Artisan Training Institute (ATI), the black-owned training company, has announced it is to spend R90 million over the next few years to expand its operations.
This was confirmed by ATI co-founder and director Mandisa Nyathikazi, who says the operational expansion will be part-funded by a cash flow and partly by the company’s banks.
The projects include the launch of a motor diesel shop in Hartbeesfontein, to train diesel and tractor technicians – a facility which will be able to accommodate 25 apprentices – and the building of a new head office in the Muldersdrift/Kromdraai area.
Nyathikazi also says the company will also be building accommodation for learners in KZN.
“In addition, our engineering equipment and tools supplier – Toolquip & Allied, an industrial division of the Forge Group – has recently expanded into the Northern Cape, and have opened a branch in Kathu. The branch aim is to grow product sales and service the wide range of industries in the Northern Cape,” she says.
Aubrey Bahula, strategic director responsible for the branches, says that the Northern Cape is famed for its diamond mines around Kimberly, and other mining operations in Sishen, Postmasburg, and Hotazel. Our channel strategy execution places particular emphasis on growing our distribution channel across the country and the SADC region.
Toolquip & Allied differentiation is achieved by using direct means to improve customer service levels and providing convenience, accuracy and speed. Their markets include: mining; state owned corporations and government; educational institutions (FET colleges, private training institutions, technical training schools, universities of technology and universities); the export division serving the sub-Saharan mining sector; and technical training sector.
