The 2nd BRICS Forum
The 2nd BRICS Forum took place in Beijing, China on 8 – 9 May 2012. Attending the forum was an excellent opportunity for South Africa, the smallest of these economies, to learn from the others. We are currently formulating an understanding and developing processes of what we would like to learn from the other BRICS countries and what we will share with them. Presentations at the forum were categorised in two groups, namely Foundry Market and Technical Papers:
Foundry Market presentations were made by the representing countries:
- Introduction of Brazil’s Foundry Industry, Mr Devanir Brichesi
- South African Foundry Market, Ms Adrie El Mohamadi
- Status of Indian Foundry Industry, Dr H. Sundara Murthy
- Transformation of China’s Foundry Industry, Mr Peng Fan
- No English presentation was made available for Russia
The technical papers presented were as follow; of particular interest was the METSO presentation:
- Energy Efficient Melt Shop Operation, Mr Jürgen Himmelmann, ABP
- Wear Resistant Cast Materials for the Mining Industry, Mr Ricardo Fuoco, METSO
- Complete Foundry Solution, Mr Thomas Feng, DISA
- Practical Applications of Improving Energy Efficiency in Foundries, Mr John Davies, SAIF
The following article shows that the rest of the world is starting to take notice of the BRICS: “Investors eye BRICS connection, Thu, 07 Jun 2012″ click here to read the article
NFTN and SAIF will jointly host the 3rd BRICS Foundry Forum in 2013. The forum will precede the Metal Casting Conference co-hosted with the University of Johannesburg, Metal Casting Technology Station. The Metal Casting Conference will be held from 13 – 16 March 2013. For further information on the conference please visit www.metalcastingsconfernece.co.za .
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES:
Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (MCEP)
On 15 May 2012, the Minister of Trade and Industry announced a new suite of incentives for existing manufacturers. The MCEP will promote the competitiveness of manufacturers and job creation in the sector; it is available to South African- registered companies engaging in the following:
- Manufacturing (Standard Industrial Manufacturing code 3)
- Engineering services that support manufacturing
- Conformity assessment services (SIC 88220) that service the manufacturing industry
Only companies with existing manufacturing operations in South Africa may apply (i.e start-ups may not apply)
The following incentive grants are available through this programme:
- Capital investment component
- Green technology and resource efficiency improvement component
- Enterprise level competitiveness improvement component
- Feasibility Study component
- Cluster competitiveness improvement component
It is intended that applicants will have the discretion to decide which of these components to apply for based on an assessment of their own needs. The amount of the grant will depend on the size of the company and the amount of Manufacturing Value Addition (MVA). For further information on this programme please read the following:
Green Energy Efficiency Fund
In the February newsletter we have introduced you to the Green Energy Efficiency Fund where the IDC and the German Development Bank (kfw) have partnered to establish a R500 million facility for energy efficiency projects within South Africa.
For further information the brochure and presentation was made available to foundries. Case studies are available on companies that have made use of this opportunity so far. For your convenience download the GEEF application form by clicking here.
BSTEP internship funding
A number of internship programmes are available. These programmes enable companies to make use of various opportunities to bring new ideas and skills into the foundry industry. Interested parties are encouraged to apply for BSTEP intership funding or contact the NFTN or SAIF offices to direct you other similar programmes.
Download: BSTEP Internship Newsletter
GAUTENG FOUNDRY TRAINING CENTRE
Initiative Opportunities
The Gauteng Foundry Training Centre (GFTC) is a joint initiative of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED), National Foundry Technology Network (NFTN) and Ekurhuleni East College for FET (EEC) and the South African Institute of Foundrymen (SAIF).
The strategic goal of the GFTC is to create a hub for foundry related skills training and technology transfer in the greater Gauteng region, offering facilities and infrastructure for both theoretical and appropriate practical training.
For information on these opportunities:
NFTN WORKING GROUPS
A reminder to join the NFTN’s 7 working groups. It aims to create a Foundry Community of Practice on key areas of importance to the foundry industry. The 7 working groups are: