Manufacturing stakeholders are keen to keep the momentum going in their manufacturing operations, which make up South Africa’s fourth-biggest economic sector. Manufacturing saw a recent recovery despite weak demand.

Manufacturing business confidence rose five index points to 23 in the second quarter of 2016, a survey of local producers compiled by the University of Stellenbosch’s Bureau for Economic Research showed.

Despite the increase, manufacturers remain unsatisfied with business conditions, and business confidence has remained below 50 points for 20 consecutive quarters.

Government is pulling out all stops to encourage and stimulate growth in manufacturing in the face of tough headwinds in 2016 and the 2016 Manufacturing Indaba will once again be the platform for the public and private sector to find collaborative solutions to boosting South Africa’s manufacturing sectors.

Minister of Trade & Industry, Dr Rob Davies and Deputy Minister Mzwandile Masina will deliver keynote addresses at next week’s Manufacturing Indaba at Emperors Palace in Ekurhuleni. The Minister will host a joint press conference on the morning of the 28th June alongside Manufacturing Circle’s Bruce Strong, who will speak on behalf of the interests of the country’s biggest manufacturers.

Premier David Makhura will once again deliver the closing keynote address to a fully packed auditorium.

Two international manufacturing experts have been selected to speak to the region’s manufacturers, namely Professor David Romero, Professor-researcher at the National Graduate School of Science, Engineering and Technology (part of the Tecnologico de Monterrey’s Center for Innovation in Design and Technology in Mexico) and Prof. Marco Taisch, full Professor of Operations Management and Advanced and Sustainable Manufacturing from Politecnico di Milano in Italy.

This is a not-to-be missed opportunity for role players in the public and private sectors to hear tailor-made addresses and insights on the state of South Africa’s manufacturing sector and the country’s re-industrialisation efforts within the context of prevailing global megatrends. The speakers are expected to add an objective, big picture and outsider perspective into South Africa’s manufacturing conundrums. 

These speakers and experts at Manufacturing Indaba have been identified based on the unique insights and perspectives they are able to share with manufacturers and policy makers to make smart and informed decisions to improve manufacturing competitiveness and grow South Africa’s industrial base.

The third annual Manufacturing Indaba has also identified small business as a key focus area for the 2016 event. The launch of the Small Business Indaba will take place on Monday 27th June 2016. The one-day conference is specifically focused on the growth opportunities for entrepreneurs within manufacturing who run small business operations.

Over 1,500 pre-registered visitors have already confirmed to visit the exhibition. A comprehensive programme of technical workshops will be hosted by the NCPC-SA in the exhibition hall and focused Africa sessions will take place in the conference to discuss the Africa opportunity for SA manufacturers and how they can access the African market to sell products and services.

The theme of the 2016 Manufacturing Indaba is “Manufacturing the future”, with the aim of showcasing and exploring the ideas and technologies that can make South Africa’s manufacturing economies competitive in the global arena.

The event boasts strategic partnerships with the Department of Trade & Industry (the dti), the Department of Science & Technology (DST), the host City of Ekurhuleni, the Department of Public Enterprises, the Manufacturing Circle and the NCPC-SA.

MORE ABOUT THE MANUFACTURING INDABA
South Africa’s economy is under pressure on several fronts and business confidence is at a low. The nation’s manufacturing industries continues to face tremendous challenges; increasing production and wage costs, a shrinking manufacturing base, supply chain challenges, and the threat of other emerging economies which continue to threaten the growth of South African manufacturers. The success of the nation depends on a strong and innovative manufacturing base and we must continue to work together to promote prosperity through manufacturing, science and innovation.
The aim of the Manufacturing Indaba 2016, at Emperors Palace on the 28th and 29th June, is to focus on and boost the growth potential of key industry sectors, namely: automotive, construction, metals, forestry, paper & packaging, chemicals, aerospace & defence, industry products and services, and to provide a platform for informative and interactive sessions with the prime movers of the nation’s manufacturing sectors.

For more info on this event, visit www.manufacturingindaba.co.za 

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Issued by: Siyenza Management
For media enquiries contact:
Liz Hart: liz@manufacturingindaba.co.za
Julie Cunningham: Julie@manufacturingindaba.co.za or 083 295 0526
Debbie Mankowitz: Debbie@manufacturingindaba.co.za  or 082 604 5826
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