The 2016 Sassda Columbus Stainless Steel Awards shows that the local stainless steel sector is home to a wealth of world-class products and skill. These winners were drawn from a broader spectrum of sectors due to an expansion in the number of categories. This yearâs Business Excellence Award, as well as the Overall Winner Award, went to Port-Elizabeth based tank container manufacturer Welfit Oddy. As the only manufacturer of tank containers in South Africa and the second largest tank container manufacturer globally the company exports 95% of its local production.
Other significant winners were the Lifetime Achievement Award that was given to John Cluett for his contribution to the local brewing industry in and the development and use of stainless steel in various applications within the food & beverage industry. Another lifetime achievement award went to Diego Sella for his outstanding contribution to Sassda and the stainless steel industry.
Looking at the enhanced stature of this yearâs awards Sassda Executive Director John Tarboton says; âAfter the huge increase in the number of entries and winners as well as the number of categories, we truly feel that the aim of the awards has been realised; namely to boost the growth and development of the local stainless steel sector. The hype created around the awards also means theyâve been invaluable in terms of raising awareness of stainless steel and its myriad of uses and applications within the local and global economy.â?
