From humble beginnings servicing the mining industry, WEC Projects has evolved into an innovative dynamo, at the forefront of sustainable municipal bulk water treatment in South Africa. Sales director Graham Hartlett takes this month’s Hot Seat to tell the story.

When was WEC Projects established?

GH  WEC Projects was established in 2002, with Karl Juncker as managing director. We started with a small staff compliment and a smallish workshop.

We dealt primarily with packaged and modular sewage treatment plants for mines. As a result of our experience working with mines, we learned to build robust plants.

I joined WEC Projects in 2007 and, around that time, we started our foray into process water treatment and potable water treatment for mines. We were able to provide more value as a one-stop shop for mining clients.

How did WEC Projects grow from mining to include the municipal sector?

We made some very clever, strategically important decisions and acquisitions. Mining predominantly requires a design and build solution, which is rewarding because every element of the final solution is completed in-house.

From the preliminary design to commissioning the plant, we are able to oversee it all. Normally, a packaged/modular or containerised treatment plant needs to be small enough to transport but big enough to provide for the needs of the mine, and have the capability to expand or contract alongside the mine – it needs to be flexible.

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