IMPERIAL Logistics and the SA Institute for Industrial Engineering partnership boosts Industrial Engineering sector

– IMPERIAL Logistics, a global logistics and supply chain leader, and largest employer of industrial engineers in southern Africa, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with the Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering (SAIIE), as the organisation’s first main corporate sponsor.

The collaboration will heighten industrial engineering exposure across the region and provide SAIIE with valuable support that enables it to deliver a comprehensive service and support structure to its members.

“Since SAIIE is the only body representing the industrial engineering fraternity in southern Africa, IMPERIAL Logistics views the partnership as a critical driver to the sustainability of the profession, both within the logistics and supply chain management industry and the broader regional economy,” says Cobus Rossouw, CEO of IMPERIAL Logistics Integration Services.

IMPERIAL Logistics’ role will include supporting the professional registration of industrial engineers through a formal mentorship programme, serving on SAIIE’s Corporate Advisory Board and participating at the annual SAIIE Conference scheduled to take place in October 2010. The Group will also host special events for members, which will contribute to the networking value offered by SAIIE. 

Abrie de Swardt, IMPERIAL Logistics Marketing Director adds, “This relationship is a real win-win for both parties, as industrial engineers employed by IMPERIAL Logistics now automatically become SAIIE members, while we contribute to furthering industry best practice and nurturing the talent pipeline. This contributes towards and we also participate in the future of the Industrial Engineering profession in southern Africa.”

In addition, through  various intellectual partnerships that include collaboration with the annual State of Logistics™ survey, Cardiff University and MIT (Massachusetts Institute for Technology), IMPERIAL Logistics offers the fraternity progressive insight into engineering research, trends and technology.   

IMPERIAL Logistics recognises that the optimal growth and advancement of its human capital, is one of the crucial elements in the success and sustainability of the organisation. The development of the IMPERIAL Logistics - talent pipeline, is therefore a core business driver and strategic imperative. Skills shortages are countered and continuous professional development ensured, through various initiatives, e.g. Management and Leadership Programmes, Fast Track Management Development Programmes, Graduate Development Programmes, Development Programmes towards professional registration, Bursary Schemes and Personal On-the-Job Development Programmes.

Industrial engineers thrive in the logistics and supply chain management environment. “We see it as a strategic priority to play a role in ensuring the continued presence of this critical profession,” concludes de Swardt.

Corne Schutte, SAIIE President, confirms “SAIIE and IMPERIAL Logistics look forward to a long and fruitful partnership combining its strengths and networks to the benefit of the broader industry and the logistics and supply management fraternity in particular”.