Sparks Electrical News September 2024

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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Machine Tools Africa ready for 2025 expo E arlier this year thousands of visitors from across the country attended Machine Tools Africa

essential equipment for the fabrication processes of all major manufacturing sectors, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, and energy. Machine Tools Africa is extremely important to this sector, the success and growth of which can contribute to the local economy and to creating jobs. It’s crucial for the machine tools industry to be able to bring these latest machines into the country and showcase what they can do. World-class show Gary Corin, Managing Director at Specialised Exhibitions, says it’s incredible to see the technology that is available and the amazing machinery, products and services that are relevant and important to the industry. He says that the capital investment required in purchasing these machines is high and the decision making process involved with the acquisitions is complex, ensuring that the specific technology, equipment, or machinery, is compatible with the customers current manufacturing process. Focusing on education and training A focus on education and training was also evident at the show. “We partnered with some academic and career-based institutions who are looking at attracting talent to the engineering, manufacturing and industrial sectors in South Africa,” explains Hefer. “It’s been very exciting having the WorldSkills competition running at Machine Tools Africa. It’s a first for the show and demonstrated the incredible talent and skills of young professionals in the industry. First in action at the competition was a 20-year-old German gold medal competitor followed by his South African counterparts. They were each individually given 5 hours to design a part, machine it, and complete it, in what would probably normally take a team to complete in 2 days. Congratulations to the winners who were announced on the final day of the show. Julian Gelo, the German competitor took first place and Nthabiseng Mnisi, who is studying at the Nkangala TVET college in Middleburg, took a well-earned second place.” “It was also great to have Sol-Tech with us this year,” continued Hefer. “They are a vocational training college, and it was good to see the kind of talent that they’re attracting to this industry, and to have those students come to the show to experience the kind of technology that is available. It was heartening to see many experts sharing their knowledge and expertise with young South Africans.” The free-to-attend seminars that took place at Machine Tools Africa provided an opportunity to listen to leading local and international experts speak about the latest industry trends and developments in the global and African machine tools market. Topics were aligned with the theme days of safety, sustainability, skills and South Africa day. Machine Tools Africa is scheduled for 2025 – however the dates have not been confirmed.

Many travelled from Cape Town and Kwa-Zulu Natal, in addition to those from Gauteng, and from other provinces. The feedback we have had from visitors and exhibitors has been very positive,” says Charlene Hefer, Portfolio Director at Specialised Exhibitions, a division of Montgomery Group. Machine tools are the backbone of the manufacturing industry providing

Earlier this year visitors were able to engage with eighty industry-leading exhibitors and their technical teams to learn about the latest global industry trends and technological developments in the machine tools market. A total of 6428 visitors joined this year’s expo. “This was a 10% increase in visitors compared to the previous show. The quality of visitors has been really good.

eager to see the latest machinery, products, services and technologies that South Africa has to offer. The show last took place in May this year released its post-show report last month, showcasing tremendous growth during the 2024 iteration.

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• Accommodates various cable sizes/types

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• Secures cable away from metal surfaces

• Can be linked together

QWICGRIP is a cutting-edge cable securing solution, designed to streamline and enhance cable management in solar installations. Its secure cable management and strain relief features minimise cable damage and safety hazards, ensuring your solar installation is not only reliable but built to last. With QWICGRIP you can have peace of mind knowing that your solar system is in the safest hands.

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Enquiries: www.machinetoolsafrica.co.za

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2024