News


Job creation through local manufacturing

March 2019 News

According to Eric Bruggeman, CEO at the South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC), some 50-70% local content in products would be considered acceptable to ensure the future growth and sustainability of the manufacturing sector.

At the Electra Mining Africa exhibition in September 2018, Bruggeman said that during the third quarter of 2017 the local manufacturing sector had experienced its highest turnover in some time. Capturing 32% of the local pie, the sector proved that it is a serious contender, running a close second to general trade.

Eric Bruggeman.
Eric Bruggeman.

SACEEC currently has 240 members and over the past three years these members have contributed over R43-billion per annum to the local economy. Bruggeman cited Transnet’s delayed pipeline project as a great example of how local manufacturers could help to build the country’s economy and reduce unemployment. The project, which has been plagued by numerous delays, was finally completed in early 2018. A local manufacturer of valves received a substantial order to replace the existing valves after products from two different sources had failed to produce a positive outcome.

“This is especially relevant given the fact that local procurement specialists still insist on sourcing products from abroad when local alternatives have, in fact, proven to be superior in terms of performance and reliability,” explains Bruggeman. “In a nutshell, the unnecessary importation of goods that are available from local manufacturers is costing South Africa jobs and urgently needs to be addressed.”

Determined to drive inclusion for local manufacturers, as part of both the local and international supply chains, SACEEC has partnered with Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, to launch the Local Southern African Manufacturing Expo (LME). The exhibition will be held at the Expo Centre, Nasrec, from 21 to 23 May.

In addition to the exhibition, SAIMechE will be hosting free-to-attend seminars and there will be an arei (Association of Representatives for the Electronics Industry) pavilion, while the Artisan Training Institute (ATI) will host the Skills Development Zone. Other Association partners include International Steel Fabricators (ISF), the Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of South Africa (LEEASA) and the Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa (MEMSA).

“We are excited at the potential that the Local Southern African Manufacturing Expo will provide for local manufacturers to market themselves to a captive extended audience,” says Bruggeman. “The exhibition will not only allow them to showcase their products and services in an interactive manner, but will equip them with the skills needed to drive entrepreneurial innovation and aftersales service.”

“Industry has shown great interest in the exhibition and stand sales have been brisk,” concludes Charlene Hefer, portfolio director for Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery. “We do still have a few stands available and urge local companies to seize this strategic opportunity. Interested parties can contact our sales team to customise a package that will build their brand quickly and effectively.”

For more information contact Natasha Heiberg, Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, +27 10 003 3083, [email protected], www.localmanufacturingexpo.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.

Read more...
Fuel your competitive edge with tech that transforms
News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition 2025, taking place from 22 to 24 July at the Durban Exhibition Centre, offers a vibrant, solution-focused platform tailored to the unique needs of KwaZulu-Natal’s industrial, manufacturing, engineering, maritime, agricultural and mining sectors.

Read more...
Helm wins for AI and automation at Business Excellence Awards
News
Helm, the South African leader in AI-powered customer experience solutions, has been recognised at the Business Excellence Awards 2025, receiving two prestigious awards.

Read more...
Schneider Electric launches first registered Innovation Hub in Africa
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric has officially launched its first registered Innovation Hub in Africa. This provides an interactive environment where visitors can explore the company’s integrated solutions across key segments and businesses such as energy, buildings, data centres, industrial, and power and grid.

Read more...
4Sight OT Automation receives Schneider Sustainability Impact Award
Schneider Electric South Africa News
4Sight OT Automation is a winner of the Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Award in South Africa.

Read more...
A strategic milestone for Conical Technologies
Conical Technologies News
Conical Technologies has been appointed as the sole distributor in southern Africa for Mibbo, manufacturers of a vast array of products for the automation industry.

Read more...
Robotics TechTalk at UKZN
News
The Scientific Multidisciplinary Advanced Research Technology Lab at the University of KwaZulu-Natal recently held an exciting TechTalk. It was an opportunity to introduce students to the IEEE Robotics and Automation chapter, SAIMC, and the Robotics Association of South Africa.

Read more...
Top laboratory industry trends in the spotlight at analytica Lab Africa 2025
News
The future of laboratories and transformative diagnostic technologies will come under the spotlight in July at analytica Lab Africa, South Africa’s only trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology and diagnostics.

Read more...
Schneider Electric honoured with Gender Leader Award
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric has been awarded the Gender Leader Award at this year’s Africa CEO Forum. This award acknowledges those organisations operating in Africa that have shown a significant and continuous commitment to gender diversity and inclusion.

Read more...
Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 closes on a high note
News
The Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 officially wrapped up after three dynamic days at Gallagher Convention Centre, cementing its status as Africa’s leading platform for industrial automation, AI and IoT.

Read more...