"As we push to consolidate and develop our manufacturing strategy, it is essential that as a collective - government and private sector stakeholders identify, promote and reward innovation in the advanced manufacturing and composites industry,” says Andy Radford, Composites Cluster MD

Advanced manufacturing awards to recognise and inspire SA’s innovators

LEADING lights in the field of advanced technology, including 4IR, will be acknowledged at South Africa’s official National Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Awards on November 27.

The National Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Awards, co-hosted by South Africa’s Department of DTI and the national Composites Cluster, showcases South Africa’s capabilities and promote advanced manufacturing innovation in industry and research.

According to the organisers, all companies, entrepreneurs and researchers operating in the advanced manufacturing field, including engineering, 3D printing, robotics, automation, AI, laser cutting and etching, CNC machining, software, big data, IOT and composites, are eligible for national recognition.
Companies or organisations may make submissions in six categories, including: Scholarly impact in advanced manufacturing, industry advancement in advanced manufacturing, export proficiency, contribution to import replacement, composites innovation and most promising start- up or newcomer.
Composites Cluster MD, Andy Radford, said up to three nominees per category would receive specific acknowledgment, significant exposure and, in identified categories, financial support to commercialise and grow promising concepts.

The awards function will take place as part of the African Advanced Manufacturing and Composites Show which will include a dynamic, interactive exhibition, conferences and factory tours at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth from 27-28 November.

Radford, said the awards would play a key role in advancing the country’s advanced manufacturing agenda.

“As we push to consolidate and develop our manufacturing strategy, it is essential that as a collective – government and private sector stakeholders identify, promote and reward innovation in the advanced manufacturing and composites industry.”

The awards will be made annually at the African Advanced Manufacturing and Composites Show which will rotate across South Africa’s major manufacturing hubs.

“While manufacturing remains an essential part of South Africa’s economy – contributing around 19% of GDP, our efforts towards advanced manufacturing in South Africa are highly fragmented, but we do have significant pockets of excellence,” Radford said.

“The African Advanced Manufacturing and Composites Show will not only bring all the key role-players and technology partners together towards a common vision and trade, but it will also inspire emerging engineers.

“Three-dimensional printing, lasers, automation, drone technology and artificial intelligence are exciting tools to encourage a new generation of engineers and scientists but we need to expose them and industry to these technologies and there is no time to waste,” Radford said.