The Manufacturing Accelerator Programme (MAP) has signed a memorandum of agreement with Productivity SA to revitalise the South African Manufacturing Industry by implementing the MAP programme in manufacturing companies. The initiative was launched to 20 make-to-order manufacturing businesses in Midrand.
The memorandum provides a framework for cooperation between Productivity SA and MAP, with the view of sharing information and best practices in manufacturing, as well as enhancing the effectiveness of the two entities. In addition they will jointly pursue opportunities for manufacturing businesses’ productivity and competitiveness improvement and assist them to become world class players.
MAP was launched in South Africa at the beginning of last year with the purpose of revitalising the South African manufacturing industry and creating a substantial number of new job opportunities in the country.
In the MAP programme, suitable tools for the company are proposed and recommended from an extensive knowledge base of trusted partners with specific industry focus, track records of innovation and delivery over at least two decades, and who are recognised leaders in their specific manufacturing industries.
“In fact, the Tooling Association of SA, in conjunction with the South African Capital Equipment Council (SACEEC), also signed an agreement with MAP late last year resulting in a number of large toolmakers in Gauteng benefitting from MAP implementations,” says Ian Huntly, CEO of Rifle-Shot Performance Holdings.
Through the programme it is envisaged the industry will increase its competitiveness and export readiness, add more value to the value chain and improve skills and skills development as well as create a substantial number of new jobs.
MAP consists of three founding members, namely ISAH, Rifle-Shot Performance Holdings and SANEC. ISAH is an international software company, whilst Rifle-Shot Performance Partners is a specialist solutions provider and distributor.
SANEC is the Southern African Netherlands Chamber of Commerce and is the key intermediary agency for companies, organisations and entrepreneurs doing business or seeking to do business in and between the Netherlands, South Africa, the Benelux and the southern African region (SADC).
Productivity SA is a Schedule 3A Public Entity whose mandate is primarily to enhance the productive capacity of South Africa. Its governance board comprises representatives from labour, government and business.
The organisation has covered extensive mileage within the manufacturing sector through the Workplace Challenge Programme (WPC). WPC is a 24-month programme that aims to add value to the South African economy.
The aim of WPC is to improve the performance and increase the levels of productivity and competitiveness of South African companies through the implementation of world class principles within the workplace. Some of the companies who will be introduced to MAP have undergone the WPC programme.
MAP works through sector or cluster organisations to implement the programme at groups of companies across their member base. At today’s event a special offer for MAP was afforded to the first companies who joined the MAP initiative.
“Using our specialist systems technology, MAP enables small and medium make-to-order customers to access and benefit from the world’s best class specialist manufacturing software,” said Huntly.
MAP is similar to programmes that are running in the United States. Known as “reshoring”, these programmes are heavily endorsed by President Obama.
Speakers at the event included Rifle-Shot Performance Partners CEO, Ian Huntly, Bongani Coka, CEO of Productivity SA and Peter van Harten, EVP, Isah International.