LVSA Media Statement – RELEASE: 14 May 2024

From : Sagren Pillay, Chief Executive Officer
LVSA Group PTY LTD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 14 May 2024

RE: “SASOL ISSUED MEMORANDUM: BLOCK ON LVSA GROUP (PTY) LTD BRANDED VALVES”

TO: ALL CLIENTS, STAKEHOLDERS, SUPPLIERS and TEAM MEMBERS

It has come to our attention that on the 13th of May 2024 a memorandum with the above title was issued by Sasol South Africa Limited from their procurement department. LVSA Group would like to take this opportunity to clear up any misunderstandings, correct the context of said Memo, and reassure our valued clients of our 22 years of experience in the Petrochemical Industry. 

The issue this memorandum addresses, is a specific incident in October last year where LVSA’s in house brand of valves was quoted on and accepted by Sasol’s procurement department from us, and not any of our resellers. The issue was rectified, with Sasol choosing not to list this specific brand of valves as correctly stated in the memorandum. The memo is however flawed in the way in which it interweaves our in-house valve brand with the “LVSA Group” name and reputation.

LVSA Group has supplied Sasol as well as most, if not all major petrochemical refineries in South Africa for over two decades. The core of our business has been stocking major international petrochemical valve brands. We have built long standing relationships with every reputable Sasol approved supplier. Each valve is issued with all certifications and markings that support its function. Our team at LVSA Group are well trained on each brand and is dedicated to advising our resellers accurately. LVSA branded valves are the first locally manufactured brand sold in South Africa to obtain an API 600 certification. Further to this our in-house brand has sold over 2000 valves with no issues. It is unfortunate that Sasol has chosen not to utilise a locally manufactured brand.

The memorandum in question coveys the message that ALL valves sold at LVSA are delisted and Sasol suppliers should refrain from purchasing any brand of valves from our company. This was a poorly worded memorandum that has had a disruptive effect on our company’s brand and reputation. We are working with our legal team to rectify this situation. LVSA Group would like to thank all our loyal customers, stakeholders, suppliers and team for your continued support. We believe our 22 years of experience speaks for itself and look forward to many more years of serving you.