RS celebrates with UJ’s Solar team as it comes in amongst the Top Five.
UJ Solar Team iLanga 2 finishing the race
The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Solar team took part in the Sasol Solar Challenge where UJ came in as one of the top five competitors in the race. The Sasol Solar Challenge is a single stage solar car racing event which began on the 27th of September 2014 in Pretoria and ended on the 04th of October 2014 in Cape Town. The primary objective of the challenge was for R&D purposes and to promote science and technology in renewable energy and clean mobility. As a leader in their industry, RS Components was pleased to partner with UJ on this project.
RS Components, who sponsored the UJ team with R1 million’s worth of products towards the development of the solar car, celebrates with UJ on taking fifth place. The building of iLanga II (UJ’s Solar Vehicle) took plenty of procurement and development time as well as a lot of hard work, dedication and passion. Purchasing components from overseas can be a challenge with the fluctuating exchange rate making budgeting a nightmare and lead times can be problematic as well, but through RS Components, the various hassles of importing the components was minimised and it help UJ obtain some of the necessary components and tools to build their car.
Brian Andrew, General Manager for RS Components said, “We have come a long way with the UJ team and it has been an inspirational journey. We are delighted that they have managed to achieve 5th position in the challenge and for obtaining the award for best innovation and technology. We are so proud of the UJ team and we salute them for all their hard work and dedication. RS Components is a firm believer in the investment towards R&D and alternative energy which is why it brings us great joy to witness UJ producing such great results.”
UJ Solar Team iLanga 2 finishing the race
The Sasol Solar Car Challenge has given South Africa the opportunity to prove that it can produce the right calibre of individuals within the science and technology field. As an environmentally responsible and innovative company providing the industry with various electronic components, RS is excited to see what the future will bring with regards to solar powered vehicles and hope that the R&D done as a result of this challenge will be of benefit and that we as a country will continue to support education, creating skilled people where they are needed through projects such as the Sasol Solar Challenge.
About RS Components
RS Components is the market leader in the high service level distribution of electrical, electronic, mechanical, tools and industrial products. Operating in 26 countries whilst serving a further 100 through third-party distributors, RS serves every sector of industry in the procurement of their products relating to maintenance, repair, operations, low volume production, research and development.
With over 500 000 products across 2500 leading brands, the company is committed to ensuring that their 1,5 million customers have fast access to a broad, as well as deep range, of products and technologies, all under one roof.
RS’s customers, whether ordering single or multiple items, experience a quick, easy, secure, painless and cost effective process. The RS catalogue, available at za.rs-online.com, offers full colour pictures with extensive clear product specifications. Free access to thousands of datasheets ensures the correct product choice. Order placement is easily facilitated through za.rs-online.com, the call centre, e-mail, fax and trade counter. Locally held stock is delivered to customers within 24 hours, and products held internationally, within four to six working days.
It is proven that departments traditionally spend 80% of their time sourcing products that account for only 20% of their total procurement spend. RS is focussed on reducing the customers “total cost of product ownership” by reducing the need to make multiple calls to various companies to source products, reducing supplier related administration and allowing for the amalgamation as well as consolidation of supplier bases. Through this process, procurement efficiency is improved and time is freed up to concentrate on the more important business decisions.
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