Local manufacturers find it difficult to participate directly in the value chain supplying components for commercial vehicles owing to stringent requirements. As a result, many downstream suppliers are unable to make use of local upstream producers.
Industry support programme the National Foundry Technology Network (NFTN) aims to provide technical support to allow local foundries to fulfil the product needs of more South African original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and component manufacturers.
NFTN technology transfer and localisation project manager Isidore Kilongozi says the NFTN is planning a number of projects to support manufacturers to address competitiveness challenges of the sector and will engage with the automotive sector on its needs, with a view to capacitating the metal casting industry.