Campbell sees Exciting Future

20 Years Ago

mike campbellRecently elected Sassda (Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association) chairman, Mike Campbell, predicts an exciting yet demanding future for the stainless steel industry.

Campbell sees Sassda as playing an important role in bridging the gap between the stainless steel industry, government and other role players who together will determine the future of the industry.

“I believe we have to pursue the changes taking place in society being particularly sensitive to the affect these have on our members.”

Campbell is particularly concerned at the skills level in the manufacturing industry.  “We have to embrace the latest in technology and skills while at the same time turn our attention to literacy.  The skills that have been lost must be replaced even if it means importing them as a short term solution.”

Campbell says that Sassda is proactive in providing training programmes but greater participation from industry is essential.

Campbell is a firm believer in the open market and believes the strength of any business sector is dependent on highly developed, multiple sources of supply.  Too much reliance on one source can result in instability.

Campbell is group managing director of National Dairy Equipment (Pty) Ltd (NDE), a position he has held since 1985.  Prior to that he was with Anglo American as a management trainee and prior to that he was with Peat Marwick, now KPMG and holds a B.Com (Wits) H.Dip Acc (Wits) and a CA (SA).