Five East London-based automotive component manufacturers reported efficiency and production improvements of up to 100% coupled with substantial cost savings after completing the government’s Tirisano programme.

The Tirisano programme was designed to assist the automotive supply chain become more globally competitive and was first piloted in Gauteng in 2004 before coming to the Eastern Cape last year.

The five participating Eastern Cape companies are First National Battery, Firstpro Engineering, Fabkomp, Dinky Manufacturing, and New Deal Trading. The companies represent 371 employees, of whom 248 have undergone training in the tools of lean manufacturing, including workplace organisation and the reduction of wastes.
Automotive Industry Development Centre supplier development manager Fayaz Sacoor said companies had shown improvements of up to 70% in production output, a 35% reduction in finished-goods stock holding, and up to 67% improvement in overall people productivity.

AIDC chief executive Dr Paulo Fernandes said the improvements would bolster the industry and economy of the Border/Kei region.

“What we see is five East London- based companies that have moved to a new level of operational performance since Tirisano was launched a year ago, and that means greater returns, additional job security, and a stronger supply base for manufacturers like DaimlerChrysler.

“Manufacturing companies in the Eastern Cape must relentlessly pursue world-class production standards to survive and grow as we are competing less with manufacturers in South Africa as those located internationally,” Fernandes said.

Sacoor said due to the measurable impact of the programme within participating organisations it would be extended to as many companies as possible.

He confirmed that the AIDC had initiated two new Tirisano cluster programmes and that the current programme would be extended from six months to 13 months.

Those taking part in the new programmes are Autoliv AZA, Baisch Engineering, KPL Die Casting, Nicoil, Z F Boge Elastmetall SA, Acoustex, Autopress, Cape Traders, Faurecia Interior Systems, and Natstan Wire.

The first two clusters involved Gauteng suppliers to the Ford Motor Company, and the third Eastern Cape with suppliers to DaimlerChrysler SA.

The AIDC, mandated by the government to assist the industry in becoming more globally competitive, is supported by the ECDC and the CSIR in the Eastern Cape.
It is funded largely by the department of trade and industry.