CEO Column: Advancing Regional Manufacturing - The SLIM Industrial Park Initiative
The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reached a definitive milestone in its efforts to revitalise the regional manufacturing sector. Following an extensive period of public-private consultation, the Chamber has appointed Graham Choice to lead the implementation phase of the Scaled Labour Intensive Manufacturing (SLIM) flagship project.
Choice, whose professional background includes the founding of Prestige Clothing and the executive management of TFG’s supply chain, will oversee the transition from conceptual framework to operational prototype. This project is a critical component of the Chamber’s broader strategy to enhance regional competitiveness. It addresses the higher than necessary input costs that hinder our export potential.
The progression of this project reflects a shift toward active stakeholder participation.
The Chamber is increasingly calling on businesses to take ownership of their specific precincts and sectors by collaborating with us to improve competitiveness of their operating environments. This model of Lead Firm Consensus ensures that those with the greatest stake in an area’s success—the local businesses—are given the helm to steer precinct improvement.
This more strategic economic direction then increases the efficacy of public investment and service provided.
The objective of the SLIM project is to establish a compliant, scalable model that addresses the high cost of production currently inhibiting local light manufacturing. By reformatting the traditional plant modus operandi, the model aims to achieve a significantly improved manufacturing minute rate, ensuring that goods produced in the Western Cape can reach the port at a globally competitive price point.
The framework—developed by manufacturing expert and Chamber board director Professor Justin Barnes—is built upon several core structural changes.
These include a “4x4” work rotation system, meaning two work teams work longer shifts for 4 days, then have 4 days off. Like nurses do. This optimises year-round plant utilisation, and reduced overheads through shared services and green energy.
Strategically located staff housing is also integrated into the model to reduce transport-related cost burdens on the workforce.
The project is now entering a six-month consultation and parameter-setting phase. During this period, the project team will engage with international and local retailers to align the model’s value proposition with market demand.
Proving this concept is intended to provide a blueprint for labour-intensive job creation that complements our ongoing efforts to streamline the province's logistics and encourage businesses to lead the revitalisation of their own industrial nodes.
John Lawson
CEO of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry