From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.
Sashnee Moodley:
Japan-headquartered pneumatics company SMC Pneumatics launched its South African office in Midrand last month, cementing its presence in 84 countries and creating a distribution and manufacturing centre to extend its service offering for other African clients. Dylan Slater tells us more.
Dylan Slater:
Boasting a floor area of 4 317 m2, SMC Pneumatics’ new local office has a fully functional showroom and warehouse for the distribution of its products and also serving as a manufacturing plant for other selected items.
The company offers more than 12 000 basic components in over 700 000 variant forms.
SMC Pneumatics South Africa director Steve Bangs explains the investment in South Africa
SMC South Africa director Steve Bangs:
Dylan Slater:
SMC Pneumatics South Africa has invested heavily in the local market with production lines being equipped with the latest technology. This stands to increase the company’s turnaround times in getting products to customers, and enhances relations with Africa-based clients
SMC South Africa director Steve Bangs:
Dylan Slater:
SMC Pneumatics South Africa will manufacture certain products locally, while also relying on its international manufacturing facilities to fill the void in terms of providing the remaining range of products to the local market
SMC South Africa director Steve Bangs:
Sashnee Moodley:
Other news making headlines this week:
Technical team set up to craft post-2020 automotive master plan
And, South Africa’s economy at a crossroads, Sunter warns
Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies has formally announced the establishment of a team of technical experts to develop a “post-2020 Automotive Master Plan.
Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies:
The Swiss-based International Institute of Management Development’s 2015 ‘World Competitiveness Report’ ranked South Africa’s economy 53rd out of 63, highlighting that the country’s economy remains a significant player in the global economy.
Futurologist Clem Sunter:
Sashnee Moodley:
That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.