By Chisomo Phiri
On Friday December 20,2024,12 workers from different companies in the country graduated from Tichi Automation’s three-day training program in industrial automation.
The training was held at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) main campus in Blantyre.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News, Managing Director at Tichi Automation,Chimwemwe Phiri explained that the training aimed to share new technologies and help companies speed up their processes.
He said:”We are trying to educate them on the importance of industrial automation, as automated machines produce quicker and with 100% quality.”
Phiri noted that many companies in Malawi are willing to adopt industrial automation, recognizing its importance in improving quality and precision.
He however,emphasized the need to educate companies on the benefits of automation, which can increase production and efficiency.
“Tichi Automation has developed a comprehensive training program, which includes an introduction to industrial automation, PLC programming, and troubleshooting on the production line.
“The training is conducted in stages, with plans to expand to other cities and even secondary schools and universities,” said Phiri.
He highlighted the importance of starting automation education at a young age.
“We need to take part in imparting this knowledge to the youth, so that when they start automation at the university level or college level, they have a better understanding.
“Tichi Automation is committed to supporting Malawi’s Vision 2063 by preparing the workforce for the changing industrial landscape,” he said.
Phiri said the similar training will be held in Lilongwe at ShareWorld University from December 28 to 30,2024.
In his remarks,one of the graduating participants who works as maintenance engineer at Easypack Limited in Blantyre,Dhanushka Chathuranga, hailed Tichi Automation for the training.
According to Chathuranga, many employees in the industry lack the necessary knowledge to work with new technologies, leading to machine breakdowns and decreased productivity.
“However, with automation training, employees can gain a better understanding of industrial automation, troubleshooting, and machine maintenance,” he said.
Chathuranga added:”With this kind of training, employees can gain additional education qualifications, making them more confident and competent to work with new machines”
He also noted that automation training can help companies reduce their reliance on external expertise, allowing them to recruit and retain knowledgeable employees.
“This, in turn, can lead to increased productivity, efficiency, and job security,” said Chathuranga.
He then urged Malawian companies to invest in automation training, citing its numerous benefits.
“It is essential for companies in Malawi to embrace automation to remain competitive and productive,” he concluded.
