least 8 x new positions with HYDROMINE™ Products during 2022. The first, a young mechanical engineer, Miss Shannon O’Friel. She has added a lot of value to the company and is part of the design and project management team. Barry van Jaarsveld has joined the sales team, as sales manager, who is a very experience and excellent in sales. He added a tremendous amount of value to the company. We further appointed a storeman, one more fitter and turner, QC Inspector, 2 x CNC operators and a general worker. Early 2023 we are planning to create at least 4 more new positions within the company.
Delivering growth
Having significantly expanded our offerings to the mining sector in particular the group has seen a steady increase in demand for its products during 2022. We completed a major project, supplying pressure reducing stations to a gold mine in Mexico.
The company is in the final process of completing another two large projects, one for a large deep Zinc mine in India and the other for project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We have been contracted to supply specialized valves for a mine’s dewatering system for the DRC project.
We have recently closed a deal with a gold mine in Ghana for suppling pressure reducing stations and shaft expansion joints. This project will keep us busy until at least end of April 2023.
The demand for our products is growing and over the past few years we have completed projects not only locally in South Africa and Southern Africa, but our valves are being used in mines and other industrial application all around the world from the East to the West.
Establishing a global and regional footprint has been a priority us. We have invested heavily in research and development ensuring we are always at the forefront of product development at all times. We are continuously working on expanding our offering meeting the exact needs of our clients. Our valves are built to perform and handle the demanding media of the mining industry. It is essential that products are not only of the highest quality but are solutions based. Our products are very unique and speak directly to the needs of our clients.
Henry de Lange
Group CEO
