Local Manufacturing
A locally manufactured prototype HVLS fan is installed in a factory setting .
Air Diffusion Technologies supports other local manufacturers . Locally manufactured flex ducting enables DAT to offer a wider range of solutions without clients having to shop around . other manufacturers , we find ourselves responding to ad-hoc orders and this imposes stockholding and raw materials management challenges ,” explained Venter .
Additional challenges for DAT and other local manufacturers of quality products include sourcing skilled labour and adjusting to frequent changes in legislation and certification . The change from 3-year to 6-month certification has resulted in additional administrative burdens .
Inspiring younger people to pursue careers in manufacturing and engineering is also a pressing need , as experienced service technicians begin to retire with few replacements entering training and apprenticeship schemes .
FORWARD PLANS DAT plans to consolidate their position in the local market and use this as a springboard for further expansion into Africa and beyond . In addition to growing the company , this will help strengthen flows of foreign currency into the local economy .
DAT also has ambitious plans to extend their product ranges to include steel and plastic items – again , these will all be locally manufactured . Targeting a level of production that will require extra shifts and facilitate the creation of additional employment opportunities will , in the words of the partners behind DAT ’ s success , “ Make us a genuinely competitive facility operating with three shifts a day , seven days a week .” RACA
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RACA Journal I February 2021 www . hvacronline . co . za