Plant Equipment and Hire September 2019 | Page 36

EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS EXPO HIGHLIGHTS DEMAND FOR LOCAL PRODUCTS Edited by Leon Louw The recently-held Local Manufacturing Expo highlighted the demand for South African products. T here is a driving need to increase the volume of locally manufactured goods. By growing the capacity to increase the quantity of local content for both local and international consumption, the rate of unemployment could be dramatically decreased. It was apparent at the inaugural Local Southern African Manufacturing Expo, held in Johannesburg earlier this year, that there is a large and receptive market for local products. “The ‘local is lekker’ ambience was really evident at the Expo, with exhibitors and visitors thrilled at the opportunity to engage with each other and develop future supply chains and business ties,” says Charlene Hefer, portfolio director for Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery. Hefer points out that the show welcomed 3743 visitors, a substantial achievement for a first-time exhibition. “I’m a great believer in South Africa, and especially in South African business. We believe that more products need to be sourced locally and the expo was a 34 SEPTEMBER 2019 The recently held Local Manufacturing Expo welcomed 3743 visitors, a substantial achievement for a first-time exhibition. www.equipmentandhire.co.za