The Verder Group is underpinned by two divisions: Verder Liquids, a high-tech pump-manufacturing specialist, and Verder Scientific, a leading laboratory and analysing-equipment supplier. “Our divisions are two sides of the same coin. While Verder Liquids moves fluids, Verder Scientific measures them. And that gives us a position of offering end-to-end solutions – whether it’s mining, where we have pump and laboratory offerings, or, e.g., in water treatment, where our pumps and test equipment go together perfectly.”

“Our growth over the years have been driven by our commitment to innovation as well as the entrepreneurial spirit. Country managers are encouraged to run units like part of their own company, take calculated risks, and to innovate fearlessly,” says Macdougall.

“Globally, we have grown to over 2 500 employees, but we retain the flat organisations, streamlined processes, and quick decision-making of a company run by a family – lean and with a personal touch.”

Industry shifts

The pump market has changed dramatically over six decades. The new systems are now incorporating smart systems, sensor systems, and artificial intelligence to build fluid-handling nerve centres out of pumps.

“Today, the pump is part of a connected ecosystem,” says Macdougall. “Sensors and analytics are employed for predictive maintenance, energy optimisation, and delivering our customers real-time remote performance information. That’s a leap from yesterday’s mechanical workhorses.”

Local solutions, global influence

Unlike the European configuration, with centralised warehouses and local offices to cover local sales, Verder Pumps SA operates as a nimble, independent business unit. “We keep stock, assemble locally and are free to respond quickly to our market’s demands,” says Macdougall.

This philosophy has been especially successful in mining, but its implications go deeper. South African expertise helped design the internationally acclaimed Verderflex Dura pump range – evidence that it is a two-way stream of innovation.

South Africa’s refurbish- and repair philosophy is another characteristic aspect. “Here, we specialise in pump refurbishment, boosting pump longevity and encouraging a circular economy. Our European equivalents are following now,” Macdougall goes on.

Pumps for the toughest wastewater applications

The company offers a wide range of pumps for a variety of industries, and has recently launched Verderflex Dura 100 that is well suited to the wastewater sector. It is part of the flagship industrial peristaltic hose pump range specifically developed to excel in water treatment, chemical processing, and high-density slurries.

“The Dura 100 is an improvement on the reliable VF 100, but next-generation design and tech upgrades have been implemented,” according to Macdougall. “Our Dura range is available to accommodate applications anywhere from very small 2.8 mm tube pumps up to 125 mm hose pumps – so we’re actually covered in almost every circumstance.”

But Verder goes further than peristaltic pumps. Their progressive cavity pumps deal with viscous sludges, and Verderhus screw centrifugal pumps – intended originally to transport live fish – now are used in a modified configuration for foul and abrasive sewage mixtures. “Sewage contains a lot of sand and grit, so you need good abrasion resistance,” says Macdougall.

Verder’s diaphragm pumps – electric or air-operated – remain a stalwart in dosing and bulk chemical transfer applications. The product portfolio was further enriched when Verder acquired ITC, a specialist in dosing pumps based in Spain, enhancing their offering in agriculture and water treatment sectors.

The recent launch of Verderflex Ds4F is a testament to Verder’s drive to go digital. The next-generation tube dosing pump is equipped with IoT connectivity, specialist software, and a choice of tubes – offering remote tracking and accurate dosing through any device. “Accurate dosing is critical in wastewater to protect freshwater, reduce pollution, and ensure sustainability,” says Macdougall.

After sales support

Verder Pumps SA works closely with its clients to obtain the proper pump for every job. With its test bay, service centre, and in-house workshop, quick, specialist maintenance and repairs are always possible. With spare parts in stock for its most frequently used models,

Verder Pumps SA minimises downtime and keeps things running smoothly – backed by sound service level agreements and responsive support teams.

For Macdougall, it’s finding innovative solutions and providing real-world solutions. “Not only are we selling products – we’re providing complete engineering solutions to several of the country’s largest problems. That’s what gets us excited every day.”