Irma Venter Engineering News Features Reporter Machinery from Eastern markets is presenting some difficulty for South African suppliers as the equipment is so specialised that it is sometimes difficult to source equivalent seals, says Seal Centre manager Hilton Taylor.

“We are, however, taking this fact into consideration, and have several potential solutions on the table,” he adds.

Boasting what Taylor states must be the biggest range of seals in Africa, the Pretoria-based company is trying to break into new markets, and to expand its range so as to be able to service more markets. Some new products on Seal Centre’s shelves within a few months will be brake seals and power-steering kits and seals.

This will add to an extensive range that includes y-, u-, v- and o-rings, nitrile gaskets, gland, piston, split face, hydraulic, pneumatic, rod and rotary seals, to mention but a few.

Some brand-names include Walker, PDF, Gaco, CR, NOK, CFW and Polypack.

The 20-year-old company’s main markets are earthmoving, engineering and the automotive industry.

Taylor foresees growth to be within existing structures, and to still limit the company to the one existing outlet in Hercules, Pretoria.

This outlet will, however, be upgraded this year, as it will be extended to be able to handle more stock.

Taylor estimates that turnover has increased by about 250% in the two decades of the company’s existence.

Seal Centre has several long-standing contracts in the Pretoria region.

Taylor explains the company has been providing seals and wheel-bearings for the Pretoria Putco fleet since 1985.

Similarly, the company has been providing gaskets and o-rings for ABB Powertech since 1980.

“We are not connected to any brand- name or any supplier, which means we are only loyal to finding the best solution to a problem,” concludes Taylor.

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