The company’s journey started in 2018 when SUPAHOT took over and rebranded the Franke range. Since then, they have worked day and night to bring their customers only the best in geysers.

Breaking into this business has had its challenges as the company’s competitors had set the bar very high. In order to meet the same standards, SUPAHOT needed to bring together the best manufacturing machinery and the most skilled staff. They have succeeded and are now one of only three manufacturers in the country. Their strategy for breaking into an already monopolistic market has been quality and localisation. This strategy required a campaign to create awareness of their products quality characteristics among end users – particularly among plumbers.

Geyser Design
SUPAHOT’s geysers are characteristically different from existing manufacturers and competitors; they have gone back to the basics of geyser design.

In addition, they are not cutting costs: the minimum specification for an anode in a geyser is 19mm, theirs is larger which adds considerably to the lifespan of a geyser. They’ve kept a galvanised endcap whereas the market, for cost savings purposes, has moved to plastic. While the endcaps are much more expensive than plastic, the benefits are that metal retains heat better than plastic and consequently is more energy efficient. It is also more robust.

The geysers are made according to ‘world class methods’, as such each of the components of manufacture has received close scrutiny. An important aspect of a geyser is the welding, and the welding is performed by the best robotic welding machines in the world, used by car manufactures, the likes of Toyota, Porsche and BMW.

The enamelling process is the next most important aspect of manufacturing. They have a world-class
dry powder coating process by an electrostatic system, and the geyser’s boiler is baked at 840°C to
cure and bake the enamel.

But SUPAHOT haven’t stopped there. They are constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve on their geysers, such as introducing a specially designed foaming agent created by a chemical engineer. The foam between the boiler and the outer case further assists in retaining the heat, which in turn regulates how often the thermal element kicks in.

This process makes SUPAHOT geysers in aggregate about 7% more energy efficient than their competitors – bearing in mind all geysers have to comply with new regulations requiring they are B
rated (as opposed to the old less energy-efficient D rating).

Due to the better quality and components, the cost of the geysers will consequently be more expensive by a margin of perhaps 15% but their pricing will be market related.

Their products boast high quality and durability, designed to last longer and work better. Certified as
energy efficient to save you money!

Ahead of the Industry Norms
The SUPAHOT facility will have the capacity to produce about 20 000 units a month, and the plan is for these to be distributed through the retail market, both independents and nationals. Shaaz Moosa, owner and managing director. says, “Geysers are a highly monopolised market in South Africa, and the major players have monopolised the market, dictating pricing, as well as how, when and where you buy their product. Our components are universal and can be bought anywhere.”

To give their valued customers the best in geysers, SUPAHOT have looked at innovative ways to adapt to the current needs of the clients and be ahead of the industry norms. With this in mind the SupaSo7ar system came to life. The system has several key features that ensure that it is both state-of-the-art pieces of equipment and value for money; making it the best option for a wide range of clients. Even though this offering is energy efficient and equipped with the latest technologies, it still keeps in line with the company’s mission to be a versatile geyser solution to plumbers everywhere.

Moosa says he would ultimately like consumers to be as aware of the features of their geyser as they are today of their television sets, fridges and other appliances in their homes – as the geyser is also an appliance.

“A geyser is an electrical item, and I want to make the end user – be it the plumber or the homeowner – more aware of the different products available, as well as their differences. They shouldn’t buy a geyser brand just because they have to – they must make an informed decision.”

Moosa says a plumber can install any element he chooses. He says the companies BBBEE level 1 rating is helpful and looks forward to servicing the plumber, homeowner and retailer.