Based in South Africa, Howden Africa is a Chart Industries company providing mission-critical air and gas handling products and solutions. These specialist services are a key part of vital processes that Howden clients rely upon, making the business an indispensable partner for many firms across Africa’s chemistry, petrochemistry, iron and steel, mining, and gas and oil sectors.
One of the largest segments of Howden Africa’s output concerns the production of air and gas processing equipment, including fans, compressors, heat exchangers, and blowers. Environmental control equipment (dust extractors, gas cleaning, wastewater processing), as well as welding equipment and consumables also make significant contributions to the company’s sales portfolio.
While high quality products and systems are, understandably, an important part of Howden Africa’s success, it is the organisation’s ability to tailor its solutions to customer needs that helps it stand out from its competitors. Central to these customisation efforts is the company’s 4P concept. Managing Director Kudzai Nyangoni explains more:
“Our unique selling point lies in our comprehensive 4P concept,” Kudzai says. “This stands for Parts, Presence, Precision, and Prevention. The concept ensures faster and higher productivity through continuous technological innovation. We offer quality products, training, and services tailored to meet each customer’s specific needs.”
Bespoke Solutions
Howden Africa’s bespoke offering includes the delivery of outage solutions that bring together a wide range of technical expertise, allowing the firm to reduce complexity, identify possible optimizations, and complete projects within restrictive timescales. Careful planning and risk management are also part of the mix. By operating in this manner, Howden can avoid lost revenue by minimising the chance of future plant failure, maximising the life of components, and improving plant performance.
In its local market, Howden Africa is perhaps best known for its mine ventilation solutions. Adopting a fully integrated approach, the company delivers a lasting positive impact for clients in need of support across areas like ventilation, cooling, and condition monitoring. Positive results across the continent of Africa have secured Howden’s reputation as more than just an original equipment manufacturer, but a solutions provider that understands the benefits of teamwork and collaboration.
With over 160 years of experience behind it, Howden Africa has a long history of harnessing the power of its own people. As a company, Howden is living proof that a strong workforce paves the way for growth and longevity, which is why the firm treats its process of talent acquisition and retainment with the utmost respect.
“We ensure we employ the best staff by maintaining a rigorous recruitment process and offering continuous professional development opportunities,” Kudzai declares. “We invest in our staff through training programs, career development initiatives, and by fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.”
A Clear Strategy
One of the biggest challenges Howden Africa and its workforce have encountered in recent times is a common one for many firms: how, as a business, do you maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market? For Kudzai and Howden, the answer has involved an ability to adapt and a willingness to invest.
“At present, we are being tasked with adapting to new technologies and meeting the increasing demand for sustainable solutions,” the MD reveals. “We have overcome many of these challenges by investing in research and development, forming strategic partnerships, and continuously improving our products and services. Our acquisition by Chart Industries has also expanded our capabilities and market reach, allowing us to offer more comprehensive solutions to our customers.”
As Kudzai notes, Chart Industries, a global leader in the production of process technology and equipment for gas and energy markets, acquired Howden in 2023. The deal is already acting as a springboard for Howden Africa’s future success, particularly in an area that has long been at the organisation’s heart – sustainability.
“We have a strong global network of experts and a commitment to advancing a more sustainable future,” Kudzai states. “We help our customers increase their environmental and operational efficiencies and decarbonize their operations.”
Howden Africa’s dedication to sustainability is evident in the firm’s efforts to support the global transition to cleaner energy. At the core of these efforts is the Nexus of Clean – an innovative Howden-Chart initiative that revolves around the development and implementation of sustainable technologies geared towards clean power, clean water, clean food, and clean industrials.
Sustainability in Practice
Internally, in alignment with Chart Industries, Howden Africa’s sustainability efforts take many forms. As a Chart company, Howden aims to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity by 50% before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. From a people perspective, the company actively promotes environmental impact awareness with its employees, fostering a culture of pollution prevention and sustainable action across all Howden products, services, and activities. Finally, the organisation is committed to engaging with the communities in which it operates, with a focus on championing local initiatives and promoting sustainability on a wider community level.
One example of a sustainable Howden product in action is the company’s EMISSIONGUARD™ TR² Packing Rings. Highly innovative, the packing rings have prevented over 20,000,000 Nm³ of gas from escaping through packing case vents across the petrochemical and natural gas compression industries. As a consequence, the company has helped reduce emissions equivalent to 60,500 metric tons of CO₂ – comparable to 150,191,000 miles driven by the average gas-powered passenger vehicle.
In short, with an eye on both today and tomorrow, the Howden-Chart Industries partnership is playing an active role in forging a more sustainable future and supporting the global transition to cleaner energy.
“Looking ahead, we plan to continue expanding our product offerings and market presence, particularly in the areas of clean energy and sustainability,” Kudzai concludes. “We aim to leverage our combined expertise with Chart Industries to drive innovation and provide even more effective solutions for our customers. Additionally, we are always looking for ways to improve our customer service and product offerings, and we welcome any feedback or suggestions from our clients.”
