Building sustainability through local manufacturing
April 2019
News
There is enormous potential for southern African manufacturers to increase their market share both locally and internationally. The driving force behind capturing this growth opportunity is the South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC).
According to Eric Bruggeman, CEO at SACEEC, part of the Council’s mandate is to organise outward selling and inward buying missions. “We identified a need to showcase the offerings of the SADC region’s local manufacturers in an interactive manner. The result is the inaugural Local Southern African Manufacturing Expo (LME) being held at the Expo Centre, Nasrec from 21 to 23 May 2019.”
“Endorsed by the Premier of Gauteng, David Makhura, we believe that the exhibition will enable exhibitors to meet with top decision makers from the inward buying missions already committed to the event. As Industry 4.0 continues to transform the way that manufacturers do business, LME 2019 will provide them with an opportunity to grow their customer base, with the knock-on potential for fostering job creation,” says Charlene Hefer, portfolio director for Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery.
“It is critical for the sustainability of local manufacturing operations that they aggressively pursue opportunities to increase their market share. Not only is this relevant to their increased permeation of the overseas market, but furthermore, they need to capture market share that is currently being monopolised by importers. Recent statistics indicate that South Africa currently imports products to the value of a staggering R1,2 billion ($82,3 billion). If we were able to shift this demand to the local manufacturing sector, we could realistically create 1329 million jobs,” says Bruggeman.
LME 2019 will give local manufacturers from South Africa and other SADC regions a chance to not only display their capabilities and capacities to a captive audience, but furthermore it creates a forum for the exhibitors to network with their peers.
“We are excited about the prospect that local manufacturing operations have to evolve and expand by interacting with the inward buying mission representatives. Added to this are the benefits derived by the support of SACEEC, together with AREI the Association of Representatives for the Electronics Industry (AREI) and the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI). We urge local manufacturing companies throughout southern Africa to capitalise on the unique marketing opportunities of exhibiting at LME 2019,” says Hefer.
For more information contact Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, +27 10 003 3083, [email protected], www.localmanufacturingexpo.co.za
Further reading:
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments
News
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments to support grid readiness for the AI era.
Read more...
Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.
Read more...
What to expect at Africa Automation Indaba 2026: From AI readiness to bankable automation projects
RX Africa
News
Africa Automation Indaba 2026 will give delegates a practical view of what it takes to move automation from ambition to implementation with a two-day programme focused on industrial readiness, skills development, policy alignment, investment realities and the future of intelligent operations.
Read more...
SKF achieves SaiMechE CPD accreditation
SKF South Africa
News
SKF South Africa has achieved SaiMechE CPD accreditation, a decisive step that empowers the next generation of engineers.
Read more...
Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy
ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...
One visit, five shows: practical solutions for safer, smarter operations
News
Five co-located shows will bring together the full picture of how organisations manage risk, compliance, infrastructure and energy.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: A little bit of magic
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Whatever your view is of America today, the Artemis II mission showed the world that it can still deliver moments of wonder. For a few days, the chaotic headlines gave way to something more. Who could
...
Read more...
Electra Mining Africa 2026
News
Electra Mining Africa will take place at Nasrec, Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026.
Read more...
Woman of Stature Awards South Africa
News
In a powerful recognition of excellence in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Thabisile Phumo won the Woman in Mining and Engineering award at the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa.
Read more...
AVEVA to spotlight industrial intelligence at AVEVA Day
News
AVEVA will host AVEVA Day South Africa 2026 on 22 April with the theme ‘Accelerating Africa’s Industrial Future: Harnessing AI, Digital Twins and Data-Driven Operations for Sustainable Growth’.
Read more...