African Fusion July 2020

First Cut’s local manufactured electrodes

Sharpening the SA supply chain with ‘proudly local’ consumables

As South African industry returns with the precautionary measures and prescribed phased integration of the current COVID-19 national lockdown, companies are having to con- sider how to safely optimise performance, recover lost rev- enue and preserve jobs. GaryWillis, director of the First Cut’s Consumables Division, talks about his company’s approach.

“ T he swift and necessary action taken by our government has helped to mitigate the worst impact of the coronavirus and flatten the infection curve. However, there is still a long road ahead. In light of the sustained and serious impact of this pandemic and our national lockdown, we should all be thinking and acting in a way that protects our local economy,” asserts Gary Willis, director of the First Cut’s Consumables Division. First Cut has been at the cutting-edge of South African industry for the past 64 years. As a proudly local manufacturer and supplier of cutting and welding equip‑ ment consumables and distributor of steel

First Cut’s new electrode range is

manufactured under licence from Messer to comply with DIN, AWS/ASME and BS standards.

manufacturing capability, to the benefit of our valued customers,” he adds. Most notably, In 2019 First Cut con‑ cluded an agreement with leadingGerman company Messer Cutting Systems, to take over the existing South African agency. With the conclusion of the newagreement, First Cut saw the opportunity to takeMess‑ er to newheights by locallymanufacturing a wide range of Messer welding electrodes at its factory in Benrose, Johannesburg. “As First Cut has always been a manu‑ facturer and distributor of premium qual‑ ity products, the opportunity to locally manufacture Messer welding electrodes was one we welcomed, as this range very much fits with our quality ethos and cur‑ rent product portfolio,” explains Willis. While there are many cheaper brands of welding electrodes imported into South Africa, he asserts that First Cut is not in that market: “Our electrodes are a cost- effective and quality mid- to upper-range product,” he adds. As a reputable local manufacturer with a solid track record, First Cut is able to satisfy its SouthAfrican customers’ require‑ ments within short lead times. “Prior to the disruption caused by the pandemic, companies ordering cutting and welding consumables from overseas would often have toorder largequantities 4 to 6months

cutting and processing equipment, the company is well-positioned to assist cus‑

tomers with time- and cost-effective, localised solutions tailored to suit South African businesses. Willis observes that COVID-19 has brought with it doubts and concerns about the security of the supply chain,

availability of stock and lead times: “Throughout our years of operation, First Cut has balanced the sourcing and supply of world-class cutting machines and consumables with a strong local manufac‑ turing presence, and trusted technical support teams. “As such, our consum‑ ables division is the ‘beating heart’ and lifeblood of this company, and has been for the past 64 years. We have been manufacturing band‑ sawblades at our Cape Town factory since the company’s inception. By also estab‑ lishing solid relationships with trusted local and inter‑ national brands, we have been able to extend our core

First Cut has made a substantial investment in a high-quality electrode press; as well as industry-standard drying and baking ovens.

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July 2020

AFRICAN FUSION