Sassda Columbus Stainless Awards sees 189 entries from 53 companies
JOBURG – For local ingenuity, 10 judges spent an entire day pouring over the entries, taking time to analyse each one and were very pleased with the locally-originated nature of the submissions.
The Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) Columbus Stainless Awards winners were announced at a glamorous ceremony at the Indaba Hotel as 189 entries from 53 companies resulted in a list of more than 60 finalists.
Speaking at the event, Sassda executive director, John Tarboton said, “This year, perhaps more than ever, awards of this nature are essential as they celebrate the innovation, strength and durability of the South African stainless steel industry, despite the buffeting winds of change that have beset our country in the two years since the last awards event was held.”
He explained that despite those challenges, entries ranged from locally manufactured stainless steel corrugated pipes to world-class architectural masterpieces to feats of engineering, inspiring stories of transformation and growth among its members.
For local ingenuity, 10 judges spent an entire day pouring over the entries, taking time to analyse each one and were very pleased with the locally-originated nature of the submissions.
The judges noted that the overall winner, ND Engineering was consistently extraordinary with a variety of projects in a number of different categories. “As a result, not only did it achieve winner status in the Manufacturing Innovation and Duplex Stainless Steel categories but also first runner-up in the Welding category and merit awards in both the Export and Agro-Processing categories,” Tarboton said.
The managing director of ND Engineering, Elvis Green explained that over the last two years, they have chosen to be mindful of the external factors that have plagued their industry but to also actively focus on internal improvements to negate the effects.
“To counteract this, we have invested in new equipment and most importantly, we have created a stable environment where all team members are comfortable and able to express themselves, without having to shoulder the burden of these tough economic times.”
Green stated that overall, they have made a concerted effort to be positive and decided to expand when competitors are downsizing with the intention of filling some noticeable capacity voids.
Tarboton summarised the awards evening and said, “What is clear, is that far from being a nice-to-have, awards of this kind set a benchmark for local manufacturers and fabricators. They are also the perfect example of the role that 21st-century industry associations can play in fostering the growth of the sector that they champion – in this case, stainless steel.”
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