FOCUS
FOCUS Mpumalanga Stainless Initiative Columbus Stainless supports MSI to beneficiate stainless steel. Mpumalanga Stainless Initiative (MSI) was established in 2001 and registered as a non-profit company on 24 December 1999. MSI is located in Middelburg, the home of stainless steel and just a few kilometres from Columbus Stainless (Pty) Ltd, Africa’s only producer of stainless steel flat products. MSI has entrenched itself as the only technology-based business incubator in the stainless steel sector that specialises in nurturing sustainable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through stainless steel. Columbus Steel has a vision of growing the economy through stainless steel beneficiation. This can be achieved through their mission of nurturing sustainable SMEs and using their values of product innovation, service excellence and integrity. MSI is predominately targeting unemployed, struggling or dormant stainless steel goods manufacturers who have work experience or are running their businesses in the informal sector. Assistance is also offered to graduates or entrepreneurs, who have experience in manufacturing or engineering of stainless steel finished products. One of the key objectives is also to assist people who have an interest in starting a business and have the potential to create employment opportunities for the community. What MSI offers MSI’s service offering centres on incubation services such as mentoring, monitoring, evaluation and coaching. We use shared infrastructure, technology and knowledge exchange platforms to uplift SMEs in terms of: • Legislative and governance compliance (SARS, CIPC). • Linking the SME to funding and market networks like Columbus, MEGA and other organisations. • Financial management such as obtaining annual financial statements and day-to-day invoicing. • HR management such as assistance with recruitment of workers. • Facility and technology access control. Gaining access to shared machines to manufacture clients’ products. • Operations and production management. On-time delivery of quality products. mpumalanga stainless initiative • Quality management and adherence to customer needs and ISO9001. • Design management, ensuring compliance in terms of patents, trademarks and intellectual property (IP). • Branding and helping to create public awareness and exposure for the product. • Networking in terms of events, workshops and expos. The support generated through the partnership with Columbus Stainless (Pty) Ltd has allowed small businesses to be showcased in terms of procurement opportunities and support services. Active support During the 2017/18 financial year, Columbus supported MSI SMEs to the value of R600 000 in procurement of manufactured finished goods as well as direct purchases of advanced machines with the latest technology. This was done through Columbus Stainless’ Enterprise and Supplier Development programmes. Columbus Stainless further subsidised MSI in terms of operating costs, personal protective equipment, meeting expenses and the training of MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2018/19 24
FOCUS Solar drier manufactured by Madingoana Steel. Seen here is Jenny Nawa from Feed a Child feeding vegetables to be dried in the feeder. staff. Through the support given by Columbus Stainless a total of 12 jobs was created. Additional support is given in terms of technical assistance, skills development, quality assurance, networking platforms, events and marketing for the benefit of the SMEs. SME Zovuya Replica JKHANG Live TECH Bailment Golden Steel Engineering APPLICATIONS: Product Stainless steel coaster sets, certificates and photo frames for Columbus’ long-service award function. Solar driers for Feed-A-Child. Laser-cut South America stainless steel map. Year-end gift steak pans for Columbus Stainless. Carrols Café balustrades and stainless steel artistic trees. Business card holders for Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry banquet gift. Golf day trophies. Applications for access to MSI services can be made by: Tel: +27 (0)13 246 1528 Email: admin@mpstainless.co.za Website: www.mpstainless.co.za The road ahead sees Columbus and MSI forging a Service Level Agreement in order to improve lead times and the quality of goods produced. MSI will also continue to lobby for more private sector involvement. Columbus and MSI urge all companies who have a need for stainless steel goods to involve MSI and have custom-made products made by SMEs. This will help to grow entrepreneurs, develop skills and create jobs in our community. Partners MSI is a member of the Southern African Stainless Steel Development Association (SASSDA) and the Southern African Technology Business Technology Incubation Association (SABTIA). Our stakeholders are • Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) via the Small Business Development Agency (Seda) through their Technology Programme (STP) • Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism • Steve Tshwete Local Municipality • Columbus Stainless (Pty) Ltd. 25 MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2018/19
