SAIW Member profile: Aurex Constructors
acceptance rate last year. That’s because we can detect and correct variations in real time before they cause downstream issues,” he explains. Aurex also differentiates its quality metrics by application to drive continuous improvement. “On tanks and linear welds, we’re achieving a zero-defect rate, and on the thicker bore piping, of over 10 mm wall thickness, we’re consistently below 2.5%,” he notes. “Our current overall average rate is down to 1.9%, which reflects the strength of our systems, our people, and our com- mitment to quality.” Aurex is expanding its footprint across Southern Africa to meet growing demand for energy infrastructure, fuel distribution and sustainable power solutions. With South Africa’s refining capacity declining, Garner is seeing increased investment in infrastruc- ture to support the import and distribution of fuel. “This includes tank farms and fuel distribution hubs that support offloading and redistribution across the region.” In Namibia, Aurex is constructing on-site fuel tank infrastructure to support terminal operations, which is expected to unlock fur- ther opportunities in the local mining sec- tor. In Mozambique, the company is execut- ing tank refurbishment and construction projects in Matola and Beira, strengthening the country’s fuel storage and distribution capacity while supporting key clients in the energy and petrochemical space. New markets: Expanding with purpose In addition, Aurex has been delivering utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects for over 12 years, establishing itself as a trusted partner in South Africa’s renew- able energy landscape. With over 1.3 GW of installed solar PV capacity across 16 solar plants, the company offers flexible support across the full EPC scope, including trench- ing, cabling, mechanical, electrical and instrumentation services. Recent highlights include solar projects ranging from 10 MW to 140 MW, as well as the flagship 540 MW solar park with battery storage in Kenhardt, Northern Cape – one of the largest hybrid solar and storage projects in the world. “Our diversified portfolio, welding expertise and proven quality standards enable us to deliver tailored solutions for tankage, terminals, petrochemical fa- cilities, mining operations and renewable energy projects across Southern Africa,” Garner concludes. “We’re not just respond- ing to market shifts, we’re helping shape the region’s energy future.” www.aurex.com
Above: For piping with wall thicknesses up to 6.0 mm, Aurex typically use GTAW, which allows for precise control and high-quality welds with minimal rework. Right: On thicker-bore piping with wall thicknesses exceeding 10 mm, Aurex consistently achieves rejection rates below 2.5%.
able where precision and repeatability are critical, particularly in high-spec piping systems. “Ultimately, the choice of process depends on the technical requirements and client preference,” Houston says. “Some end users restrict certain methods, so we always engage early to determine the best-fit approach before finalising weld- ing procedure specifications (WPSs) and conducting quality acceptance testing,” he assures. On the consumable side, Aurex relies on trusted consumable brands, such as Böhler Welding and ESAB, for critical applications, with Afrox providing accessible day-to-day supplies. “We select welding equipment based on project requirements rather than brand preference, and we’re actively evalu- ating advanced technologies, including pulse welding modes, to enhance our pro- ductivity and precision further,” he adds. ISO 3834 accreditation The Chamdor workshop was the first facil- ity to be ISO 3834 certified in 2012,” says Houston. At the time, the primary driver was the need to fabricate pressure vessels and components that met the evolving standards of the energy and petrochemi- cal sectors. As client expectations evolved, so did Aurex’s quality framework. “More and more clients began specifying ISO-3834 compli- ance, so we extended our certification across all our facilities, including Secunda and Namibia, and to all of our onsite weld- ing activities,” he tells AF . Houston continues: “Once embedded, the culture of ISO 3834 had a measurable impact. Over the past five years, we have consistently met our reject rate target of under 4%, and for the past two years, we’ve brought that down to below 2.5%,” he tells AF . These figures reflect performance across all certified sites, including field- based work. “In our controlled workshop, the results are even stronger,” he adds. “At Chamdor, for example, we achieved a 100% weld
project demands and client expectations from day one,” he explains. “This approach reinforces our commitment to safe, high- quality delivery in new markets.” In Mozambique, Aurex Constructors Lim- itada operates from Maputo, supporting the country’s growing energy sector. The team has delivered and is actively execut- ing tank construction projects in Beira and Matola, contributing to the development of terminal infrastructure and fuel storage capacity. These projects involve SMEIPP scope and are closely coordinated with the fab- rication hub in South Africa. The Mozam- bique operation also provides detailing, site support and project integration ser- vices, ensuring seamless execution aligned with client expectations. “As part of Aurex’s Southern Africa footprint, Mozambique strengthens our ability to mobilise skilled teams and deliver compliant, high-quality tankage solutions across borders,” he adds. Welding choices Aurex employs a range of welding processes tailored to project specifications and cli- ent requirements. Houston explains that GTAW/TIG, SMAW/stick, GMAW/MIG/MAG, and FCAW are all routinely used across the company’s fabrication and field operations. “For piping with wall thicknesses up to 6.0 mm, we typically use GTAW, which allows for precise control and high-quality welds with minimal rework,” says Houston. “We’ve built a strong team of highly skilled welders who consistently meet the quality standards required for these applications,” he adds. For thicker sections and structural steel, Houston notes that GMAW with solid wires is preferred due to its speed and cost-effec- tiveness, while flux-cored wires are used where enhanced mechanical properties are required. “GMAW is generally our go-to for productivity, but flux-cored options can offer better performance depending on the material and design,” he adds. Orbital welding capabilities are avail-
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November-December 2025
AFRICAN FUSION
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