Gqeberha, South Africa, 11 December 2023 – Wirk proudly announces the unveiling of its new headquarters, symbolising a bold lead into the tech future for Gqeberha.

Wirk, formerly the software department of S4 Integration, is the newly founded standalone software development division of the S4 Group, offering high-end, fully customized software solutions. The software powerhouse launched its state-of-the-art 70-million-rand headquarters in Circular Drive, a mere 2-minute drive from the S4 Integration head office in Fairview on Friday, the 8th of December.

The software department was established in 2008 with the hire of S4’s first software developer. The company has seen continuous growth since and now boasts over 160 highly skilled software developers. It is this robust growth that called for a more expansive operational environment.
“We have been around for over 25 years and have made a name for ourselves as the preferred automation and software solutions provider”, said Andrew White, Managing Director of S4. “Rooted in a long-term business strategy, the launch of Wirk makes room for more growth, not only for software but for our industrial automation offering too.”

While still staying true to its roots and keeping its core focus in the industrial sector and technical programming, the launch of Wirk is a deliberate move to diversify the company’s primary offering of custom software development services across a broader spectrum of industries. “This evolution reflects our proactive approach to stay at the forefront of technological advancements across a spectrum of sectors and positions Wirk as a leader in an ever-expanding technological landscape.”, expresses Nico Claassen, Chief Operations Officer of Wirk.

Nico continues: “Given our background in turnkey automation, we are well equipped to provide our clients with complete, end-to-end solutions. This is perhaps our most valuable offering: the ability to manage entire projects, from concept to completion, and provide ongoing support thereafter.” Wirk offers a wide range of software solutions from automotive back-office software to diagnostics, end-of-line systems, aftermarket solutions, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), enterprise applications, prototyping, and product development.

Continuing its legacy of attracting only the best software talent in and around Nelson Mandela Bay, Wirk aims to build an even greater development capacity in 2024, offering more career opportunities for developers in the region. “Through our relationship with the Nelson Mandela University, we hope to continue creating opportunities for local talent and aid in the continued growth of the Eastern Cape economy“, said Nico Claassen.

ABOUT WIRK
Headquartered in Gqeberha, South Africa, Wirk is a distinguished software firm boasting a dynamic team of 160+ highly skilled software professionals, offering top-tier, fully tailored software solutions. While Wirk’s primary area of expertise lies in bolstering the automotive manufacturing sector, they also engage in collaborative efforts with local and international partners from Germany, Belgium, the United States, and the United Kingdom to provide cutting-edge software solutions on a global scale. Wirk provides a variety of solutions from automotive back-office software to diagnostics, end-of-line systems, aftermarket solutions, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), enterprise applications, prototyping, and product development. To find out more, visit https://wirk.co.za/

ABOUT S4 INTEGRATION
S4 Integration, based in Gqeberha, South Africa, is a multi-award-winning service-oriented company founded in 1994 with over 350 employees, offering superior turnkey automation solutions for major industries. With highly qualified engineers and IT specialists dedicated to developing the best possible solutions, and comprehensive experience gained both locally and abroad, S4 offers superior end-to-end industrial automation and machine-building solutions uniquely tailored to the clients’ needs.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Gideon Smith
Marketing Manager, S4 Integration
1 Leadwood Crescent
Fairview, Gqeberha, South Africa. 6070
Phone: +27 (0) 41 451 1250
gideon.smith@s4.co.za

Exciting Announcement for South African SMEs!

ITRISA (International Trade Institute of Southern Africa) are thrilled to announce the SME Growth Exporter Programme launch, a groundbreaking initiative in partnership with Edge Growth and FNB.

This programme is specifically designed for dynamic South African SMEs looking to expand their businesses in international markets.

About the Programme: The SME Growth Exporter Programme is tailored to empower SMEs by providing access to expert skills, international markets and the financial support needed to thrive on their export journey. Their focus is not just on scaling your business but also on enhancing operational efficiency and global competitiveness.

Who Should Apply?

• Are you a South African (51% black-owned) SME currently engaged in exporting?
• Do you aspire to expand your international market reach and optimise your export strategies?
• Are you ready to take your business to new heights?

If yes, they are looking for you!

Why Join?

• Gain access to expert mentorship and guidance.
• Leverage market intelligence and strategic insights.
• Navigate international trade complexities with ease.
• Connect with a network of potential partners, distributors, and customers.
• Utilise financial support and advice tailored to exporters.

Empower Your Export Journey: This is not just another programme; it’s a pathway to transform your business and unlock new opportunities in the global market.

Apply Now! Ready to embark on this journey? Click the link below to submit your initial application and take the first step towards accelerating your export growth.

 Let’s realise your global business aspirations with the SME Growth Exporter Programme.

Whenever we have conversations around exporting, many of our minds would go straight to the titans of industry, and the sectors they represent. In the Eastern Cape, this would likely be automotive or agricultural in nature.

While the contribution of these industries is indisputably critical to export in the region, we must not fall into the trap of underestimating the role that small businesses have to play in the same space.

At our recent Exporter of the Year awards, we again made sure to honour this important role by awarding accolades to two small businesses: Marina Sea Salt won the title of Best Exporter in the Small Business category, while Microcare Solar received a Merit Award for Innovation in the same category.

Though Marina Sea Salt is a proudly local venture, about 20% of their business relies on exports of salt products to countries such as Mauritius, Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. On the other hand, Microcare Solar has exported between R4-million and R6-million worth of locally manufactured renewable energy products in the past two years, to countries in the SADC region as well as Australia, the Philippines, Mauritius and Portugal.

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) estimated that between 25% and 35% of the world’s manufactured direct exports originate from SMEs. SMEs also contribute to job creation and are often able to innovate – perhaps without the internal constraints that their multinational counterparts face.

When you consider that at least a quarter of exports may come from the Davids rather than the Goliaths, it reinforces the importance of supporting such businesses in their quest to branch out to other markets.

Unfortunately, though opportunities are plenty for small businesses, so are challenges when it comes to entering the export space. This is why Exporters Eastern Cape continues to make it a priority to support all businesses interested in exporting, through the Exporter Development Programme, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, and the Emerging Exporter Forum.

My challenge is to all exporting businesses, large and small: wherever you operate, actively look for opportunities to enable small businesses to grow their markets. When it comes to helping small businesses export their goods and services, there are only win-win scenarios for our industries and economy.

Quintin Levey, Exporters Eastern Cape Chairman

The Herald – Let’s Talk Exports – Published November 2023