Calafrica celebrates 25 years

By Rory Macnamara

Twenty-five years ago, Avron Fullerton became the South African distributor for Caleffi, an established and well-known Italian manufacturer of valves.

The Calafrica team.All photos by © Rory Macnamara | Plumbing Africa

Avron had many years of experience in the plumbing market, particularly with valves. Because of this, he established his own business.

Following it’s establishment, Caleffi grew from strength to strength. In 1998, Avron obtained the sole rights to Caleffi in South Africa, and Calafrica South Africa was born. Calafrica is the only operation in the world that represents Caleffi but is not owned by it.

Avron and Ute Fullerton.Image supplied by © Rory Macnamara | Plumbing Africa

Avron passed away in 2015. His wife, Ute, is a businesswoman who retained the company and staff. Ute appointed Chris Kyle as the general manager, who is also a well-known and established figure in the plumbing industry.

“For me, taking on the reins of this great organisation was a most enjoyable challenge, especially at that phase of my working life. It meant embracing the need to somewhat refresh the branding, product offerings, and policies to good effect. Then to see positive outcomes was extremely satisfying. My best wishes go to Calafrica – wishing them great success in the future.”

After Chris’ retirement, Ute appointed Patrick Gordon – also a wellknown and established figure in the plumbing industry – as general manager. It was at this stage that Ute and Patrick agreed to move away from selling directly to plumbers, by using the tried-and-tested supply chain route of plumbing and building merchants.

This, having been decided and accepted in the market, gave Calafrica the time to look at speciality valves, whilst still maintaining the regular range – some of which are locally assembled at their plant.

The role of the valve in plumbing is critical. Whereas a pipe has a beginning and an end, it is the valve that controls the flow and protects the user and equipment.

Patrick conducts many training sessions, in which he discusses the valves used in geysers, pipes, and fault-finding. Calafrica also serves other valve-using sectors besides the plumbing sector.

The training sessions on 13 July 2023 were followed by the IOPSA Gauteng region meeting. As the photos show, the event was a grand affair that was enjoyed by all who attended.