South Africa’s multi-disciplinary trader and manufacturer

A diverse company with a variety of services, Paul Moeller & Company (Pty) Ltd., John Whittle Components (PTY) Ltd. (JWC), & PMC Sewing Systems (PTY) Ltd.—the entities that make up the PMC Group—understands that to stay on top and run a multi-disciplinary business means maintaining the utmost diligence and expertise. The company is a well-known importer of machinery and materials in the footwear industry representing a number of suppliers worldwide. The group is also involved in manufacturing shoe components, lasts, woven, printed and embossed labels.

The company was founded in 1963 in Cape Town as a subsidiary to a German footwear machinery supplier and has now evolved into a supplier to not only the footwear and clothing industry but also the packaging and printing, die making, automotive, furniture, and signage industries. Starting in a one-room office, the group has grown to a staff of 180 and is well represented throughout South Africa with offices in Durban (its head office), Johannesburg, and Cape Town.

Company focus

During the last decade the company has followed a strategy of diversification and does business in a number of different countries throughout Africa. It has become well-known in the industry for its machinery supply and diverse array of manufacturing services, especially in footwear. Andre Compion, CEO of the PMC Group, says, “We supply into a number of countries throughout Africa, not only in footwear but also in the printing and packaging industries. We supply into Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, DRC, Ghana, Nigeria, Mauritius and Ethiopia.”

The company has recently installed a router into Namibia, and is busy installing complete factory units into Ghana, with cutting equipment on the way to DRC. Paul Moeller & Co. (Pty) Ltd., not only supply reliable equipment, but supplying the entire necessary backup for turn-key installations and after sales service including spare part supply. The group proudly boasts more than 150 years of combined technical experience amongst its staff in its various branches.

PMC initiated in the footwear industry supplying every machine needed for the manufacturing of all types of shoes. It has expanded upon its knowledge of machinery into other industries.

PMC now supplies equipment and consumables needed to manufacture cutting dies for the printing and packaging industry, design and cutting equipment for point of sale displays, corrugated box making and printing machinery, routers and lasers into various industries, as well as a number of different consumables and equipment needed in the printing industry. The company has built up a particular interest in Anilox Rolls and doctor blades and offers a cleaning and analyzing service for Anilox rolls of all sizes.

Although machinery was traditionally mainly imported from Europe they have extended this supply from North America.

“Using the knowledge and experience that we gained in the footwear industry PMC have become one of the leading cutting suppliers in South Africa,” says Compion.

The sewing technology gained in the footwear industry has also allowed PMC to expand into the automotive seat making industry.

With manufacturing plants in Durban and Cape Town, JWC offers the footwear industry lasts, soles in PU, TPU, TPR, PVC as well as a range of heels.
PMC Sewing Systems offers its customers woven labels in satin, damask and taffeta as well as printed labels and embossed labels that are manufactured in a plant in Pinetown near Durban.

Growth

Compion notes that China has become the obvious place for manufacturing footwear and textiles, and has been for a number of years. However, he does believe that manufacturing for these two sectors will gravitate towards Africa.

“Obviously you can’t hide the fact that the Chinese have made a huge impact on world manufacturing but they have also moved toward manufacturing more complicated products. Apart from the fact that Chinese consumers are starting to consume their own manufactured goods the average worker in China is no longer content in a footwear or clothing factory and has acquired the need to work in a more advanced environment, simultaneously earning higher salaries,” he says. “We have sent numerous members of our staff to China to not only build relations with the Chinese suppliers but also to inspect their manufacturing plants and to investigate the condition of their machines within the manufacturing environment.”

PMC has now built relationships with Chinese and other eastern manufacturers whereby machines are built to specification. Once the machines arrive in South Africa, other inspections and conversions will be made to the machines including fitment of safety measures in order to fulfil South African and European standards.

Compion recognizes the fact that the footwear, textile and clothing industry in South Africa have lost thousands of jobs. There are many different reasons for this but he notes that the South African government has made the turnaround of the exceptionally high unemployment rate a priority and is implementing various measures to stimulate employment. “There are a number of grants and incentives available under the new Customized Sector Programs being implemented on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry through the Industrial Development Corporation in South Africa. We are very excited and optimistic that we are on the right track to improve the skills of our people through various development programs as well as manufacturing investment programs which will hopefully lead to a world class manufacturing environment.”

Dr. Justin Barnes and his team at B&M Analysts have also made tremendous progress convincing retailers that the most successful retailers in the world are targeting localized manufacturing. Being able to replenish fast-selling products in quick turnaround times not only increases sales but eliminates the necessity of high stockholding and unnecessary sales for goods that arrived after the market has turned.

Compion notes that there has been definite growth in Africa and South Africa, which can only mean progress for PMC. “We believe that in the long term there will be a move toward manufacturing textiles and footwear in Africa” he says.

The company also foresees continued growth in the packaging and printing arena.

PMC offers various disciplines in cutting technology from traditional die cutting to automated leather cutting tables with automatic nesting possibilities, waterjet cutting, laser cutting and router tables.

Company standouts

PMC has worked hard over the years to make a name for itself in the manufacturing industry and, in doing so, has left many clients content with its quality products and services. Compion notes that it is one of the few companies that have a multi-service approach. “At present we are unique in the industry as we are one of the only companies still to offer the full spectrum of supply of machinery, installing the equipment and offering a full after-sales service,” he says. “There are a number of one man bands offering equipment to the market but fall short in reliability and long-term back up.”

The company is one of the biggest suppliers of machinery in South Africa and that is partly due to its commitment to training its staff. “We are constantly planning for the future and training remains a priority. We are one of the only companies in the industry that still does this, and our customers are extremely appreciative of this.”

With varied services within the manufacturing arena and expert staff, the company has certainly created a niche for itself in the African market. PMC will continue growing with its loyal customer support base and its footprint will for long be recognized throughout Africa.  

www.pmcgroup.co.za

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