Rooted in the SMC way for 28 years, Pete Austin truly embodies the corporation’s culture, philosophies and values.
Pete Austin.
Today, as the head of production for SMC Pneumatics UK, Austin has been tasked with setting up South Africa’s production facility. Austin has been involved since the conception of SMC Pneumatics South Africa and looks to steer this state-of-the-art production facility to ensure global standardisation and that SMC’s local production capabilities meet the stringent international standards of its head office in Japan.
“It’s an honour to form part of the local team and to play a key role in taking the organisation’s production processes from start-up to success,” Austin explains. “Creating a competitive advantage through efficiencies, superior quality, the right people and ultimately customer satisfaction is what we strive for.”
Thanks to its significant investment into South Africa (exceeding R150 million), SMC aims to enrich the local economy through job creation, skills transfer and resources during trying economic times. “We are starting off with a production team of four to five people and over time these numbers should increase depending on demand,” Austin says.
While skills are vital, SMC looks to personality types as part of its unique culture when recruiting. Austin elaborates: “Regardless of language or nationality, what sets SMC apart is the fact that we always put the customer first.”
SMC’s local production facilities are situated at its head office in Midrand and became operational from July. “The machinery acquired equates to over R18 million+ with several of our CNC machines being unique on the African continent, showing that we truly are innovators in the market,” Austin elaborates.
Initial stages will see the production of several lines including various sized cylinders, manifold assemblies, air preparation units as well as kitting and accessorising. “Possessing such a broad customised range means that we will still make use of our extensive international supply chain,” Austin says. “With over 50 years and 83 countries under our belt, SMC’s vertical supply chain ensures that we can tap into various countries production lines for stock, whilst remaining quick, efficient and affordable.”
SMC’s ‘customer first’ mentality is the true benefit of local production with Austin concluding: “Local production results in quick turnarounds and availability of non-stock items, as well as urgent parts and technical expertise in case of breakdowns.”
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