CV of speaker – Rob Stewart

Previous positions:                                      

PROFFESIONAL RECORD

As a researcher I have undertaken a variety of national and international research projects across a range of sectors, from socio-economic development to health, psycho-social and behavioural research.  This multi-disciplinary experience has provided me with a good understanding of the context in which industrial development can or cannot occur.

I am currently the Clothing and Textiles Operations Director at Benchmarking and Manufacturing Analysts Pty (Ltd) (B&M Analysts), South Africa’s foremost industrial benchmarking, project management, training, clustering, and research organisation.  My role includes oversight of the Cape and KZN Clothing and Textile Clusters, of which B&M Analysts is the appointed service provider. In addition, I assist on the automotive side of the business through the South African Automotive benchmarking Club and Durban Automotive Cluster. 

Prior to joining B&M Analysts, I was instrumental in starting Development Research Africa Pty (Ltd) and assisted in doubling employment and productivity. I also gained experience in the early initiatives of BEE in South Africa, supporting the development of four Trusts designed to create sustainable employment for temporary staff.

I have previously worked as a professional in the following countries: South Africa, Botswana, Uganda, Malawi, India and Bangladesh. A full list of specific projects is available upon request.

Synopsis of the presentation:

World Class Manufacturing (WCM) techniques have been proven over and over again and offer alternatives to the traditional capacity-driven approaches of mass production and economic order quantities. This presentation outlines the rationale behind the adoption of WCM in the clothing and textiles industry, opportunities identified for cost savings through operational improvements and offers practical evidence of South African companies that have experienced improvements through WCM projects.