Job creation through local manufacturing

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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.

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

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