Hexagon
Hexagon appoints Shiven Sukraj as Vice President, Africa
Hexagon announces its appointment of Shiven Sukraj as Hexagon’s Vice President, Africa. Sukraj will lead the African manufacturing division and support manufacturers across the continent by providing powerful software and hardware solutions. The digital reality solutions provider hopes that its customers will experience enhanced design, manufacturing, and inspection processes, allowing them to produce high-quality products in a time-efficient manner.
“Africa is rapidly emerging as a pivotal hub for global manufacturing operations – its new automotive and aerospace plants are some of the most advanced in the world with significant benefits upstream for the Tier 1, Tier 2 and their suppliers,” said Sukraj. “Africa is brimming with resourceful young people, and we want to empower SMEs with technologies that make the motivated, and successful. Our team has encountered machine shops where technicians were struggling to make consistent quality measurements using vernier callipers – with Hexagon technology a new hire can measure and make a 3D laser scan of any component in an accurate and repeatable way while satisfying the demanding needs of most OEM customers, and without requiring decades of metrology experience.”
He continued, “I discovered Hexagon by chance and further investigation into its portfolio convinced me that Hexagon would be a dynamic environment to work in and a strong technology partner to support the root-and-branch growth of the manufacturing industry and supply chain throughout Africa. I think we are uniquely equipped to harness this potential because our extensive manufacturing expertise and portfolio support both scaling and localisation efforts, ensuring that quality is embedded throughout the value chain. I look forward to working with an ecosystem of like-minded dynamic and motivated people to help create sustainable economies and prosperity across our continent.”
Hexagon is investing in building a South African-based team as well as growing partnerships across the continent to better serve its customers. By focusing on these two areas, the digital reality solutions provider hopes to supply day-to-day tools and transformational technologies across Africa. Additionally, Hexagon is helping to promote local innovation including grassroots manufacturing initiatives and start-ups.
Hexagon hopes to help companies, especially small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), adopt automation and digitalisation technologies, helping to improve efficiency levels. Additionally, the Swedish-based company aims to provide training and upskilling opportunities to help users operate and maintain advanced technologies.
The manufacturing industry in Africa
The African workforce is predicted to need 18 million new jobs each year until 2035, which the manufacturing industry may help play a part in. With global trade barriers and declining car sales in China, the USA, and Europe, automakers are moving to North Africa to build plants and facilities as the region is experiencing new-found wealth.
Hexagon currently has 24 partners in Africa that help with distribution and sales across the continent. Sukraj will be based in South Africa, leading the development of Hexagon’s business across Africa.