Pretoria-based Cadcon Steel Construction & Engineering is the latest organisation to receive ISO 3834 accreditation through the Southern African Institute of Welding’s (SAIW’s) Welding Fabricators Certification Scheme.

This brings the number to over 30 companies that have been accredited through the scheme, with more than that number in the process of being accredited.
The SAIW’s technical services manager, Sean Blake, says having companies like Cadcon on the ‘accreditation roll’ does a lot to promote the scheme.

“Cadcon is a thoroughly professional organisation and is a role model for many fabricators in South Africa. By becoming accredited, they have significantly endorsed the importance of the scheme for companies that want to remain competitive both locally and globally,” Blake says.

Cadcon director Barry Barnard says: “We are delighted to have received the ISO 3834 accreditation. Firstly, an increasing number of our customers are demanding ISO 3834 accreditation and, secondly, it was pleasing to know that we are, by objective standards, the professionals we always thought we were. This is most encouraging.”

He adds that the entire process was run efficiently and professionally. “The SAIW lived up to its reputation as one of the top global welding institutes. It is not only efficient but its knowledge levels are also good.”

Cadcon is one of those typical inspirational ‘rags to riches’ stories. Started by Barnard and a friend in 1987, in a garage on a plot outside Pretoria, the company grew gradually.

SAIW executive director Jim Guild conti- nues to be encouraged by the number of companies that are interested in ISO 3834 accreditation. “There is no doubt that the penny has dropped for welding fabricators, big and small, regarding the importance of the ISO 3834 accreditation,” he says.

To subscribe to Engineering News's print magazine email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or buy now.