Eastern Cape to generate own gas

Port Elizabeth is set to become the hub for the distribution of industrial gases to the Eastern Cape when a R300-million Afrox separation plant starts producing. The 150-ton-a-day plant is being built in the Coega Industrial Development Zone. It will affect the freight industry as industrial gases will no longer have to be trucked or railed into the province. Afrox managing director Brett Kimber says it makes strategic sense to build a plant in Port Elizabeth, as “this is where the customers are”. “We want to reinvigorate quality and reliability of supply,” he said. Afrox has been focusing on the automotive and health services sectors in the Eastern Cape, but is keen to expand its market. “There are burgeoning opportunities in mining, chilling and the fish industry. One of the most exciting things about the gas industry is the breadth of customers you work with,” says Kimber. The Afrox plant is due to come on stream in Zone 3 of the Coega IDZ in the first quarter of 2015, if all goes according to plan.