The capacity to source and supply the right product for a specialised industrial requirement has always been key to Elquip Solutions’ success. Since the 1980’s, the Boksburg-based company has established itself as a key local provider of global, market-leading electrical components, tooling and machinery.

To this end, Elquip Solutions has introduced a high-end, comprehensive range of flexible conduit systems and components from UK manufacturer Flexicon to the South African market.

“Elquip has had a long and proud association with Flexicon – it is a highly innovative company, which has developed a large range of products to suit every conceivable application. We are particularly excited about Flexicon’s range of conduits which have been specifically designed for the demands of the rail industry worldwide,” says Marius Scheepers, Internal Sales Manager of Elquip Solutions.

As specialists in flexible conduit solutions, Flexicon has developed two broad product ranges, metallic and non-metallic, available from 10mm to 106mm in diameter. The company also has a wide range of patented fittings and connectors, locking and non-locking, designed for ease of use and adaptable for any application.

“Flexicon supplies a number of industries worldwide, including photovoltaic, moving machinery, electrical contracting and mining. They also focus on the rail industry, and have designed and developed a range specifically to meet the needs of this technically demanding sector,” says Scheepers.

When it comes to the rail industry, IP ratings, tensile strength characteristics, weight, corrosion resistance, fire performance properties and operating temperature ranges are all factors to consider. Added to this are the specifications related to a passenger rail environment, such as aesthetics, low fire hazard and ease of installation in confined spaces.

“Having been designed to meet all the requirements of the rail environment, Flexicon conduits are highly robust, but offer ease of use and installation; and have been developed according to the highest global industry standards,” notes Scheepers.

Elquip Solutions has supplied a number of projects within the South African rail industry with Flexicon’s metallic range (LTP and FSU), manufactured in galvanised steel or stainless steel. They have also developed the non-metallic range (FPAS), which is manufactured from a range of materials, such as nylon, offering different properties according to the demands of the environment.

With South Africa’s Passenger Rail Agency’s (PRASA’s) latest announcement of a R51 billion ten year investment into procuring 600 new, modern commuter and passenger trains, the rail sector holds significant opportunities, says Scheepers.

“We are proud to hold Flexicon’s stock in our portfolio and believe there is wide scope for its use in South Africa’s fast-growing rail industry. PRASA’s revitalisation programme and major investment in new rolling stock will mean a new era of state-of-the-art rail equipment and technology in this country.

Flexicon’s product range for the rail industry matches this vision by representing the latest developments in conduit technology and meeting relevant industry standards,” says Scheepers.

As a supplier of world-class industrial solutions to the market, Elquip Solutions provides a round-the-clock support service and ensures that its products are readily available to its customers.

“Despite being a high-end European product used all around the world, Flexicon is competitively-priced. It offers ease of installation, is self-extinguishing (therefore suitable in any potentially fire-hazardous environment) and highly robust. We are very excited to be able to bring the Flexicon rail product range to the growing South African market,” Scheepers concludes.