As head of production for SMC Pneumatics UK, Pete Austin has been tasked with setting up the South African production facility. Austin will steer this state-of-the-art production facility to ensure global standardisation so that SMC’s local production capabilities meet the stringent international standards of its head office in Japan. With a significant investment exceeding R150 million, SMC aims to enrich the local economy through job creation, skills transfer and resources. “We are starting off with a production team of four to five people and over time these numbers should increase depending on demand,” Austin says.
Pete Austen.
SMC’s local production facilities are situated at its head office in Midrand and became operational from July. “The machinery acquired equates to over R18 million+, with several of our CNC machines being unique on the African continent,” Austin elaborates. Initial stages will see the production of several lines, including various sized cylinders, manifold assemblies, air preparation units as well as kitting and accessorising. “Possessing such a broad customised range means that we will still make use of our extensive international supply chain,” Austin adds. “SMC’s vertical supply chain ensures that we can tap into production lines from various countries for stock, whilst remaining quick, efficient and affordable. Local production results in quick turnarounds and availability of non-stock items, as well as urgent parts and technical expertise in case of breakdowns,” he concludes.
Next-generation motor management solution Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events Other technologies
Schneider Electric has launched its TeSys Tera motor management solution in the West African market, combining advanced motor protection, digital connectivity and real-time diagnostics for manufacturing, mining and water applications.
Read more...Integrated Air Solutions places energy efficiency at centre stage
News & events
Integrated Air Solutions will showcase Tier 1 compressor brands, advanced technologies and compressed air solutions at Electra Mining Africa 2026, with energy efficiency and total cost of ownership at the core of its exhibition theme.
Read more...SI programme strengthens partner ecosystem Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events
Schneider Electric will soon officially launch its new System Integrator (SI) Programme, which will mark a major change in how the company partners with industrial automation specialists across Southern, East and West Africa.
Read more...OMRON Robotics demos next-generation autonomous mobile robots
Editor's Choice News & events Robotics & Mechatronics
Advancing smarter material flow with the all-new LD-150 and LD-300 AMRs, OMRON Robotics demonstrated the next generation of its flagship LD series autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at Automate 2026 in June.
Read more...Pump spares and parts for Africa
News & events
KSB Pumps and Valves explains how its decentralised stockholding and local manufacturing keep spares and parts available across its installed base in Africa.
Read more...The hidden heroes who shape Africa’s industrial future Bosch Rexroth Africa
Editor's Choice News & events
Behind every industrial success story, there’s a human one. Their names may never appear on a project signboard or in a headline. Yet their expertise and determination keep industries moving every day.
Read more...Bühler Southern Africa leads industry dialogue on apprenticeships
Editor's Choice News & events
Bühler Southern Africa brought together representatives from industry, government and international organisations on 30 June 2026 to explore how quality apprenticeships can help bridge the gap between high youth unemployment and industry demand for skilled technical workers.
Read more...New digital tool reconditioning portal puts customers fully in control
News & events
Sandvik Coromant has upgraded its tool reconditioning service for solid round tools. The upgraded service replaces a previously manual, multi-stage workflow with a streamlined, fully online experience that dramatically reduces quotation and turnaround times.
Read more...New automation innovations on show at Electra Mining Africa 2026
News & events
South African engineers are leaders in innovation and technology development. Many of these innovations and newly automated systems will be on display at the largest trade show of its kind in southern Africa, Electra Mining Africa 2026, taking place in Johannesburg later this year.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version