When companies invest in Africa by setting up production facilities here, they contribute far more than just finances, buildings and equipment; they offer their host countries a shortcut into the global mainstream, opening the doors to trade and development on an unprecedented scale.
Louis Meiring.
According to Louis Meiring, CEO of Zest WEG Group, by far the most important aspects of foreign investment are the access to global operations, the transfer of technology and the ongoing training and skills upliftment.
Zest WEG Group is part of the global WEG Group, whose commitment to Africa is evident in its ongoing financial investment in local manufacturing operations. “WEG initiated a programme to uplift the Zest WEG Group facilities to become world class,” says Meiring. “This puts our local manufacturing facilities onto an international platform so our products can be considered for international markets. This is all feasible through technology transfer, as we have the resources to skill and train our staff and our customers as well.
He also emphasises the importance of skilled and regular maintenance to extend the life cycle of equipment, as industrial inefficiencies are often the result of poor maintenance or no maintenance at all. “Part of the investment in skills is to educate those who operate and oversee equipment about the critical nature of proper maintenance. When this change in mindset occurs, we will know we are on the correct path to economic success,” he explains.
One of the most welcome benefits of economic investment is clearly the creation of jobs within the new manufacturing facilities created; however, jobs are also created indirectly. “This is the peripheral knock-on effect of investment, which is equally as important as the direct investment in the facility and the plant and equipment. To ensure that we harness the positive impact of indirect job creation, we also engage in supplier development activities to strengthen our downstream partners and provide access to the economy,” he concludes.
BMG achieves GBCSA Net Zero Waste Level 2 Certification Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
News
BMG has achieved Green Building Council South Africa Net Zero Waste Level 2 Certification after diverting more than 90% of operational waste from landfill, demonstrating how practical sustainability measures can deliver measurable environmental and commercial benefits.
Read more...Pump spares and parts for Africa
News
KSB Pumps and Valves explains how its decentralised stockholding and local manufacturing keep spares and parts available across its installed base in Africa.
Read more...Inspiration for times of change Endress+Hauser South Africa
News
More than 2000 customers, partners and experts gathered in Basel, Switzerland, for the Endress+Hauser Global Forum in April 2026. Under the theme of driving sustainable transformation together, the event combined keynote sessions on strategy, technology and the future of work with practical case studies from across the process industry.
Read more...The gender gap in SA’s engineering sector
News
South Africa’s engineering sector is facing a critical gender imbalance, with women making up just 16% of registered engineering professionals compared to 84% of men.
Read more...Safe removal of the historic US 181
News
Mammoet provided the heavy-lift expertise that helped remove the 2300 ton centre span of the historic US 181 Harbor Bridge in Corpus Christi, Texas, using a precision lift-and-lower method that protected nearby marine environments and reopened navigation channels swiftly.
Read more...Africa Energy Indaba 2027 aims to ignite the power revolution
News
Africa Energy Indaba 2027 takes place from 2 to 4 March 2027 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, bringing together ministers, utilities, investors and developers to accelerate energy generation, unlock investment and drive the continent’s industrial future.
Read more...Major bearing tender for SKF SKF South Africa
News
SKF has secured a major bearing supply tender from an Algerian steelmaker, reinforcing its position in the metals segment across North Africa.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version