HISTORY
The Centre of Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing (CoE) at the North-West University was founded in April 2009 under the leadership of Professor LJ Grobler.
We focus on supporting the manufacturing industry, particularly micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, to develop competitive enterprises that earns good profit margins and that compete successfully in existing and new markets.
We support the production of local products by assisting enterprises to compete both nationally and internationally, building sound businesses and thereby stimulating jobs creation and the South African economy. In addition, we offer expertise with regard to developing and modifying new and existing equipment or plants to improve overall competitiveness.
The CoE conducts world-class research and development in its focus areas of Advanced Manufacturing and uses the knowledge gained to promote the introduction of new manufacturing technology and practice to industry.
We are Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) certificated.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Vision
Our vision is to elevate the manufacturing capabilities of South Africa into a sustainable and globally competitive industry.
Mission
Our Mission is to provide affordable, world-class, advanced manufacturing and capacity building services to the South African industry to increase its productivity and global competitiveness.
Objectives
The objectives of the CoE are the following:
- Perform commercial significant technology research and development.
- Incubation of applied research into commercial viable products or entrepreneurial initiatives.
- Develop commercially viable economic activities/entities.
- Human capital development (training).
- Support development of engineers, artisan and technicians in South Africa (particularly from the previously disadvantaged groups).
- Train research and post graduate students.
- Coordinate skills fast track programme through internships and experiential training.
- Excite scholars with career guidance on manufacturing engineering fields.
- Promote cooperation between industry, education, training institutes and government.
- Improve competitiveness of South African advanced manufacturing industries through specialist services.
Board of directors
The CoE is governed by a board comprising of the following people:
1. Executive Member: Prof LJ Grobler
2. Dean of Faculty: Prof Albert Helberg
3. NWU representative: Prof Rudi van der Walt
4. dti representative 1: Dr Julius Nyalunga
5. dti representative 2: Ms Nomfuneko Majaja
6. CSIR representative: Ms Karen van Breukelen
7. Univ. representative 1: Prof Walter Focke
8. University representative 2: Prof Michael Kachienga
9. Industry representative 1: Mr At von Wielligh
10. Industry representative 2: Mr Hennie Roets
11. Provincial government representative 1: Mr Neville Maimane
12. IDC representative: Dr Ntokozo Mthembu
13. Industry representative Dr Lucky Mathebula
|