The purpose of the presentation was to show the local industry how technology can be applied to aid in addressing a number of problems currently being experienced by the SA Tooling Industry.  Principal amongst these are the strength of the Rand, which is placing great pressure on our price-competitiveness, and the constant demand by the OEMs for higher quality - at a lower price and in a shorter time.

The presentation was attended by Managing Directors of a number of the local automotive tool rooms in Kwazulu-Natal. They all expressed keen interest in finding out more about the technologies that will enable them to improve productivity, increase product quality, reduce time to market, and be more competitive.

TASA is currently working with the government and with suppliers to establish world-class training facilities for the SA tooling industry.  This involves setting up training establishments equipped with the latest technology and all the other critical components needed for this key initiative - skills development, specialized institutes, recapitalization of the industry - which are essential if local manufacturers wish to compete for and win both local and international business.  The aim is to "keep it South African" from start to finish!