The National Foundry Technology Network (NFTN) at the CSIR has announced that it has secured funding to participate at GMTN 2023, the world’s most important exhibition and premier event for foundry technology, cast products, metallurgy, and thermal process technology. Comprised of four individual fairs – GIFA, METEC, THERMPROCESS and NEWCAST – GMTN offers a unique opportunity to connect with top professionals in your field, discover the latest trends and technologies, and explore exciting new business opportunities.
“South Africa has one of the most advanced and diverse metals industry in Africa that creates major spillover effects into other parts of the economy. These industries include mining, automotive, manufacturing, fabrication and general engineering and collectively they contribute significantly to the GDP of South Africa. These industries form an important part of the economy as they contribute to job creation, skills development and the expansion of the local economy,” said Julie Wells, spokesperson for the CSIR’s industry support programmes.
The South African Steel and Metal Fabrication Master Plan
“The metals industry, of which the foundry industry is part of, is a key economic sector in the Re-imagined Industry Strategy and the Reconstruction and Recovery Plan launched by the President in October 2020 that is aimed at enhancing growth, employment creation and equity.”
“Master plans to rejuvenate and grow key industries have been drafted and the Steel and Metal Fabrication Master Plan – an initiative by regulators, industry and labour – was ratified and released by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in June 2021.”
“Some key emerging factors and growth measures set in the document include an infrastructure drive, a localisation policy for South African SOEs like Transnet and export promotion into Africa and the rest of the world.”
“The document highlights the fact that, for example, the African continent represents a significant opportunity for South African steel makers and downstream processors. African countries (excluding South Africa) purchase nearly R400 billion of iron and steel each year and promotion activities must focus on opening these markets for the South African steel, foundry, fabrication and manufacturing, while at the same time promoting local partners in those countries. The Master Plan proposes that consideration be given to combined and integrated efforts to promote exports, particularly to the rest of the continent, an approach described as South Africa Inc.”
“GMTN is an opportunity for South Africa Inc to showcase the capabilities and capacity of the South African metal melting industry, in line with the Master Plan, which will guide the stabilisation and progress of the industry towards full-scale industrialisation and inclusive growth.”
“We have secured a stand space of 70m² in Hall 13, which, along with the NFTN, will be promoted by the two sector representatives, namely the South African Institute of Foundrymen and the Aluminium Federation of South Africa.”
“The aim of the stand – call it the South African pavilion – will be to promote the whole of the industry and not just the member companies of these two representatives.”
“South Africa has a wealth of resources that are used in the metals industries, whether it be the minerals or the byproducts that can be used as a result of the mining of the primary mineral. A good example of this is foundry grade chromite sand of which South Africa is a major producer and supplier worldwide. More of this success and others need to be promoted internationally so as to win export orders.”
“Both supplier and end user products will be exposed to a major international audience. We have one of the world’s leading foundries that has embraced the Smart Factory and Industry 4.0 transformation. They are more advanced and developed than most of their counterparts in Europe and the US. We must not be shy and we need to shout about these successes to the rest of the world.”
Open invitation
“In line with the digital world that we live in the stand will not be cluttered with examples of castings or raw material and other supplier products. The electronic visual aspect will be the theme and this will allow everybody in the industry that has electronic promotional material to be part of this initiative. It does not exclude anybody or company.”
“We will also be compiling a master document on all the relevant companies in the industry. This will allow the representatives to have fingertip knowledge on capabilities, capacity and contact details of a company operating in South Africa.”
“We are issuing an open invitation to these companies to submit their information and urge them to participate.”
“The stand will also offer South African visitors to the exhibition in Düsseldorf to network, hold meetings on the stand and rest their weary feet when necessary.”
“With the whole world having energy challenges and governments moving towards sustainable development this presents an opportunity for South African companies to be part of this goal and meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
To find out more, or express an interest in participation, foundries can email safoundries@csir.co.za or contact Constance Mokhoantle, NCPC&NFTN Communications Manager (Acting) on MMokhoantle@csir.co.za.
Image source: www.castingsa.com
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