Launch of hot isostatic press facility to strengthen South Africa's manufacturing sector

The launch of the hot isostatic press facility marked a significant milestone in South Africa's evolving science, technology, and innovation landscape.

Funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the state-of-the-art facility is a significant step forward for local manufacturing industry, providing cutting-edge capabilities for heat treatment and quenching processes.

Hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), a DSTI entity, the facility will strengthen and advance South Africa's manufacturing industry, with particular promise for post-processing in industries that rely on advanced manufacturing techniques, such as casting, metal injection moulding and additive manufacturing.

In his address on 11 December 2025 at the CSIR International Convention Centre, the DSTI's Director-General Dr Mlungisi Cele put the launch in the context of the government's broader national vision for science and innovation.

"Today's launch reminds us that science, technology and innovation are powerful tools – tools that shape industries, create opportunities and build a stronger South Africa. For us, it will always be about asking: How can we place science, technology and innovation at the centre of government, education, society, industry and even our relationship with the planet?" remarked Cele.

He emphasised that the mission extended beyond infrastructure, looking toward tangible impact. He explained that "whether through advancing health and wellness, creating opportunities for local businesses or driving sustainable innovation, our mission remains rooted in making a meaningful impact. This facility stands as a testament to that mission and to our commitment to progress".

Cele stated that 2025 had been a year of significant progress for South African science. The country had hosted gatherings such as the World Conference of Science Journalists, led G20 discussions, and organised Science Forum South Africa, as well as launching advanced research facilities like the pilot Supercritical CO2 Encapsulation Facility.

He emphasised that the launch was part of a broader shift towards positioning South Africa as a leader in innovation.

"South Africa is not only participating in global science and innovation – we are shaping it," he said, highlighting the country's expanding capabilities.

He stressed that manufacturing remained central to the nation's reindustrialisation efforts. Advanced technologies like the hot isostatic press facility, he said, were essential for building resilient local supply chains and reducing dependence on imports. These investments also support the goals of the National Development Plan, which calls for a more diversified and globally competitive economy.

He added that the DSTI was committed to supporting both incremental and breakthrough technologies to drive industrial growth. Such investments would build capacity, strengthen local industries, create new high technology manufacturing segments, and ensure that South Africa was ready to take its place in the global economy of the future.

He congratulated the CSIR and its partners for bringing the project to life. The launch, he said, served as a reminder that innovation remained a powerful tool for shaping industries, creating opportunities and building a stronger South Africa.

The CSIR CEO, Dr Thulani Dlamini, expressed his gratitude to the DSTI for investing in the facility through the Department's National Equipment Programme. He emphasised that outlays on enabling infrastructure such as the hot isostatic press – which accelerated research and supported industrialisation – were essential for strengthening South Africa's national system of innovation.

"Funding research, development and innovation should never be seen as an expense, but as an investment in the future of our country," said Dlamini, adding that the CSIR's mandate was to undertake directed research and technological innovation that fostered industrial development, contributed to building a capable state, and addressed the socio-economic challenges of the time.

He highlighted the importance of the facility, which was the first of its kind in South Africa and an essential step in building South Africa's sovereign capability in advanced manufacturing. Previously, the country had lacked industrial-scale capability for processing titanium and other metal alloys.

The facility will enable local companies to develop metal-based products with enhanced strength and durability, directly supporting the increased production of locally manufactured components for domestic and global markets.

For many years, South Africa's manufacturers, researchers and innovators had no choice but to send components abroad for hot isostatic press treatment, a process that resulted in delays and increased costs.

"Today, we are proud to say that this barrier has been removed. The launch of this facility marks a turning point for our manufacturing sector. Importantly, this is not a standalone capability created within the CSIR as it forms part of an expanding advanced manufacturing ecosystem that we are building within the organisation and, ultimately, for the country," said Dlamini.

Providing an industry perspective, Mr Dion Greyling of Metallurgical and Manufacturing Services (one of local metallurgical companies using the facility), said that the facility was more than capable of competing on the global stage. He expressed his opinion that consistent support and funding were needed, and that the launch marked an important step in that direction.

"Bringing people together to work in this way helps us recognise the full extent of what is possible. The capabilities of the hot isostatic press facility will significantly reduce the need to import specialised parts or outsource processing abroad, ensuring that investment stays within our own economy. So, let us not lose momentum. Let us continue pushing forward, because there is still much to achieve," he concluded.

Mr Maurice Maliage, a CSIR senior engineer, told delegates that the capability was of particular interest for the development of high-performance metal components for the aerospace, automotive, machinery and equipment, railway and mining industries.

"We assist industries to develop their own pressing processes. We do this by identifying the parameters suitable for the production of a particular component and we do research based on that," he said.

The CSIR's team of experts conducts rigorous tests before and after pressing, using metrology equipment and X-rays to ensure that the parts are free from pores or other potential weak spots or defects.

The sectors that will use the hot isostatic facility are key players in the economy, and access to advanced manufacturing technologies will help South Africa stay locally and internationally competitive.