From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.
Sashnee Moodley:
A new 6 000 m2 production site for rail technology provider Bombardier Transportation’s high-power propulsion equipment was opened earlier this month. Megan van Wyngaardt has the story.
Megan van Wyngaardt:
The site, which was marked as the first propulsion site in Africa, will manufacture equipment for use in the Transnet locomotives project, for which Bombardier is delivering 240 Bombardier Traxx Africa locomotives.
It will also be home to a testing centre and will become the headquarters for Bombardier Transportation in South Africa in October. Bombardier Africa, Europe and Middle East regional president Per Almer highlighted the local benefit of the project.
Bombardier Per Almer:
Bombardier locomotives project director Mathias Papritz:
Megan van Wyngaardt:
Transnet CEO Siyabonga Gama also lauded the initiative, noting that it was yet another boost for local manufacturing.
Transnet CEO Siyabong Gama:
Megan van Wyngaardt:
Almost 100 direct jobs have been created since the inception of the Traxx Africa programme, with more than 40% earmarked for women. Bombardier is further partnering with technical colleges for recruitment of available talent, implementing an internal training programme to multiskill its employees.
Sashnee Moodley:
Other news making headlines this week.
The need for rope condition assessment is emphasised
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research highlights that regular testing of samples of ropes forms a vital part of ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
CSIR mining initiatives acting business manager Riaan Bergh:
That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.