Market research and analysis into the growing concerns of Eastern Cape industry over the future of gas supply has uniquely positioned the industrial gas supply company, Air Products, as a pivotal enabler for meeting the demands of business in a region that has long been yearning for alternatives and change in gas supply.
The December 2012 announcement of the Air Products Air Separation Unit (ASU) investment at the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) has illustrated the company’s commitment to retaining and growing their customer base in Nelson Mandela Bay, and the greater Eastern Cape. This action acknowledges and responds to the growing concern around sustainability of gas supply across industries, commented an Eastern Cape organisation recently.
Air Products Area Sales Manager, Pierre Fourie, who joined as a sales engineer in 1998 and now heads the team at the current Port Elizabeth branch situated in Deal Party, said the area has long been yearning for alternatives in the industrial gas supply arena. This in turn hampers local businesses growth, direct investment, employment and infrastructure.
“Air Products is an enabler to reviving these lost opportunities. We are claiming a stake in the Eastern Cape’s industrial future and opening doors for future investment in the region. We want to offer a differentiated service to industry in Port Elizabeth and offering the full bouquet of gas supply offerings to the Port Elizabeth market,” says Fourie.
“Air Products believes in building for decades to come. The Eastern Cape is a region showing rapid growth and diversity of industrial applications. Expanding our production footprint enhances the Air Products offerings in the region, and is based on improved customer service to companies in the Eastern Cape,” said Fourie.
This much needed expansion is indicative of the ability by Air Products to cater for the needs of growing industries, who seek reliability and sustainability of gas supply. Air Products offer industry leading service that delivers the difference in their unique approach to customer service.
Air Products operates across all industries by providing services to the automotive sector, automotive component manufacturers, food and beverage manufacturers, renewable energy sector, agro-processing sector and medical and pharmaceutical engineering.
“The Eastern Cape has enormous potential and should be seen as a viable destination for investment in production and manufacturing. The province has significant potential to aid industry in South Africa to penetrate emerging markets,” concludes Fourie.
Air Products Eastern Cape Area Sales Manager, Pierre Fourie.
