Conference will examine auto logistics issues

LEONARD NEILL
THE DIVERSIFIED supply of imported materials required by South Africa’s automobile manufacturing industry is providing its own set of problems as inbound consignments increase.
“It’s not merely the export sector that has to be addressed,” says Leatitia van Straten, senior marketing manager of Terrapinn, which will hold an Auto Logistics seminar and conference at the Sandton Hilton from March 23-25 to help counter many of these difficulties.
BMW South Africa’s technical and logistics director Wolfgang Stadler will look at ways of developing better organisation and communication between the top tier component makers and the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
The conference will also offer an insight into the development of Africa’s first automotive supplier park north of Pretoria. General manager Johan Olivier will discuss the shared initiatives being adopted, with project manager logistics Corrie Kotze revealing details of plans to improve supplier efficiency and the establishment of an efficient network for Africa.
Kresen Naicker, South African Port Operations (Sapo) commercial manager, will discuss planned infrastructural developments and logistic management in the country’s harbours, while Leon Raath, Transnet’s general manager logistics, will deliver a paper on the handling of finished vehicles.