Multotec named Exporter of the Year as mining equipment specialist strengthens global footprint
The South African mining equipment manufacturer earns top honours for sustained export growth, innovation, and its commitment to local manufacturing while competing successfully on the global stage.
Multotec has been named Exporter of the Year by the South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC), securing both the overall Exporter of the Year title and the category award.
The recognition highlights the company’s sustained export growth, strong localisation strategy, and its ability to compete internationally through innovation, quality manufacturing, and skills development.
The award followed a comprehensive evaluation process and reflected Multotec’s long-term contribution to South Africa’s export economy, particularly its success in expanding into international markets while maintaining robust local production, employment, and supplier development.
According to SACEEC, the Exporter of the Year Award identifies companies that demonstrate sustained export growth, strategic market expansion, strong localisation, operational excellence, and long-term international competitiveness, criteria against which Multotec consistently performed.
According to Etienne Smit, Group Supply Chain Manager at Multotec, the award recognises an export strategy deliberately built over many years.
“This acknowledgement shows how Multotec has grown its international footprint while keeping manufacturing, skills and value creation firmly rooted in South Africa. Export success for us is not accidental, it is the result of long-term planning, continuous innovation, and an unwavering focus on quality,” he says.
As highlighted in SACEEC’s evaluation, exports now account for 55% of Multotec’s total turnover, with the company supplying mining and mineral processing solutions to customers in more than 100 countries across six continents. Africa remains the largest export market, contributing over 60% of export revenue, supported by growing demand from Australia, Europe, and the Americas.
Multotec’s ability to compete across diverse regions is underpinned by solutions engineered for specific operating conditions, from copper operations in Zambia to lithium projects in South America.
“Our customers operate in various environments, and our solutions are designed accordingly. That adaptability is a key reason why we are able to compete globally and deliver consistent performance,” Smit explains.
SACEEC’s recognition also reflects Multotec’s continued investment in technology and process innovation, enabling improved plant performance, reliability, and sustainability at mining operations worldwide.
“Innovation is measurable for us,” says Smit. “We use technologies that extend equipment life, reducing downtime, improving yields, and supporting more sustainable operations. These outcomes directly translate into long-term value for our customers.”
Multotec’s global competitiveness is further strengthened by compliance with international standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. The company also holds Level 1 Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status, enabling faster customs clearance, reduced risk, and improved delivery timelines for export shipments.
“These accreditations are critical when operating in international markets. They assure customers that our products meet global quality, safety, and ethical standards,” adds Smit.
Central to Multotec’s export success is its “Global Presence, Local Expertise” philosophy, a differentiator recognised during SACEEC’s assessment. This approach ensures that international growth continues to support South Africa’s industrial base.
The company operates manufacturing facilities and office space exceeding 70 000 m² and employs nearly 1 500 people in South Africa. Export growth directly sustains local manufacturing capacity, supplier development, and skills retention, reinforcing Multotec’s contribution to the domestic economy.
Multotec has also established a local presence in key international markets, including China, Brazil, Australia, Botswana, Zambia, Chile, Canada, Germany, and Ghana. These operations enable in-country assembly, fabrication, technical support, and skills transfer.
“We don’t simply export products,” says Smit. “We share knowledge, by building local capability in our markets, and supporting local teams in maintaining and optimising our solutions. This ensures customers receive fast, world-class service wherever they operate.”
Skills development was a key factor in Multotec’s Exporter of the Year recognition, with investment in people forming a cornerstone of the company’s export strategy. Multotec invests more than R10 million annually in skills development initiatives, including learnerships and technical training programmes.
“Our people are our most valuable asset. They are not just trained to operate equipment, but to analyse, solve problems, and continuously improve solutions. That depth of expertise is what builds trust with international customers and supports long-term relationships,” says Smit.
Multotec continues to expand its global reach through participation in international conferences and exhibitions. These platforms support market entry, brand visibility, and long-term relationship building, enabling the company to share technical expertise and deepen engagement across Africa, South America, Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region.
“Winning the SACEEC Exporter of the Year Award acknowledges our people, innovation and contribution to South Africa’s export economy,” Smit concludes. “The award affirms Multotec’s ability to deliver consistent export growth while strengthening South Africa’s industrial base, aligning directly with SACEEC’s mandate to promote globally competitive, locally rooted exporters.”
