Durban Chemicals Cluster

In November 2024, senior South African executives joined the Manufacturing Excellence Study Tour in Thailand, hosted by Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies in collaboration with Thammasat University. From exploring Thailand's manufacturing cost competitiveness to identifying actionable strategies, the tour offered invaluable insights. 🗓️ Cluster member firms are encouraged to join our January 2025 Manufacturing Meetup Webinar with: Meghan King, Director at BMA Jake Morris, COO of BMA Gain insights on: 🔹 Thailand’s industrial expansion strategies 🔹 Productivity breakthroughs: machines, materials, human capital & more 🔹 Lessons South Africa can leverage for growth 💡 Don’t miss this opportunity to reimagine your approach to manufacturing competitiveness! 👉 Contact us to register: [email protected]

Over seven months, 14 Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster (CCTC) members achieved an 11% reduction in absenteeism – recovering an incredible 1.2 million production minutes through the Project Present initiative. Using lean methodology, the programme measured, analysed root causes, and developed a standard operating procedure to drive this reduction. Facilitated by Courtney Grant (BMA), the discussion featured invaluable insights from Johann Baard (South African Apparel Association), Bobby Fairlamb (K-Way: Cape Union Mart Group), and Tiffany Venter (Imagemakers Corporate Fashion). Here are our key learnings from the session:

On the 6th and 7th November, we hosted an impactful Origin8 Programme at Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS), bringing together 22 delegates from 19 Chemical SMMEs across eThekwini. This CHIETA-funded initiative empowered SMMEs to refine their value propositions and tailor their business pitches to meet the needs of large customers. 💡 Highlight of the Programme: A panel discussion featuring industry leaders from NCS South Africa, H&R Group South Africa, and Sherwin-Williams, where SMEs gained critical insights into what it takes to be a high-performing supplier in the chemicals sector. Thank you to CHIETA - The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority and the eThekwini Municipality for their invaluable support in making this event possible. #Origin8#DurbanChemicalsCluster #CHIETA #SustainableGrowth

🚀 Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Lessons from The Toyota Way Our commitment is to assist our members in achieving new levels of success, and we have gained valuable insights from a pioneer in this methodology – Toyota SA. Mike Hoseus has imparted profound wisdom on cultivating personnel and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement, drawing inspiration from the principles of the "Toyota Way." #ContinuousImprovementCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #ToyotaWay

Throwback to an unforgettable day at the Durban Chemicals Cluster AGM at the Royal Durban Golf Club to navigate the future of Durban's chemical industry in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). A huge thank you again to our distinguished panelists—Verusha Malapermal (BASF ), Mbongeni Michael Ndlovu (Toyota SA ), Ravesha Govender (eThekwini Municipality ), Rudi Van Niekerk (DCC), and Meghan King (BMA )—for sharing your expertise and leading these critical conversations about opportunities and challenges in Africa’s evolving trade landscape. Special appreciation goes to our dedicated funders, eThekwini Municipality, for their ongoing support of the DCC’s mission. Swipe through for some highlights from the day and relive the moments that made this gathering special. #DurbanChemicalsCluster #DCCAGM2024 #AfCFTA #DurbanIndustry #TradeInAfrica #ChemicalIndustry

🚀 Team Leader Development Programme 2025 - Registrations Open! Are you ready to elevate your team's performance? We are offering 3 complimentary spots for member firms to register for the 2025 TLDP Online-on-Demand Programme. This powerful blend of leadership techniques and lean manufacturing skills has already delivered proven results: Last year’s class collectively saved their companies R1.8 million, with each learner returning an average of R12 for every rand invested. 💡 Key Dates: 📅 Registrations Close: 13 December 2024 📅 Course onboarding and launch: January 2025 👥 Limited Free Spots Available — additional spaces offered at a preferential rate. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your team’s capabilities with practical skills! Contact us to register and find out more: [email protected] #Leadership #Manufacturing #TLDP #TeamDevelopment #LeanManufacturing

🌱💡 In a manufacturing meet up session, we delved deep into the realm of renewable energy solutions within the manufacturing industry, showcasing a case study from Cape Town. Here are our top learnings from the manufacturer in the session:

At BASF, making a significant contribution to the industry is a top priority. Recently, BASF in South Africa was honored by the Durban Chemicals Cluster (DCC), with support from the eThekwini Municipality, during the DCC Annual General Meeting for our contribution to the industry development. The event was attended by our Head of Sales for Dispersions & Resins, Verusha Malapermal. This recognition highlights the important role we play in advancing the industry through various initiatives, including our sustainable chemical solutions, talent development, and the positive social impact we have in the communities where we operate. #Basf #industryleaders #winningways

💡 AfCFTA: Opportunities and Challenges for Durban's Chemical Industry At our recent AGM, industry leaders explored the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for the chemical sector. Here’s what we learned: #DurbanChemicalsCluster #DCCInsights #AfCFTA #TradeInAfrica #ManufacturingIndustry

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an impactful day at our Durban Chemicals Cluster AGM, hosted at the scenic Royal Durban Golf Club. Over 50 firms attended to discuss the future of Durban's chemical industry within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Special thanks to our insightful panellists— Verusha Malapermal (BASF), Mbongeni Michael Ndlovu (Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies), Ravesha Govender (eThekwini Municipality), Rudi Van Niekerk (H&R Group) and Meghan King (BMA)—for leading the charge on the opportunities and challenges our industry faces in Africa’s expanding trade landscape. Additional thank you to our funders, eThekwini Municipality; for their continued support for the DCC’s vision and for making it possible to bring these conversations to life. #DurbanChemicalsCluster #DCCAGM2024 #AfCFTA #DurbanIndustry #TradeInAfrica #ChemicalIndustry