Sasol-ChemCity – Operational Review and Business Support for HEA Clothing (Pty) Ltd, a beneficiary of Sasol’s SMME Incubator
In February 2011, Mthente was commissioned by Sasol-ChemCity to review the operations of HEA Clothing (Pty) Ltd and assist the SMME in achieving its growth objectives as outlined in its growth plan. HEA Clothing is a supplier of protective clothing and work wear to Sasol; and is situated in Evander, near Secunda, in Mpumalanga.
ChemCity, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sasol Chemical Industries, was formed in 1998 and acts as a business incubator to facilitate the establishment of independent downstream SMMEs in the chemical and related sectors. This Sasol subsidiary is designed to provide SMMEs with all the support that they require in order to thrive in the chemical industry. ChemCity provides its services free of charge and does not fund SMMEs.
ChemCity identified several core areas within HEA Clothing that require attention and that are perceived to be critical to ensuring that the company remains sustainable and achieves its growth objectives in the long term. While not exhaustive, the identified areas can be grouped into the following three categories:
- Operational Efficiency factors
- Factory gearing (production line efficiency and production forecasting) and supply chain management.
- Business Promotion
- Development and implementation of marketing strategies.
- Human Resources Development
- Business and factory management training and mentoring of key production employees, with a strong emphasis on skills transfer.
Mthente’s extensive experience within the dynamic clothing and textile sector, together with its expertise and experience in the provision of business support services across a range of settings and sectors, ideally positions it to partner with SASOL-ChemCity in providing the required assistance to HEA Clothing.