Manufacturing

KwaZulu-Natal's manufacturing sector is the second largest in the country, after Gauteng Province. Its diversified nature is significant in the KwaZulu-Natal's economic growth rate, and generates 20 percent of provincial employment. Because of the diverse range of the sector a greater number of companies were shortlisted as finalists: Alltube, Altech UEC, ArcelorMittal Steel Newcastle Works, Buckman Laboratories, Clover,  Hulamin

AllTube is a manufacturer of electro-welded thin wall clad flat aluminium tubes for the hi-tech automotive heat transfer industry. Established in 2001, the company is located in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa where it makes a significant contribution to the local economy. Alltube's success is evident in that it has managed to take a considerable market share form traditional suppliers in Europe.

Altech UEC is a leading developer of digital technology for the International Pay-TV Industry and specialises in the provision of integrated solutions comprising specialised hardware supported by innovative software solutions and global logistical support services. 

Altech UEC's innovative technologies can be found in homes across the world providing over 20 million people with a reliable and affordable gateway to digital television based entertainment, education and information. From modest households in Mumbai to sprawling mansions in Sydney, Altech UEC's market leading technology has become an integral part of people's lives.

ArcelorMittal South Africa Limited is the largest steel producer on the African continent, producing 7,1 million tonnes of liquid steel per annum.

The company has a depth of technical and managerial expertise carefully nurtured since 1928, a reputation for reliability and a sharply defined business focus, which has forged the organisation into a modern, highly competitive supplier of steel products to the domestic and global markets.

ArcelorMittal South Africa Newcastle Works is in-line with the international practices on steel manufacturing environment, and will continue to strive to be one of the best Companies in compliance of such standards.

When it comes to understanding the complex challenges facing manufacturing industries, one would be hard-pressed to find a rival to Buckman Laboratories.

The company was founded on the challenging proposition of creating a range of speciality chemicals to control the growth of microbes (microscopically small organisms) without impacting on the environment. Nowadays, a full range of speciality chemicals including, microbiocides, scale inhibitors, polymers, dispersants and defoamers is supplied to a wide array of industries globally and within Southern Africa

Buckman Laboratories has implemented strong global and local strategies that are designed to ensure future sustainable growth through a high level of strategic partnering with major industrial manufacturers.

Clover is the largest dairy company in South Africa and one of the leading manufacturers and marketers of food products in Southern Africa. With a turnover of R5.4 billion and a staff complement of 6900, the Clover group processes 25% of South Africa's milk in 14 factories.

Clover believes that it is inextricably part of the communities in which it operates. Clover's footprint in KZN extends to a vast warehouse, distribution and sales network in Durban, Empangeni, Newcastle, Port Shepstone, Kokstad, Ladysmith and Ixopo. The Queensburgh site currently houses the region's largest distribution and milk processing operations.

Having started out as a single phosphate mining operation some 55 years ago, Foskor has rapidly grown into a reputable and highly profitable producer and processor of phosphate and phosphoric acid. As a result of Foskor's strategic expansion over the years, the  primary business activity has extended from basic mining to the current focus on the beneficiation of phosphate rock and the production of phosphoric acid and phosphate-based fertilizers. These end products are sold locally and globally.

The Group's focus lies in motivating its staff to perform to the best of their abilities and transform the Group into a world-class company that is highly competitive and a source of pride for all South Africans.

The forming and the establishment of the new Foskor Group has provided significant advantages in terms of the Foskor Richards Bay Division's ability to deliver improved Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) performance and contribute to sustainable development outcomes for all stakeholders.

NCP Alcohols manufactures and markets high-quality ethanol, produced from sugar-cane molasses, for the South African and international cosmetic, pharmaceutical and beverage markets.

NCP has an enviable  status as the preferred supplier to the majority of the South African operations of global liquor companies, where it has in excess of 60% of the market share.  In addition, NCP's status as the supplier of choice to many international companies has continued for in excess of 20 years.

NCP was awarded the Monde Selection's most prestigious quality award in 2007: the Special 25 Year Trophy, at the International Monde Selection. The trophy is awarded to companies that have obtained a grand gold medal with palm leaves or a gold medal for 25 consecutive years and NCP Alcohols is the only neutral alcohol producer in the world that has ever been honoured with this award.

Metair Investments Limited incorporates a portfolio of companies that manufacture and distribute products predominantly for the automotive industry. Automotive components are supplied primarily to South African assemblers of new vehicles (OEMs), as well as to the replacement market, with an increasing proportion of the output being exported.

Manufactured products include heating and cooling systems, springs, shock absorbers, lead acid batteries, lighting and signaling devices, plastic mouldings and wiring harnesses.

These include Smiths Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd, Smiths Electric Motors and Smiths Plastics (Pty) Ltd that are established in KwaZulu-Natal and are rated amongst the top 300 companies in South Africa. Smiths' implements its social responsibility programme in the community, supporting over 30 charities in KwaZulu-Natal. Smith's runs diverse educational campaigns and have an AIDS Awareness and Help programme for employees.

Winner

 The company's international success is built on continuously building close relationships with customers through direct contact and operational excellence, while optimizing product mix and lowering costs. Although its activities span more than 50 countries, Hulamin is firmly rooted in South Africa, where the development of the local downstream manufacturing sector remains a key imperative.

Hulamin has a major impact on the local economy. Through investment in its facilities in recent years, several hundred direct job opportunities have been created and several hundred more indirectly amongst local suppliers and service providers. The company has allocated a significant percentage of profit before tax towards investment in the local community, specifically in the areas of health and welfare, education and community development.

The unbundling and listing has presented an opportunity to introduce black equity ownership. This along with other BEE activities, including the 52% black management has placed Hulamin  at the forefront of transformation.