BMA

Through our Shared Learning Programme, we are dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where manufacturing leaders like Leanette Moodley from Associated Additives shared, ‘Learning about systems that have worked well over the years is a privilege. Managers are coaches, and PDCA is good practice for formalising processes.' We’re foster a space where industry professionals can explore new ways of thinking and gain valuable tools to drive purposeful change in their organisations.

💡 Rethinking Industrial Policy in Manufacturing In an article by our COO, Jake Morris, we dive into why industrial policy—when applied strategically—can position manufacturing for sustained growth and innovation. Here are 3 Key Takeaways for industry leaders: Dive into Jake's full article on harnessing industrial policy for growth in manufacturing: https://lnkd.in/dmiBcXtF

Our Shared Learning sessions bring together industry leaders, experts, and participants to exchange knowledge on practical, innovative methods for tackling challenges specific to the manufacturing sector. The sessions typically focus on best practices from renowned companies, such as Toyota SA, Bell Equipment South Africa, Equator - The Belt Factory™ , Cape Union Mart Group, TFG (The Foschini Group), The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company , Smiths Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd, K-Way, Hesto Harnesses and more, to improve areas like operational consistency, sustainability, and strategic development in South African industries. Insights are shared through a collaborative, learning-based approach, which enables participants to adapt proven strategies.

Join the TWIMS Industrial Policy Roundtable Shaping South Africa’s Industrial Future TWIMS invites you to an exclusive Industrial Policy Roundtable on: 📅 Wednesday, 19 February 2025 ⏰ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM 📍 TWIMS Auditorium, Durban This engaging session will bring together top experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to delve into the key challenges and opportunities for South Africa’s industrial policies in 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to shaping South Africa’s industrial future! 🔗 RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/dJVWhns7 We look forward to your participation!

We facilitated the Durban Automotive Cluster Accelerator Programme, connecting high-potential SMEs with leading manufacturers in the automotive sector. Watch this video testimonial from Nikita Govender and David Joubert, Directors of Sirius Manufacturing Group, who were awarded the Best Overall Business Case at our latest Dragons' Den event:

At a Manufacturing Meet up, we were honoured to have internationally recognised expert Mike Hoseus guide us through the transformative power of the 4P Culture framework: Purpose, People, Process, and Problem Solving. These pillars are essential for manufacturing firms aiming to stay competitive in today’s dynamic market. This session focused on Problem Solving—the final "P" in our series. Mike emphasised that for a truly effective company culture, everyone, from operators to top management, should be actively engaged in solving problems. Here’s how it breaks down: Operators and supervisors focus on standardised work and Kaizen. Managers handle enterprise-level problem solving, directing teams and ensuring continuous improvement. Top management sets the overall direction, aligning objectives with the company’s vision and ensuring cross-organisational problem solving. This multi-layered approach ensures that each level plays a role in fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Key takeaway? Problem-solving isn’t just a task—it’s a mindset that must be cultivated across the organisation for sustainable growth and competitiveness. #4PCulture #ContinuousImprovement #Kaizen #ProblemSolving #ManufacturingExcellence

In many organisations, "problem-solving" often looks more like "firefighting"—putting out urgent issues without truly resolving their root causes. The result? The same problems keep resurfacing, demanding our time and energy day after day. At our recent webinar, we explored the Toyota Motor Corporation Eight-Step Problem-Solving Process—a framework that challenges us to go beyond quick fixes and focus on root-cause solutions. Here’s the key difference: Fixing is tackling symptoms and moving on to the next issue. Solving is understanding the root cause, developing a countermeasure, and then embedding that learning into standard work and training. Imagine if each team leader, supervisor, or manager committed to solving just one problem each day, by truly solving it. By making root-cause problem-solving part of everyone’s role, we move closer to a culture of continuous improvement where lasting solutions are the norm. Challenge: Ask your team, “What problem are you solving today?” This simple question can be a powerful shift toward sustainable change. Mike Hoseus #Toyota #RootCause #ProblemSolving #ContinuousImprovement #Leadership #ManufacturingExcellence #Kaizen

We’re excited to highlight a recent TV interview hosted by The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) with Kyle Ballard, our Head of SME Development, where he discussed our impactful Origin8 programmes for the automotive and clothing sectors. In the interview, Kyle highlights how Origin8 helps SMMEs align with customer expectations and access sustainable business growth. By addressing key challenges such as demonstrating potential and meeting national retailer requirements, these programmes empower small businesses to thrive in competitive industries. Kyle also shared how partnerships with public funders like the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) play a pivotal role in supporting localisation and SME development. We’re proud to collaborate with ECDC and appreciate their unwavering commitment to uplifting local economies. #SMEDevelopment #Origin8 #Localisation #Partnerships

How did Thailand move from low-emission to new energy vehicles? Their "Industrial Development Strategy" framework is paving the way, with Competitive Advantage-Defying (CAD) and Competitive Advantage-Following (CAF) approaches driving growth. Curious how this model could shape South Africa’s NEV future? Read our latest industry insights post to dive deeper into Thailand’s game-changing strategy and the lessons it holds for our automotive sector:

Customer Compass success story! “My biggest takeaway from the Customer Compass workshop was essentially how everything works and the kind of support there is for SMEs in the space. Scale up slowly, the concept of ‘show me, don't tell me’ to keep finding creative ways to demonstrate evidence of what potential customers are looking for potential customers.” — Philisiwe Danisa, Ikhanda Emafini We facilitated the 2024 Customer Compass Programme, which brought together SMEs in the furniture industry to gain direct insights from major retailers, network with key customers, and access business-building tools. Through engaging Q&A sessions and expert coaching, SMEs like Ikhanda Emafini are empowered to grow and succeed in the competitive retail landscape. CustomerCompass #SMESuccess #FurnitureIndustry