Zipped file attached below
1. Product Description: Cocks and valves are fittings used in water pipes. They are needed in all areas (homes, hospitals, offices, public water taps, etc) where water is delivered through pipes. These fittings are also used (with adjustment) for pipes used to transport other liquid substances. Examples of cocks and valves are water taps used for opening and closing the flow of water; check valves are used to check the flow of water or other liquid during maintenance operations. Cocks and valves are normally made of brass or stainless steel due to the fact these metals/alloys are not affected by water and are corrosion proof. The products are produced either by casting or machining process.
2. Rationale: the supply of piped water is expanding in both urban and rural areas of the Amhara Region. About twenty years ago, bringing water from rives, springs or a well to villages through pipes was very very rare. Today one can witness the presence of water points in village centers in many parts of the Region. Most of the urban areas of the Region are supplied with piped water; and the provision of piped water is expanding. However, all materials used to construct or install piped water (pipes, valves, water meters, etc) are either imported or brought from Addis Ababa. In another project idea, we have proposed the establishment of a plant which will produce metal pipes for water supply. The Region should also try to be self-sufficient in the production of cocks and valves to facilitate the further expansion of piped water supply in the Region.
3. Market Potential: All cocks and valves used in the water system of the country are imported. Considering the extent of water supply system and its potential for expansion, one can safely assume that there is more than sufficient demand for cocks and valves which will make a new plant viable.
4. Source of Raw Material: the brass from which the products are to be made will be imported.
5. Process and Technology: The manufacturing process involves casting of parts, cutting and machining, preparing and fixing rubber parts, assembly of parts, polishing and packing. A number of parts in valves are cast. The casting is done in a mechanized foundry having small furnaces, cupolas, moulds, dies, etc. The cast parts are some times hollow –having bores inside and require clearing. Machinery required are small furnace, moulds and dies, lathes, and portable drilling machine.
6. Estimated Investment: For a plant which will produce about 10 tons of cocks and valves per month, the investment requirement will be:
§ Building shade 200m2 at Br 1500/m2 = Birr 300,000
§ Plant and machinery = Birr 195,000
§ Working Capital = Birr 250,000
Total = Birr 745,000
7. Benefit: Facilitates the provision of piped water in the Region, saves foreign exchange for the country and financial resources for the Region, introduces new skills and technology to the Region, and promotes self-sufficiency, possibility of exporting to other parts of the country.
8. Location: Combolcha or Bahir Dar.