SMC began life in Tokyo in 1959 as a supplier of basic pneumatic and filtration equipment. Today the company has evolved into a sophisticated provider of complete automation systems, with over 60% share of the Japanese pneumatics market. The company’s next objective is to grow its global market share from 32 to 50%.
Adrian Buddingh.
Africa is a key region and Adrian Buddingh is the man tasked with establishing the first local office in South Africa. With 28 years’ experience in mechatronic automation, Buddingh says that the pricing of SMC products is unsurpassed. “We will remain essentially a pneumatics company, but with a holistic approach to mechatronic system integration,” he says. “We aim to provide our customers with complete automation solutions tailored to their individual requirements.”
Buddingh is setting up the local office from scratch. “We have full support from head office, which has already invested R100 million,” he notes. “Our aim is to employ at least 60 people by mid-2016. Marketing, a dedicated sales force of highly trained professionals, and a ‘go to the customer’ approach are the three cornerstones of our business strategy,” he continues. He adds that he is passionate about training and skills development among our youth. “It’s important that we give back to the community as well,” he explains.
Buddingh intends to focus the energy of his highly motivated specialist sales team on the automotive, food and beverage, petrochemical and packaging industries. The company will take up residence in its new Midrand building during November.
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