News & events


SMC officially opens its doors in South Africa

1st Quarter 2016 News & events

SMC Pneumatics is now officially launched in South Africa, with further prospects of expansion into Africa in future. Having opened its doors in 2015, 21 April 2016 marked the prestigious official opening of the company’s head office in Midrand, Johannesburg. International support has been instrumental in SMC’s local success thus far and the opening saw top SMC executives from the United Kingdom, Japan, Spain and Germany fly in for the grand opening. “Having access to such a broad and supportive network of global executives is a great privilege for us. It ensures that we are always on top of our game,” says general manager, Adrian Buddingh.

Steve Bangs, director, SMC Pneumatics South Africa; Adrian Buddingh, general manager, SMC Pneumatics, South Africa
Steve Bangs, director, SMC Pneumatics South Africa; Adrian Buddingh, general manager, SMC Pneumatics, South Africa

Buddingh spearheaded the local launch under the guidance of the 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, which ensure that we raise the bar as world market leaders,” continues Buddingh.

Boasting a total area of 4317 m², SMC’s head office is home to a fully functional, state-of-the-art showroom, as well as a warehouse for the local production of select items. “SMC has invested heavily in our market and our production lines are equipped with the latest technology. Our production facilities will be fully operational as of July 2016 and will enable shorter delivery times and availability of non-standard stock items of certain items in our range,” he explains.

Under the careful eye of SMC UK production manager, Peter Austin, production 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 adds.

 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 practical and make use of some of the latest, state-of-the-art training equipment. “Our strategy is one of long-term investment and growth. We are taking all the necessary steps to ensure that we maintain international quality and cost effective, specified solutions, while creating a positive internal culture through communication, ongoing training and the right people for the job.”

 So, what can the market expect from SMC? “Cost effective, high quality, customised offerings and superior service from our team. We strive to work tirelessly to meet your needs and objectives, and believe that our innovation and drive sets us apart. The possibilities are endless,” Buddingh concludes.



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