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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS
OCTOBER 2015
31
holders had ambitions of keeping pace with
changing times by entering a programme of
diversification. This they did, embarking on
new business ventures that allowed them to
enter other sectors where synergies permitted
them to realise these ambitions. KANU’s core
strengths are its expertise and confidence in
its products, not forgetting the innovative ca-
pabilities that make it a market leader.
The strategic objective of both KANU Body
Construction and Automotive Chassis
Technologies is to grow as a force in the
manufacturing industry by expanding their
customer bases in order to better utilise
available infrastructures, thereby maxi-
mising efficiencies to the mutual benefit of
themselves and Isuzu Truck South Africa.
The manufacturing facility at KANU/ACT
consists of various departments, each spe-
cialising in a different aspect of manufac-
turing. The design office is the pulse of the
company, which extends to Quality Control,
Press Shop, Paint Shop, Fabrication Shop,
ACT Truck Conversion and Customising
Shop, Assembly Shop and Final Buy-off.
KANU and ACT have both been ISO9001
accredited for a number of years. Howev-
er, this current industry standard will be
enhanced with the implementation of the
Japanese philosophy of the Kaizen princi-
ples; the greatest impact is led by senior
management as transformational projects,
or by cross-functional teams. One of the
most notable features of Kaizen is that big
results come from many small changes ac-
cumulated over time. These changes will be
developed into the current Standard Operat-
ing Procedures (SOP), with further efficien-
cies and productivity improvements to be
made. This is not an event, but a continuous
process.
The current workforce at KANU/ACT num-
bers 75 personnel of which approximate-
ly half are employed on a contract basis.
Sipho Sandla, until recently the production
plant manager, has been appointed General
Manager, with overall responsibility for the
KANU/ACT operation in Port Elizabeth. Sipho
is no stranger to the automotive industry
and comes with vast experience, span-
ning 23 years, in all aspects of automotive
engineering and assembly line operations.
Having graduated with a Higher Diploma in
Mechanical Engineering (B.Tech) in 1991,
Sipho Sandla has been instrumental in en-
suring that the high standards of assembly
as required by Isuzu Trucks, Japan, have
been maintained in the local product.
The economic pressures which the country
currently faces require bold moves by indus-
tries in general.
Isuzu Truck South Africa remains a dominant
player and will continue to progressively
gain market by being innovative in its ap-
proach to customer centricity.
b
Sipho Sandla (General manager KANU/ACT)
and Craig Uren (COO Isuzu Truck SA)
The economic pressures
currently faced by the country
require bold moves by
industries in general.
TRANSPORT