Machine Tools Africa to play crucial role in education, skills development

The upcoming Machine Tools Africa 2024 exhibition will serve as a comprehensive platform for showcasing the latest innovations in machine tools and related technologies.

It also plays a crucial role in education and skills development, which is vital for sustaining industrial growth in South Africa.

The event aims to be an indispensable gathering for all stakeholders in the engineering and manufacturing industries, says exhibition management company Specialised Exhibitions – a division of the Montgomery Group – portfolio director Charlene Hefer.

Hosted at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec from May 21 to 24, the event, owned by industry organisation Machine Tool Merchants’ Association of South Africa (MTMA) and organised in partnership with Specialised Exhibitions, aims to bring together industry leaders, innovators and stakeholders.

The exhibition is anticipated to be “a pivotal event” for those involved in machine tools, computer numerical control (CNC) machinery, three-dimensional (3D) printing, and robotics, besides others.

MTMA chairperson Mike Lee is quite enthusiastic about this year’s event, as exhibitors are eager to showcase their latest developments and technologies.

The exhibition will provide a platform for live demonstrations, enabling attendees to witness the effectiveness of new technologies first hand, which include advancements in automation and Industry 4.0.

This hands-on experience is invaluable for industry professionals looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving sector, Lee notes.

With a focus on innovation and collaboration, the Machine Tools Africa exhibition is set to spotlight the latest technologies from leading industry suppliers, says Hefer.

The event is expected to draw thousands of visitors from South Africa and neighbouring African countries, making it a significant gathering for networking and business opportunities.

Skills and Innovation Showcase

This year’s exhibition will also mark the debut of private vocational training college Sol-Tech.

The college offers world-class training in key trades and has a strong record of equipping students with the necessary skills to excel in the workforce, says Sol-Tech MD Paul van Deventer, who highlights the institution’s pride in its students’ dedication and discipline.

Attendees can enjoy various activities and witness demonstrations by students, showcasing their prowess on various equipment, at the Sol-Tech stand.

Another highlight of the exhibition is the WorldSkills South Africa competition, which will showcase the talents and expertise of competitors and culminate in the announcement of winners on the final day of the event.

The competition aims to raise the bar for vocational training and education, highlighting the excellence and skills of local artisans, Hefer says.

The exhibition also offers a series of free-to-attend seminars, hosted by industry organisation South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering (SAIMechE).

The seminars will cover a range of topics pertinent to the industry, including safety, sustainability and skills development, aligned to the daily themes of the event.

Speakers such as safety and risk management systems provider OHSS Consulting owner Chris Coetzee and wastewater treatment systems provider Water Solutions and Innovations technical director Stephan du Toit will delve into essential topics such as occupational health and safety procedures, and sustainable water treatment technologies.

A plethora of new products will also be launched at the event.

For example, machining manufacturer RETECON will unveil the N.K.O Stinger 300 bevelling system, and TRUMPF CN’s new series of fibre lasers and press brakes.

Machine construction company Puma Machine Tools will introduce laser machines and electric press brakes, highlighting their energy efficiency and superior performance.

Industrial machinery provider FANUC South Africa is set to display its new machining centres and robotics, emphasising compact design and operational efficiency, while industrial equipment supplier BMG will showcase new high-precision mircrometers and digital 3D tasters.

The exhibition is supported by the South African Capital Equipment Export Council, SAIMechE and the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association.

This support underlines the event's importance in promoting industry growth, innovation and collaboration.

“Machine Tools Africa 2024 is more than just an exhibition. It is a crucial networking opportunity for industry professionals to connect with peers and potential business partners,” adds Hefer.

The event highlights the industry’s adaptation to new technologies and its readiness to tackle future challenges with innovative solutions: “The inclusion of educational seminars and skills competitions adds further value to the event, making it essential for anyone involved in the engineering and manufacturing sectors,” she concludes.