There are a number of common denominators for any manufacturing business when considering the sustainability and profitability of their operation and jargon like ‘just in time (JIT)’, ‘continuous workflow’ and ‘waste reduction’ is commonly used when referring to lean manufacturing processes.
However, to ensure that these philosophies become an integral part of any manufacturing operation, careful attention needs to be paid to the equipment and processes used to produce products. Charlene Hefer, Portfolio Director at Specialised Exhibitions, says that the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE), to be held at the Durban Exhibition Centre from 26 to 28 July 2017, will focus on assisting companies to find the right manufacturing technology and industrial products and services “With a history than spans 36 years, KITE has established itself as the go-to event for industrial companies seeking out equipment and services that will enhance both their productivity and the bottom line.
KITE exhibitors are characterised by product and service excellence and the ability to match solutions to specific customer needs. We are on track to have a capacity exhibition and the diversity of offerings will appeal to a wide and demanding market,” says Hefer.
Careful consideration is given to the variety and quality of exhibitor technology and services in order to ensure that visitors are presented with a wide range of suitable offerings. This year’s event is no exception and visitors can interact with exhibitors providing ; electronic components, packaging and plastics machinery, heavy machinery; hygiene products and services; industrial equipment and components; IT and telecommunications manufacturing equipment; materials handling; monitoring, process control and sensors; security equipment; workwear and protective equipment; plant and facility equipment; safety equipment and machinery; tools; and industrial services.
Adding further impetus to its comprehensive offerings, this year’s event includes the addition of the Propak Africa Pavilion. Leveraging the success of the Propak Cape and Propak Africa events, the KITE-based Propak Pavilion will offer visitors premium packaging, plastics, printing and labelling solutions.
As well as an extensive range of the province’s leading products and services, KITE includes a number of value-added visitor attractions including the free-to-attend SAIMechE Seminar Theatre, the MESA (Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association) special interest group and the Lifting Equipment Association of South Africa (LEEASA) conference.
Technology and services highlights
With over 110 exhibitors projected for KITE 2017, visitors will be spoiled for choice. “We have an amazing array of products and services lined up for visitors. Exhibitors from a number of market sectors will be on hand to interact with visitors and devise productivity-driven solutions. Some of the products on display include speciality lubricants for initial fill and tailor-made tribology solutions, special adhesives and sealants, technical sprays and high-performance assembly pastes and greases,” says Hefer.
Rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries for a variety of applications are available together with a newly developed prototype setting tool. An ultra-low-friction lubrication material is available for customers interested in prototype testing and is joined by bearing materials designed to operate continuously in dry conditions of 150 to 230°C.
Plug valves with metal body, soft seated sleeves in different variations and fully lined valves join a large assortment of other speciality valves. Together with a range of technology offerings that speak to the digitisation of industries, an interoperable technology platform brings together energy automation and software, ensuring that end-user customers are provided with enhanced value around safety, reliability, efficiency, sustainability and connectivity.
Safety and security fall clearly under the spotlight with custom-made hearing protection devices and hearing conservation management programmes, together with a range of high-tech surveillance and access control management systems. The Propak Pavilion features, amongst others, shrink-wrap and pallet-wrapping machinery for end-of-line packaging. Label printers and tapes, hazard warning signs and labels, pre-printed adhesive and magnetic labels and temperature-sensitive labels assist in the ability to clearly identify items and safety-sensitive areas.
Materials handling solutions for warehousing and distribution facilities, including docklevellers, insulated warehouse doors, aircraft hangar doors, scissors lift tables, good lifts, passenger lifts, high-speed freezer doors, fibre glass stacking doors, bug-screen doors, hydraulic tilt-up doors, dock sealing systems and pallet inverters will be on show.
In addition to product offerings, a number of service providers will be on hand to discuss various productivity-enhanced options, including the provision of high-quality ISO consultancy services and standards to organisations of all sizes.
To book a stand or discuss a sponsorship package at KITE, contact Loftie Eaton or Mark Anderson on +27 41 585 8274 or +27 10 003 3063 or email loftiee@specialised.com or marka@specialised.com. For more information on KITE 2017, visit the website or pre-register now at www.kznindustrial.co.za, on Facebook, Twitter #KITE2017, Instagram.