Naicker Toolmakers in Boksburg has successfully completed the Automotive Supply Chain Competitiveness Initiative (ASCCI) Black Supplier Development Programme (BSDP), sponsored by Toyota Motors South Africa (TSAM), and supported by NAACAM member company, Supreme Spring.
ASCCI is a collaborative initiative, supported by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), the National Association for Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM), the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), and is facilitated by specialist industrial development consultants, B&M Analysts.
John Oliver, VP: Purchasing and Engineering, TSAM, said Toyota is committed to transformation and facilitating access to markets for component manufacturers. “It has been a purposeful and well-run programme with strong leadership. On Naicker’s side, we saw enthusiasm and relentless dedication to the project,” he said.
Kim Nisbet, TSAM’s Senior Manager: Enterprise and Supplier Development, added: “The objective of the programme is to develop component manufacturers, or those outside of the component industry, into Tier 2 suppliers, and then where possible, into Tier 1 suppliers.”
“While locally the Tier 1 supplier base is substantial, there is a need for the development of both Tier 2 and Tier 3 component manufacturers. Realistically, we need 100 or more manufacturers similar to Naicker to contribute to the auto component manufacturing industry. In line with this, we are actively looking to address this need,” she said.
Shivani Singh, Commercial Director of NAACAM, explained that the drive to develop Black suppliers is not limited to auto-sector manufacturers only. “We also want to work with manufacturers outside of the auto industry. This could include manufacturers of products such as white goods, and businesses in the mining, engineering and transport industries, amongst others. We see the potential for these manufacturers to use their expertise to competitively supply into the auto component industry.”
Peter Shadwell, the appointed mentor for the duration of the project, explained that the 18-month programme covered topics such as quality, productivity and efficiency, IATF GAP analysis, capacity planning, tooling, preventative and predictive maintenance, logistics, safety, sustainability and business growth opportunities.
“It all comes down to creating jobs, not for the sake of creating jobs, but to enable manufacturers to become internationally competitive. The programme provides the foundation to move forward, improve competitiveness and compete against international suppliers on both quality and price,” said Mr Shadwell.”
Mark Barley, MD of Supreme Spring and NAACAM National Executive Committee member, explained that Naicker has grown in expertise and capabilities and sees a successful future for the company. “We forward to deepening Supreme Spring’s relationship with Naicker, and we plan to continue to proactively engage and support the next wave of Black industrialists.”