OVERVIEW
Manufacturing An Integrated Manufacturing Strategy aims to stimulate the sector. SECTOR INSIGHT North-West University now offers mechatronic engineering.
Credit: Bosch
A
provincial Integrated Manufacturing Strategy has been compiled. The strategy notes the North West’s strategic location near to the industrial hub of Gauteng and its low input costs and easy access to busy trade routes. Chemical processing would be a good proposition for investors. The province also has easy access to natural resources, especially with regard to the ingredients necessary for the manufacture of phosphate and nitrogen-based fertilisers. As one of the country’s biggest producers of livestock, hides for car seats for the province’s automotive industry could profitably be sourced locally. The Centre for Advanced Manufacturing (CFAM) at North-West University specialises in extruder technology and the recent introduction by NWU of a new qualification in mechatronic engineering will give graduates a head start in a wide range of enterprises. A mechatronic engineer is able to combine computer systems, electronics (such as sensors) and precision mechanical engineering. Bridgestone South Africa’s investment in new technology at its plant in Brits is allowing the company to produce 19-inch tyres for the BMW X3 being assembled in Pretoria. These tyres would otherwise have to be imported. Brits’ proximity to Tshwane’s Rosslyn automotive hub is a competitive advantage for the city. Bridgestone’s factory is one of only four in the world that produces runflat tyres. About 850 people are employed at the plant. Also in Brits are Bosch and Dubigeon Body and Coach. SOS Tie & Die is a manufacturer of precision pressings, components and press tools. AVMY Steel Science is the largest supplier of small-quantity steel in the SADC region. Chassis manufacturer KLT Group has acquired the Brits plant which comprises a pressing, welding, assembly and e-coating
ONLINE RESOURCES Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC): www.aidc.co.za National Department Trade, Industry and Competition: www.dtic.gov.za North West Development Corporation: www.nwdc.co.za
NORTH WEST BUSINESS 2021/22
36
facility. The KLT Group has four plants in South Africa and employs more than 1 000 people. In addition to Brits (automotive components and tyres), other concentrations include mining equipment and engineering (Klerksdorp) and food and beverages (Potchefstroom). Rustenburg has a mixture of enterprises, the biggest of which are mining-related smelters. Production of non-metallic mineral products is concentrated around Lichtenburg and Mahik eng (cement), and Rustenburg (stone). Tough Metals Toys factory and Totpak are located in Ventersdorp. RCL Foods has a large processing plant at Rustenburg and Dairybelle (Bloemhof ) has cheese factories in the province. Clover’s decision in 2021 to leave Lichtenburg because of a lack of reliable services was a blow for employment opportunities in the Ditsobotla Local Municipality. About 30% of the country’s grain and oil-seed crop pass through Senwes silos every year. Sasko operates a white-maize mill in Klerksdorp. The SAB Rosslyn Brewery supplies the North West with most of its beer.. ■
