RC&C Manufacturing (www.rccman.co.za), a specialist provider of world-class electronic and turnkey manufacturing solutions began trading in 1978 as Panasonic Manufacturing Company, making National and Panasonic-branded consumer products. Based in the Western Cape, the company today is a leading assembler and manufacturer of all types of electronics goods. Bertus Bresler, RC&C's business development manager, answers a few key questions as to what the company is looking forward to for the next year.
How does the South African economy affect your business?
The current state of the economy has had a definite positive effect on our business with many new prospective projects identified for 2006. RC&C is currently growing faster than the South African economy due to positive market sentiment, and RC&C is taking advantage of this.
In terms of product exports what is your prognosis for 2006? (w.r.t.rand/dollar rates)
RC&C indirectly exports product, so fluctuation of the rand has a direct impact on this business.
Was 2005 poor/good/great? What are your expectations for 2006?
It has been a good year for our business with a number of opportunities created for 2006. A year of growth allowed us to put in place all the necessary infrastructure to aggressively expand into the turnkey contract manufacturing market, both locally and overseas.
Do you experience any supply problems? Can this be improved?
Although RC&C has been a player in the market for more than 35 years, supply can always be improved with our fully-integrated MRP system. With proper planning, problems are kept to a minimum.
Are there any issues in the industry that need to be tackled?
Promoting, supporting and protecting this industry sector needs attention. The SA electronics industry is a very small and dormant sector with a lot of potential. I see so many new innovative products but it seems there is a lack of capability to properly take these products to market (commercialise).
Is the government or other industry organisations doing enough for the local electronics industry?
In the last year the South African Electrotechnical Export Council has done much for the industry, and institutions like the dti also now recognise the electronics industry as a sector in its own right, which will support future growth. Is government doing enough? No, although there is a definite willingness from it to support this industry. However, there is still much work to be done to promote the industry in South Africa and abroad.
Any final comments about the industry/business?
Yes, we are competitive internationally. When investigating exporting, companies must be selective geographically and in the type of product they want to export. As long as the products are for niche markets and volumes are less than a million a year, China is not a threat.
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