Henkel South Africa launches Loctite mobile van to boost industrial growth and SME development
Henkel South Africa's innovative Loctite mobile van is revolutionising the way SMEs gain access to critical training and resources, driving opportunities and empowerment across the industrial landscape. Discover how this initiative is set to transform communities nationwide.
Image: Supplied.
In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering industrial growth and empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Henkel South Africa has officially unveiled its first Loctite mobile van.
This innovative training unit is set to bring essential product education, technical training, and adhesive demonstrations directly to communities across South Africa.
The mobile van was inaugurated in Johannesburg in partnership with Randel, a proudly South African SME that has been Henkel's trusted logistics partner for over a decade. This launch represents a commitment to enhancing industrial excellence, promoting skills transfer, and supporting inclusive economic growth throughout the nation.
“The primary goals of this initiative are to bring technical training and product knowledge directly to the people and places that need them most, from remote worksites and industrial areas to educational institutions,” stated Natasha Naidoo, Director of Adhesives Industrial at Henkel South Africa. “This project is about improving standards, empowering youth, and equipping SMEs with the necessary tools and support to thrive in a competitive landscape.”
The Loctite mobile van is outfitted with cutting-edge demo stations, industry-specific simulation tools, and digital resources to deliver real-time, on-site training tailored for critical sectors such as mining, manufacturing, construction, and automotive repair. The programme will commence in Gauteng, with plans for a broader nationwide rollout.
Kreolan Pillay, Managing Director of Randel, articulated the significance of the initiative: “This project means growth for us, for Henkel, and for every community we visit. I believe it creates awareness, uplifts small businesses, and presents professional-grade training to people who might never have had access before. The Mobile Van isn’t just transport; it’s a moving opportunity.”
Naidoo elaborated further on the initiative’s broader goals: “By collaborating with a local SME, we aim to empower entrepreneurs with access to high-quality adhesive technologies, technical training, and mobile support at their doorstep. This not only enhances their operational capabilities but also stimulates job creation and skills development within their communities. The mobile van also acts as a platform for co-creation and problem-solving, encouraging local innovators to experiment with new applications of Loctite products across diverse industries.”
Beyond technical demonstrations, the van will facilitate skills development workshops, showcase practical applications of Henkel’s esteemed adhesive technologies, and extend expert guidance to SMEs that are typically confined to formal training centres.
The initiative resonates with Henkel’s global mission to be “Pioneers at Heart for the Good of Generations,” establishing that innovation and social impact can coexist harmoniously. “When corporates and SMEs unite with purpose, the outcome transcends business. It’s about building industries that are not only stronger and more inclusive but also ready for the future,” concluded Naidoo.