Sharpening the SA supply chain with proudly local blades and welding electrodes manufacturing As South African industry returns to work in line with the precautionary measures and phased integration prescribed in level 4 of the current Covid-19 national lockdown, companies are carefully considering how to safely optimise performance, recover lost revenue and preserve jobs. “The swift and necessary action taken by our government has helped to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus and flatten the infection curve. However, there is still a long road ahead. In light of the sustained and serious impact of this pandemic and our national lockdown, we should all be thinking and acting in a way that protects our local economy,” asserts Gary Willis, Director of the First Cut’s Consumables Division. First Cut has been at the cutting-edge of South African industry for the past 64 years. As a proudly local manufacturer and supplier of cutting and welding equipment consumables and distributor of steel cutting and processing equipment, the company is well-positioned to assist customers with time and cost-effective, localised solutions which tailored to suit South African businesses. Willis observes that COVID-19 has brought with it doubts and concerns about the security of the supply chain, availability of stock and lead times: “Throughout our years of operation, First Cut has balanced the sourcing and supply of world-class cutting machines and consumables with a strong local manufacturing presence, and trusted technical support teams.
“As First Cut has always been a manufacturer and distributor of premium quality products, the opportunity to locally manufacture Messer welding electrodes was one we welcomed, as this range very much fits with our quality ethos and current product portfolio,” explains Willis. While there are many cheaper brands of welding electrodes imported into South Africa, he asserts that First Cut is not in that market: “Our electrodes are very much both a cost-effective and quality mid to upper-range product,” he adds.
A further benefit of First Cut’s local manufacturing approach and ethos is the ability to produce world-class private label products for local customers. “Coronavirus has caused companies accustomed to ordering international private label products to re-evaluate their supply risk. First Cut is able to offer these customers a quick and cost-effective, local solution,” he points out, adding that the company is also supplying its blades and welding consumables to many critical-supply industries including the fabrication, meat and timber industry sectors.
As First Cut’s new electrode range is manufactured under licence from Messer, the products have to comply with German, British and American quality standards such as DIN, AWS/ASME and BS. Sample product has been sent to Messer for quality certification and there is continuous monitoring of formulae and processes. As a commitment to its customers, First Cut has made a substantial investment in a high-quality electrode press; as well as industry-standard drying and baking ovens. Both the metal used for the rods and the flux coating are of superior quality. “First Cut is mindful that each of our staff members represents a family and a broader community impacted by drastic and widespread economic disruption of this pandemic. Every South African company and individual can play an active role in our country’s economic recovery by supporting local businesses. In the case of our Messer welding electrodes, supporting local means that customers will not only be saving on import costs, but can buy top-quality, locally-manufactured electrodes at a very affordable price,” he concludes.
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