Black excellence in engineering

Industrial valves and pumps specialist Brimis Engineering began with a vision to innovate and elevate South Africa’s engineering sector. Founded in 2013 by Andile Nqandela, the company aimed not only to excel in its field but also to create opportunities for the country's emerging engineers. Today, thanks to invaluable government support through the Black Industrialists Programme and other initiatives, that vision is a thriving reality.

Nqandela strategically located his company in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, in order to tap into the region’s significance as a key centre of power generation, mining and other industry. By 2018, he had acquired a partner in the form of Moeketsi Mpotu, who is today the Executive Director responsible for technical and business development. An initial R1 million in financial assistance through the National Gazelles Programme of the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) enabled the duo to start manufacturing on a small scale.

Since then, Brimis has grown to become an important player in the engineering space, employing up to 150 people, including 40 permanent staff members. Seeking much-needed funding to expand their business footprint, the entrepreneurs approached the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (ditc) for assistance.

Thanks to R86 million in financial support from the dtic’s Black Industrialists Incentive Scheme, the company was able to break ground on a new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, which will enhance productivity and competitiveness.

“With this kind of support black industrialists across the country will be able to play a meaningful role in the economy, particularly in sectors that are critical for the growth of our economy and job creation,” notes Nqandela.

Crucially, the investment will also sharpen the company's competitive edge by expanding its capacity to manufacture an array of state-of-the-art engineering products to rival the best in both domestic and international markets.

“The steel and engineering industries we operate in are extremely competitive and dominated by big companies, mostly European and American. Manufacturing of engineering products requires a huge investment to ensure competitiveness and sustainability,” explains Nqandela, underscoring the critical role of the Black Industrialists Programme.

Thanks to the new facility and upgraded equipment, many of the critical pump and valve components the company previously outsourced will now be manufactured in-house.

As Brimis Engineering embarks on this new chapter of growth and self-sufficiency, they are not only transforming their own business but also contributing to the broader narrative of empowerment and economic advancement in South Africa.

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