WILEC, a leading manufacturer and supplier of electrical products and technical solutions, officially launched its new employee-owned slitting machines at its Prospecton manufacturing facility in Durban on 17 October.
The machines will be dedicated to the production of industrial tapes under Wilec’s well-known AVAST brand, which supplies high-performance insulation and technical tapes to industrial, electrical and energy sectors across the continent. The company said the newly commissioned machines mark a key milestone in Wilec’s commitment to local manufacturing, employee empowerment, and industrial innovation.
The acquisition of the machines was made possible through the support of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), which jointly assisted Wilec employees in purchasing the equipment. “This partnership represents a progressive step toward broadening economic inclusivity and strengthening employee participation in South Africa’s manufacturing landscape,” the company said.
“The commissioning of these slitting machines is a proud moment for us at Wilec,” said Nene Mathebula, CEO of Wilec. “It represents more than just an investment in production capacity, it’s an investment in our people. Through this initiative, we are creating opportunities for shared ownership, skills growth, and sustainable local manufacturing.”
The new slitting machines bring enhanced speed, precision and consistency to the production process, supporting Wilec’s goal of improving efficiency and meeting growing demand for industrial tapes across Africa.
“We’re proud that our employees are at the heart of this advancement,” added Mathebula. “It demonstrates the power of collaboration between government, industry, and the workforce all working together to build a stronger, more inclusive manufacturing economy.”
According to the company, the launch celebration at the Prospecton facility marks not only a technological milestone but also a testament to Wilec’s enduring mission to power Africa’s transformation through engineering excellence.
