Portugal-based GECO, a manufacturer of plastic injection moulding machinery, is one of several overseas exhibitors taking part in Afriplast Expo 2013, South Africa’s inaugural international plastics industry trade fair, taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre from 14 to 16 May 2013. GECO operates a 16 000m2 production plant in Maceira with a staff of over 300 people, and has offices in six countries.  The company specialises in the manufacture of injection moulds for thermoplastic, thermo-resin, two-component and gas-assisted injection moulding, and supplies numerous markets including the automotive, electrical, packaging, media, pharmaceutical and household product sectors.

Afriplast Expo Vital For Expansion Into Africa
“We realise it is vital for GECO to be a part of Afriplast Expo – not only to interact with existing clients, but to expand our customer base,” says Jorge Jorge, the company’s Commercial Director. “Our South African market share has grown steadily and now represents 5% of total sales. We are now also considering expansion into Sub-Saharan Africa. We are using the expo to promote the company and its products in the region, and use market feedback to ascertain if South Africa would be a viable market for establishing a production plant.” GECO will be showcasing its latest innovation at the Afriplast Expo, the new MuCell system combined with a Sandretto 3500 ton injection moulding machine. “The Mucell system in itself provides up to 50% in weight savings, and enables moulders to reduce raw material viscosity and consumption and still deliver durable, lightweight products. The MuCell system gives our customers even greater choice,” says Jorge.

Afriplast Expo Part of SA Industrial Technology Fair
Afriplast 2013 is a new plastics industry trade event that forms part of the recently-introduced South African Industry and Technology Fair (INDUTEC). “Afriplast is unique; it’s the only dedicated plastics industry event covering the entire manufacturing market – not just the packaging sector – in Sub-Saharan Africa,” explains John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of the event. “Exhibitors will showcase everything to do with plastic, from raw materials and machinery to control equipment and finished products, as well as the latest trends in materials recycling.” Thomson says that many overseas companies like GECO are looking closely at the African market, and will use the Afriplast Expo as a platform to get a head start into the continent. “International response to the inaugural Afriplast Expo has been exceptional, and I urge all local plastics industry suppliers and manufacturers to get on board and grab some of the numerous opportunities the show offers,” adds Thomson. “Africa is a huge market for the plastics industry and will have the highest growth in the world market over the next five years.”