Pasdec Automotive Technologies (Pty) Ltd (Pasdec) has been awarded the wiring harness contract for the Renault-Nissan X90 project. The X90 contract pertains to the popular Renault Sandero and Nissan NP200 models.

Pasdec will deliver the first harnesses in May 2011 but has already implemented a far-reaching skills development programme.

Having identified the potential business opportunity in 2010, and in a bid to avoid retrenchments at the time, Pasdec approached merSETA, the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Skills Education Authority and the CCMA, with a view to implementing the Government’s Training Layoff Scheme. The scheme allowed for the training of suitable new candidates, as well as existing staff, so that they could immediately provide the increased capacity required should the tender be awarded. The training costs were borne by merSETA whilst learner allowances for the duration of the training layoff period were paid by the UIF.

Having received Merseta and CCMA approval to participate in the Training Layoff Scheme and the joint funding, Pasdec subsequently invested heavily in developing the human and technological resources required. The candidates have received intensive training and together with existing personnel are fully equipped to meet the quality and productivity demands of the contract.

With a total of 16,000 vehicles per annum for the next five years plus export potential, Pasdec is able to create an extra 117 permanent jobs at its Brits plant, whilst at least another 50 jobs will be secured indirectly with its suppliers.
Kevin Pather, Pasdec’s CEO, is very upbeat about this development.

“At a time when the automotive components industry has been cutting jobs across the board,” says Pather, “we have found a way to meet the challenge set out by the Minister of Finance and the Lead South Africa initiative to create employment opportunities through innovative and entrepreneurial ventures.

“In addition to bringing into South Africa this new business that was previously being conducted in Botswana,” adds Pather, “we have created a significant amount of new jobs for first-time workers. We have also gone to extraordinary lengths to secure employment stability for our existing staff by avoiding retrenchments through the provision of further skills development programmes. For this we are extremely grateful to merSETA and the UIF.”

According to Charles Bodenstein, Pasdec’s HR Manager, a remarkable feature of the training programme that led to 117 new jobs, was that all of the candidates are children of the existing staff.

“Prior to the engagement of the new employees,” says Bodenstein our existing labour force of more than 300 people boasted an average service length of 19 years. We are very pleased, therefore, to be able to enhance this relationship by extending employment opportunities to the children of our loyal employees. With strong Matric pass rates and their subsequent NQF Level 2 qualifications, these young employees offer an infusion of energy, ambition and adaptability to new technologies.”

Kevin Pather has praised NUMSA for its key role in this project.

“Without full trade union participation,” acknowledges Pather, “this innovative project would not have got off to such a smooth start. We are very grateful to NUMSA’s local coordinator Jerry Morulane and his colleagues, who have displayed admirable insight and vision.
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