By now we are all in the full swing of the new trading year. With exchange rates playing such an important role in the fluid power industry, it is unclear what the year ahead holds for our members. On a more positive note, the announcement of the market survey was well received. As regards MERSETA there is also good news.
The general economy in South Africa has been well managed leading to the existing robust consumer spending. A commitment by government to accelerate infrastructure spending in the medium to long term is good news to us all. On the down side, the general mining industry, exporters and exporting manufacturers are taking the brunt of a strong currency, affecting the majority of the membership. Large cutbacks in spending have been experienced.
Market survey
The fluid power market gave a very positive response to the market survey. Agreement to participate has been received by 46 companies - giving SAFPA a very good sample size to work with. An independent third party will undertake the survey with SAFPA having no access to any figures whatsoever. SAFPA will commence immediately with setting up the structure of the survey.
MERSETA
In a previous letter I made mention of our frustrations with MERSETA regarding the slow rate of progress. There seems to be light at the end of the tunnel though as SAFPA has been requested to furnish the particulars of the SGG members again. The drawing up of unit standards is expected to commence shortly.
Functions
Finally, with the year well underway, on the social front we start with our action cricket day soon, followed by our annual dinner. Both these events are well supported and we look forward to seeing all our members again.
Manny Vieira, president, SAFPA, +27 (0) 11 898 6602, [email protected]
| Tel: | +27 11 061 5000 |
| Fax: | 086 589 2158 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.safpa.org.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about SA Fluid Power Association (SAFPA) |
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