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Mechanical Technology — June 2016
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Special report
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E
stablished in Japan in 1959,
SMC Pneumatics is a global
leader in pneumatic technol-
ogy and industrial automation
offering 12 000+ basic components in
over 700 000 variant forms.
Available in 84 countries including
USA, Brazil, Germany and more recently,
South Africa, SMC prides itself on con-
stantly researching and developing and
has been voted one of the world’s most in-
novative companies in Forbes Magazine’s
Top 100 for three consecutive years.
SMC Pneumatics South Africa’s
Global pneumatics specialist
Adrian Buddingh,
general manager of SMC
Pneumatics South Africa.
Having first opened offices in 2015, SMC Pneumatics
South Africa officially opened its purpose built
head office, factory and training facility in Midrand,
Johannesburg on April 21, 2016. Boasting a total
area of 4 317 m², SMC’s new facility is home to a
fully-functional, state-of-the-art showroom, several
fully-equipped training rooms, a warehouse and a
manufacturing and assembly facility for the local
production of selected items.
general manager, Adrian Buddingh spear-
headed the local launch of the pneumatic
giant under the careful guidance of SMC’s
United Kingdom team. “Our local team,
made up of some of the best talent in
the industry, strives to provide ultimate
customer satisfaction around the country
thanks to our customised, cost effective
and quality solutions that ensure that we
raise the bar as world market leaders,”
says Buddingh.
“SMC has invested heavily in our mar-
ket and our production lines are equipped
with the latest technology. Our production
facilities will be fully operational as of
July 2016 and we look forward to being
able to offer shorter delivery times and
availability of non-standard versions of
certain items in our range.”
Under the careful eye of SMC UK
production manager, Peter Austin, pro-
duction facilities are specified not only
to international standards but to SMC’s
stringent quality standards too. “Having
the backing of teams from around the
world, we are able to share and reapply
the latest in innovation and technology
here on African soil.” Buddingh explains.
Truly understanding the needs and
objectives of customers is a value that
SMC emanates everyday “Our extensive
network of 400 sales offices in 83 coun-
tries ensures that we are at the forefront
and also gives us the benefit of being
exposed to more problems and solutions
than our competitors.”
SMC’s national training schedule
developed by national training manager,
Riaan van Eck offers Basic Pneumatics,
Electro-Pneumatics, Basic Hydraulics,
Electro-Hydraulics and Mechatronic
courses. The courses are designed to
cover both theory and practice and
make use of some of the latest, state-of-
the-art training equipment. Additionally,
SMC Pneumatics also prides itself in
its constant pursuit for customisation
and thereby offers customised training
courses should businesses require a
tailored curriculum. “Training is critical
to our success. In order to generate
competitive advantage, our team goes
on training throughout the year.”
Providing solutions for almost every
industry imaginable ranging from elec-
tronics and automotive to food and pack-
aging and life sciences, SMC Pneumatics
is built upon three pillars, which ensure
its success across diversified markets:
• Product and supply
– SMC is able
to provide wide range, low cost, high
quality and fast delivery worldwide,
thanks to its integrated production
system.
• Service network
– SMC comprises
over 6 000 sales staff worldwide and
assists with service improvements
and advancements in new product
development.
• Technology development
– SMC ac-
tively develops new products whilst
improving pneumatic control devices.
“Our strategy is one of long-term invest-
ment and growth. We are taking all the
necessary steps to ensure that we can
maintain and deliver international quality,
cost effectiveness and customer-specified
solutions whilst creating a positive in-
ternal culture through communication,
ongoing training and the right people
for the job.”
International support has been instru-
mental in SMC’s local success thus far
The stylish interior of the new facility.