Southern Pumping has announced a new national distribution and service partnership with Franklin Electric, bringing the highly anticipated Orbit VIGA Range of compact, high-efficiency helical rotor pumps to industries where uptime and reliability are mission-critical.
With over 50 years of pump engineering experience, Southern Pumping brings a large, technically proficient team, national reach, and on-the-ground service capabilities to Orbit customers across mining, wastewater, food, and other industrial sectors.
Business Unit Manager – Industrial at Franklin Electric, Eduan Fourie, said: “Southern Pumping’s deep technical knowledge, strong service culture, and national presence make them an ideal partner for Orbit Pumps.
“Together, we’re delivering a new level of reliability and support for industries across Australia, ensuring critical pump systems run harder, longer, and more efficiently.”
Introducing the Orbit VIGA range: compact power, unmatched efficiency.
The new VIGA Range redefines performance and reliability for progressive cavity pumps. It is designed for space-constrained sites, challenging fluids, and applications that demand long service life and minimal maintenance.
Key features include:
- Up to 60 per cent more flow per revolution thanks to its extended pitch rotor design
- Lower starting torque, enabling the use of smaller motors and reducing power costs
- Smaller startup power and smaller kW motor requirements
- Shortest footprint in the market – ideal for skid systems and space-limited pump rooms
- Standard mechanical seal and sealed universal coupling rod boot for enhanced leak prevention
- Pre-assembled rotating assembly allows for quick-change maintenance, reducing downtime dramatically
- Conical stator intake improves NPSH and wear resistance
- Wider stator inlet for better handling of viscous and solid-laden fluids
“VIGA is compact, tough, and designed for real-world conditions,” Director at Southern Pumping, Michael Wallace, said. “Its low power requirement and quick-swap rotating assemblies mean it’s not just easier to run – it’s easier to keep running.”
Supporting Australian mining with smarter pump supply
For mining operations, where dewatering, gland service, and slurry handling are everyday challenges, the Orbit D and VIGA ranges offer industry-leading performance and build quality. Southern Pumping’s appointment ensures Australian industries benefit from:
- Rapid access to pumps and spares, even in remote areas
- Onsite commissioning and maintenance through its nationally distributed field service teams
- Redundancy planning, with Orbit drive trains and assemblies kept in stock for emergency replacement
- Local expertise backed by Orbit’s global engineering
“We’re already working with major mine sites on pump upgrades, using VIGA’s compact size and efficiency to reduce infrastructure costs while increasing throughput,” Mr Wallace said.
A future-focused pumping partnership
First established in 1972 and acquired by Franklin Electric in 2008, Orbit Pumps is now poised for a new chapter of innovation and service excellence in Australia.
“Orbit and Southern Pumping share a vision: resilient infrastructure, smarter engineering, and support you can count on,” Mr Wallace said.
“Together, we’re making next-generation pump systems available nationwide.”
About Orbit Pumps
Engineered in South Africa and manufactured by Franklin Electric, Orbit Pumps are globally recognised for their durability and adaptability. With models for dosing, high-pressure transfer, and abrasive slurry handling, Orbit’s range is trusted across industries. The new VIGA Range raises the bar in performance and maintainability.
About Southern Pumping
Southern Pumping is an Australian-owned pump specialist with national operations. Offering expert design, system integration, commissioning, and support, the company services Tier 1 mining, industrial, and municipal clients with fast turnaround and tailored solutions—built for business.
Visit Southern Pumping at stand G11 at AIMEX. Register for free now: aimex.com.au/attend/