AS KwaZulu-Natal prepares to welcome the industrial sector’s leading minds and innovators, RS South Africa is set to participate in the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) 2025, taking place from 22 to 24 July at the Durban Exhibition Centre.
This year’s event promises to be a vital touchpoint for manufacturers, engineers, and plant operators in the region, particularly in the food and beverage sector, a cornerstone of KwaZulu-Natal’s economy. RS South Africa’s stand will spotlight cutting-edge technologies that prioritise safety, efficiency, and sustainability, three critical themes shaping the future of local industry.
According to Erick Wessels, sales director at RS South Africa, the company’s participation in KITE 2025 is grounded in a mission to support the province’s industrial growth and digital transformation.
“At KITE 2025, we will be showcasing a range of industrial solutions, from connected safety systems and predictive maintenance tools to smart sensors and energy-efficient technologies,” says Wessels. “These are designed not only to improve operational uptime but also to help local businesses meet their sustainability goals.”
One of the key features at the RS stand will be the company’s expanding RS PRO range, which offers customers a trusted value alternative without compromising on quality or compliance. The team will also highlight technologies from its ‘Better World’ product portfolio, a selection of products with improved environmental credentials, supporting customers who are committed to greener operations.
RS’s offering is especially relevant in KwaZulu-Natal, where industrial sectors must often balance performance demands with strict health, hygiene, and compliance standards. From corrosion-resistant components and hygienic automation gear to high IP-rated sensors, RS has curated its product selection to align with the needs of the province’s manufacturing landscape.
Beyond the product showcase, RS is also deeply invested in digital enablement. Through its e-commerce platform and smart supply solutions, the company is making it easier for local businesses to streamline procurement and adopt Industry 4.0 practices. Tools like DesignSpark, a free design and engineering platform, further empower engineers and technicians to innovate, prototype, and access critical resources at no cost.
Wessels notes a particularly strong uptake in automation and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) solutions in the province. “We have seen real momentum in the adoption of smart factory technologies, especially in food processing. KwaZulu-Natal-based businesses are integrating PLCs and smart sensors from our range to improve traceability, reduce energy waste, and ensure food safety compliance,” he says. “Our technical support team plays an active role in helping customers navigate this shift.”
RS South Africa’s commitment to local skills development also features prominently in its strategy. Through partnerships with universities and technical institutions, as well as outreach initiatives like STEM programmes and Super Skills training, RS is nurturing the next generation of technicians, engineers, and industry leaders.
“Skills development is at the heart of our purpose-led strategy,” says Wessels. “Our goal is to help young people in KwaZulu-Natal develop the hard and soft skills needed to succeed in a digital industrial economy.”
In line with this vision, RS is also helping customers tackle sustainability challenges. This includes offering lifecycle data, eco-conscious packaging, and smart energy monitoring solutions to support carbon reduction and resource optimisation.
RS South Africa says KITE is more than a trade event, it is a platform to listen, collaborate, and co-create the future of the province’s industrial economy. “KITE brings together industry leaders, decision-makers, and innovators under one roof,” says Wessels. “It is a chance for us to strengthen relationships and demonstrate how RS can help local businesses grow safely, sustainably, and efficiently.”
RS South Africa will be exhibiting at Stand A5.
