Opportunities for black-owned firms

THE Eastern Cape Automotive Industry Forum (ECAIF) has invited all manufacturing companies based in the Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and East London regions which hold a Level 3 and higher B-BBEE certification to register on its database.

“Working with all the leading component suppliers in the Eastern Cape, we have identified a number of opportunities for blackowned manufacturing companies in support of the government’s drive to increase the participation of blacks in the manufacturing sector,” ECAIF supply chain working group convener Andre Nel said.

“An additional benefit is that having a stronger and broader base of automotive suppliers in the Eastern Cape will help us retain and grow the local motor manufacturing sector on which the province’s economy is so dependent,” he said.

ECAIF, whose members include all of the main automotive component suppliers in the province, is geared to promote the coordinated development of manufacturing in the Eastern Cape’s automotive components sector.

The opportunities that have been identified in a survey of ECAIF members are in packaging, manufacturing of small plastic and metal parts, toolmaking and the supply of specialist chemicals and oils.

“But, we are more than happy to meet with manufacturers of other products,” Nel said.

“Our more than 50 members are always looking for ways to increase local content and reduce the costs of logistics.

“Companies do not have to be in the automotive sector already.

“ECAIF will help them to meet the requirements of Tier 1 and Tier 2 component suppliers.” There was no cost involved. Companies wanting to register can go to the ECAIF website at www.ecaif.co.za and download the form or for further details call Ed Richardson on (041) 582-3750.