Positive outlook for manufacturing in KZN
According to jobs portal CareerJunction, in its index for the month of May 2018, the finance and manufacturing sectors have seen a recent upswing in hiring activity. This is a clear indication that the manufacturing sector could be entering a turnaround in fortune.
In the National Development Plan (NDP 30), Policy Context 2 in the Industrial Policy Action Plan for 2017/18 – 2019/20 addresses the importance of manufacturing in the country. According to the NDP presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry, “The manufacturing sector has high economic multipliers because of its value-addition, linkages to the upstream production sectors of the economy (mining and agriculture) and the downstream sectors, including services; and because of its all-round contribution to strengthening integrated value chains.”
In his state of the province address (Sopa) in February, the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Willies Mchunu said that provincial government remains committed to radical economic transformation to ensure inclusive, expanded and sustained economic output that creates more jobs. The provincial government’s short-term focus, he added, would be on manufacturing, agriculture and tourism.
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE), which is being held between 24 and 26 July 2019 at the Durban Exhibition Centre, is the ideal platform for industrial technology equipment and services providers to actively interact with manufacturing companies and government agencies.
“We are committed to providing industry with a forum to deliver added value to the manufacturing sector. Our exhibitors represent the cream of the crop in industrial technology development and innovation. These companies are able to provide the manufacturing sector with customised solutions that are characterised by their ability to increase productivity, decrease operating costs and ensure business sustainability,” says Nick Sarnadas, portfolio director at Specialised Exhibitions a division of Montgomery Group.
In addition to providing visitors with access to the knowledge base, experience and expertise inherent in the 150-plus exhibitors, KITE has a number of complementary visitor attractions that include the free-to-attend SAIMechE Seminar Theatre with approximately 18 seminar sessions on current trends and legislation.
“On the second day of the exhibition, we hope to once again host the MESA (Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association) special interest group as well as the Lifting Equipment Association of South Africa (LEEASA) conference. Both of these events proved very popular with the KITE 2017 visitors and provide yet another conduit for knowledge transfer,” says Sarnadas.
Sales on the exhibitor stands are brisk and potential exhibitors are urged to book a stand at KITE 2019 or find out more information about the exhibition by visiting the website at www.kznindustrial.co.za.
Engage with KITE 2019 on social media using the show hashtag #KITE2019.
