MOKOPANE – A world class factory brings an economic injection to Mokopane, its community and Limpopo.
The African Pipe Industries North (API) opened its new factory in Mokopane on Tuesday and according to Chris Griffith, CEO of Anglo Platinum, this is an initiative of Anglo American Platinum in collaboration with API.
“Anglo American Platinum has a 51% shareholding in the plant, while Africa Pipe Industries has 49%. The community of Mokopane will benefit significantly from this world class plant in term of local job creation and supplier development.”
The factory will target and benefit from all the infrastructure upgrades taking place in the northern part of South Africa.
This includes future projects for the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation, as well as development projects for mines in the area.
John van Nieuwenhuizen, CEO of API, took guests on a tour through the plant and explained the manufacturing process.
“The new factory manufactures helical welded steel pipes for the distribution of water, oil and gas. The pipes will undergo X-ray inspection, be pressure tested and every pipe will have a signature and will be sandblasted, epoxy coated and corrosion coated. API will supply steel pipes to Limpopo as well as for other projects in sub Saharan Africa.”
The Acting Premier of Limpopo, Jerry Ndou, express his gratitude to Anglo Platinum and the involvement Anglo has in the community through upliftment programmes and job creation.
“Anglo plays a significant role in economic sustainability in Limpopo and Mokopane.”
Ndou concluded saying government and Anglo have a healthy partnership, “we want to pursue this partnership into the future”.
redaksie.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za