The electronic component supply business in South Africa is set to undergo a shake-up following a major investment into the local market by global component distribution specialist, Memec.
Memec differentiates itself by providing design-led services to create demand for its suppliers' products, particularly in fast-growing sectors such as telecomms and datacomms. Its focused line card comprises the industry's most innovative and fastest growing designers and manufacturers of electronic technology.
Using the acquisition of Multitech Electronics Corporation (MEC) as the core Memec reproduced its own unique divisional business model, establishing and opening offices of Impact Memec, Insight Memec and Unique Memec countrywide. The former MEC Cape Town offices have been remodelled into an administrative and logistics centre in support of the three divisions nationally.
Each Memec trading division has its own core grouping of franchises, often supplemented by country-specific lines. Divisional line cards include selected, complementary, advanced technology franchises.
Focus on Impact Memec
Impact Memec launched into the local market with a line card of 13 franchises focusing on two main areas: semiconductor and display technology. A few of the Impact Memec lines already had limited availability in South Africa but were transferred to Impact Memec in line with international agreements with the parent company. The NEC and Sanyo franchises moved across from MEC but the majority are new to the local market.
Impact's semiconductor franchises cover advanced products ranging from microprocessors and memories to specialised products for the networking and telecommunications markets. Principals include Hifn, NEC, PMC-Sierra, Power Integrations, Sanyo, Silicon Laboratories and Tundra Semiconductor. Impact Memec also offers an equally impressive range of display products ranging from basic LCDs through full colour TFT and STN panels to plasma monitors. Display companies represented include EDT, Nan-Ya Plastics, Universal Multimedia (plasma displays) and URT.
At the helm of Insight Memec South Africa is Rob McMaster, an Industry veteran of some 15 years. Recruited from Tyco Electronics where he operated as Sales and Marketing Manager for South Africa. McMaster brings valuable experience from his time with Protea, Siemens and more recently, six years with Multitech. Speaking from his desk in Impact's HQ which is conveniently located immediately south of Johannesburg International Airport, McMaster stated that the Impact Memec payroll was largely in place, with an eight-strong technical team located in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Not that McMaster is one to let the grass grow under his feet. "As soon as the new operations are fully consolidated and running smoothly we will open a further Impact Memec office to service KwaZulu- Natal", he said.
Technical support
Among many key features that differentiate Memec from other component distribution operations is the focus that the company places on technical support for electronics engineers, particularly during the all important design process. While McMaster is aware of many innovative developments in SA he indicated that many could be produced overseas in high productivity, low cost contract manufacturers. "The Memec business model encourages divisions to closely involve themselves in the design process, even if the manufacture ultimately takes place elsewhere. The technical assistance that Impact Memec can provide during the design process is real added-value for local industry", he said.
The company's focus on technical competance is apparent from the breakdown of Memec's international personnel structure: more than two-thirds of the entire payroll is technically qualified and in face-to-face contact with the customer. The Memec criteria is a minimum of one field applications engineer to every two technical sales people.
Let's leave the last word to Rob McMaster, Country Director Impact Memec South Africa: "Memec's considerable investment in the South African electronics industry is a very positive sign and I am confident that it will prove to be a big success and a major contributor to all parts of the technology supply chain. Join with me and Memec's local and global management in believing that our local electronics industry will flourish".
For further information, contact Rob McMaster, Impact Memec on (021) 674 4104.
© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved
printer friendly version