At Stainless Connection, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is collected, processed, and stored securely, lawfully, and transparently in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa.

This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and safeguard personal information obtained through our website, contact forms, and general business operations.

1. Information We Collect

We collect personal information directly from you when you submit an inquiry, request a material quotation, order products, or communicate with our team. The types of information collected may include:

Automated Technical Data: Standard website usage data, IP addresses, and cookie information collected via your web browser to optimize site performance and navigation.

Contact Information: Name, company name, position, business email address, phone number, and physical/delivery address.

Project & Technical Data: CAD drawings, engineering specifications, custom fabrication sketches, and order details submitted via contact or quote forms.

Commercial & Transactional Information: Billing details, VAT numbers, quotation histories, and purchase records.

2. Purpose of Processing Personal Information

We process your personal information strictly for legitimate business purposes, including:

• Processing and responding to sales, custom fabrication, and product inquiries.
• Preparing and issuing quotations, invoices, and material documentation (such as Mill Test Certificates and Q-doc traceability files).
• Fulfilling product deliveries, fabrication orders, and service agreements.
• Communicating important updates regarding orders, brand distribution products (Alfa Laval and CDC), or technical support.
• Complying with statutory, legal, financial, and regulatory obligations.

3. Disclosure of Information

We value your trust and do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share relevant information only with trusted third parties under strict confidentiality and compliance obligations, including:

Legal Authorities: When required by applicable laws, court orders, or law enforcement bodies.

Logistics & Delivery Partners: Logistics providers and couriers involved in delivering materials or equipment to your site.

Authorized Brand Manufacturers: Partners such as Alfa Laval or Continental Disc Corporation (CDC) when processing specialized product registrations, custom equipment quotes, or technical documentation (Q-doc).

IT & Web Infrastructure Providers: Service providers who manage our website hosting, database storage, and email communications under secure data processing contracts.

4. Security Safeguards

We take reasonable, appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard personal information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, destruction, or alteration. Our safeguards include:

Regular security reviews of network infrastructure and data storage protocols.

Secure SSL encryption across our entire website and communication forms.

Restricted access control to digital databases and internal company records.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, comply with accounting and statutory tax laws, or fulfill ongoing commercial contracts. Once no longer required, data is securely destroyed or de-identified.

6. Your Rights Under POPIA

As a data subject, you have specific rights regarding your personal information:

• Right to Access: You may request confirmation or a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Right to Correction/Rectification: You may request that inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated personal information be updated or corrected.
• Right to Erasure/Deletion: You may request the deletion of your personal data, subject to statutory retention requirements.
• Right to Object: You may object to the processing of your personal information on reasonable grounds or opt-out of direct marketing communications.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact our Information Officer using the contact details below.

7. Use of Cookies

Our website uses cookies and similar analytics tools to enhance site navigation, monitor traffic trends, and improve user experience. You can manage or disable cookie preferences directly within your internet browser settings.