IndustrialAutomation&ControlinMidrand

Steel fabrication (cut-list & welded assemblies): 2–4 weeks. Injection-moulded plastics (tooling included): 8–16 weeks for tooling + 1–2 weeks per production run. Apparel cut-make-trim: 4–8 weeks for runs under 1,000 units. Lead times stretch 30–50% in November–January due to factory shutdowns and SARS import delays.

Ask for ISO 9001:2015 certification (SANAS-accredited body — not a self-claim). For food: HACCP and R638. For automotive supply: IATF 16949. For medical: SAHPRA registration. Sectoral standards (SABS letters of authority for electrical, SANS for construction) are sometimes mandatory. Demand sample inspection reports before the first PO.

MOQs depend on tooling and material costs. CNC parts: no MOQ (one-off pricing is just more expensive). Injection moulding: typically 1,000–5,000 units to amortise tooling. Apparel: 200–500 units per style/colour. Imports through SA factories use the Chinese MOQ (usually 1,000+) but with shorter LT than direct import.

Yes — under the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2022 and DTIC designated sectors, public-sector procurement demands minimum local content (e.g., 100% bus bodies, 70% textiles, 60% steel pylons). The dti's Verification Agency audits compliance. Misrepresentation is a Tax Administration Act offence and disqualifies you from future tenders for 10 years.