From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

Machine tool and measuring equipment supplier RGC Engineering opened its new facility, which includes a metrology and training centre, in Johannesburg, on June 12. RGC’s new facility includes metrology one and metrology two showrooms that will be used as an in-house training centre. Sabrina Jardim tells us more.

Sabrina Jardim:

Speaking at the launch of the new facility, RGC CEO Aurelio Grech-Cumbo told Engineering News that, through the introduction of a world class facility, the company aims to support the South African industry with a complete turnkey solution for measuring requirements.

He explained that the  South African machine tool and measuring industry is facing challenges of a lack of investor confidence, owing to issues such as the cost of investment being high, a lack of energy security and a lack of scarce skills in the manufacturing sector.

Hence,  he said, to establish recognition in the global market, it is necessary to increase and improve availability of local scarce skills  to attract investment in the manufacturing sector which will lead to increased employment numbers.

To this end, RGC, in partnership with the companies it represents, including Zeiss and Marposs, aims to help fill the skills gap in the local metrology sector.

RGC CEO Aurelio Grech-Cumbo…

Sabrina Jardim:

As a partner and supplier to RGC, metrology equipment supplier Mitutoyo UK MD Ray Penny echoed this sentiment, expressing the importance of educating the next generation of engineers in South Africa.

Mitutoyo UK MD Ray Penny…

While the Production Technologies Association of South Africa (PtSA) trains students in precision machining and toolmaking, Grech-Cumbo noted that the PtSA training does not include the process of checking production.

RGC CEO Aurelio Grech-Cumbo…

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.