Latest news with #IATF
IOL News
24-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Afreximbank to boost intra-African trade with new Nigeria-Namibia shipping route
Afreximbank's director for trade facilitation and investment promotion, Dr Gainmore Zanamwe, on Thursday speaking at the Inter-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 Business Roadshow in Johannesburg ahead of the 4th IATF which will take place in Algeria in September. Image: Supplied The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced that it will be establishing a new shipping route on the western coast of the continent among a plethora of measures aimed to facilitate the movements of goods between Namibia and Nigeria and boost intra-Africa trade. This comes as intra-African trade still remains very low at around 15% to 18% compared to nearly 70% in the European Union and around 50% in Asia. Afreximbank's director for trade facilitation and investment promotion, Dr Gainmore Zanamwe, on Thursday said the continent was now in a good place to actually see a rapid increase in intra-African trade with the full operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA). Zanamwe said the Afreximbank has been putting in place a number of interventions that are breaking the barriers that are affecting intra-African trade. He said the Afreximbank has established a continental trading company, the Africa Trade and Distribution Company, to provide market intelligence and aggregate products since logistics is one of the major challenges facing the continent. 'The Africa Trade and Distribution Company is going to help us to actually aggregate goods that are produced by SMEs, informal sectors, and smallholder farmers, to take them to the market. With all these interventions, they will actually contribute towards increasing intra-African trade. 'We also use the same entity, for example, to distribute some of the products that are being produced by the Dangote Refinery. You may be aware that we, at Afreximbank, actually financed that refinery and now there's a production of fuel, fertilizer and other products. So using the trading company, we can actually distribute those products to Southern Africa. 'We are going to create a new shipping route which will take products from Dangote [Refinery] in Nigeria all the way to Walvis Bay and that creates a new route which will facilitate intra-African trade. So we have put in place very solid interventions that will help us to increase or boost intra-African trade.' Zanamwe was speaking after making a presentation at the Inter-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 Business Roadshow in Johannesburg ahead of the 4th IATF which will take place in Algeria in September. He said since the Afreximbank introduced a dedicated focus, intra-Africa trade now contributes more than 30% as a share of its total finance portfolio whereas it contributed less than 3% before 2018. According to Zanamwe, Afreximbank has managed to finance more than $20 billion of inter-African trade during the first strategic plan, which ended in 2021. He said from 2022 to 2026, the bank's second strategic plan, Afreximbank was planning to finance $40bn in terms of inter-African trade and it was already on its way to actually exceed that target. 'We are sick and tired of exporting jobs and income. At Afreximbank we believe that we have the finance, we have the skills, we have the resources, we need to focus on industrialization,' Zanamwe said. 'We should stop the many thousands of journeys that are being undertaken by ships that are carrying our minerals, where our minerals are being validated outside the continent. We really need to put a stop to that and ensure that the minerals are beneficiated at source and we develop the local communities.' As an illustration of this, Afreximbank's chief economist and managing director for research, Dr Yemi Kale, said Tunisia, Morocco, and South Africa collectively imported more than $400 million worth of leather annually, primarily from Europe and South America, even though countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Sudan possessed both the capacity and the quality to supply a significant portion of that leather. 'So the problem here is not capacity. The problem is connectivity. The problem is lack of connectivity,' Kale said. 'Similarly, West African countries spend over $3bn annually importing meat products from countries that are listed as Argentina and Australia while nations such as Mali, Namibia, Chad, Sudan, Botswana, South Africa, and Zanzibar have the production capacity to meet most of this demand. 'This country is at the center of Africa's integration agenda. South Africa has the economic foundations, entrepreneurial spirit, and institutional strength to lead by example. With a growing manufacturing base, a strong agricultural sector and a dynamic SME ecosystem, South Africa is well positioned to integrate into the regional value chain, expand its exports value added, and attract investment from across the continent.' BUSINESS REPORT
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mullen Announces FIVE RS Launch and Vehicle Sales in Germany in December 2025
Mullen FIVE RS, Ultra-High-Performance EV Crossover The Mullen ultra-high-performance FIVE RS EV Crossover features a top speed of over 200 mph and acceleration from 0-60 mph in under 2 seconds The FIVE RS is equipped with 800-volt architecture, all-wheel drive, two-speed gearbox, and over 1,100 horsepower Initial vehicle market territories include the EU in 2025, followed by the UAE and South Africa in early 2026 Mullen is partnering with Faissner Petermeier Fahrzeugtechnik AG ('FPF'), which has decades of experience in the development and production of serial components and sophisticated vehicles for global brands such as BMW, Piech Automotive, Gumpert Automotive FPF is certified according to the IATF standard and fulfills all the special requirements of the Federal Motor Transport Authority in GermanyBREA, Calif., June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via IBN -- Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) ('Mullen' or the 'Company'), an electric vehicle ('EV') manufacturer, today announces the relaunch of the ultra-high-performance Mullen FIVE RS EV Crossover with vehicle sales planned for Germany in December 2025. After successful completion of 800V battery performance testing at the TUV SUD facility in Munich, Germany, the Company is now transitioning to on-road vehicle testing, a step closer to final validation and homologation. The Company expects to release the FIVE RS for sale in Germany in December 2025, and plans to launch the FIVE RS in other EU countries, the UAE and South Africa in 2026. The Company also intends to launch the Mullen FIVE RS in the U.S. once it has achieved a proven track record of sales and success throughout key European markets. Mullen is partnering with Faissner Petermeier Fahrzeugtechnik AG ('FPF'), which has decades of experience in the development and production of serial components and sophisticated vehicles for global brands such as Piech Automotive, Gumpert Automotive and is in partnership with BMW of all the above. FPF is certified according to the IATF standard and fulfills all the special requirements of the Federal Motor Transport Authority in Germany. 'Working with a world-renowned engineering and production partner like FPF will allow Mullen to deliver the FIVE RS at the highest quality,' said Calin Popa, president of Mullen Automotive. 'Their experience with the world's highest-ranked brands will ensure that the Mullen FIVE RS will be delivered at the standard we expect.' 'We are proud to work with Mullen and to be their European manufacturing partner for the Mullen FIVE RS,' said Martin Petermeier and Manfred Faissner. 'From inception to present day, the Mullen team has delivered a top-of-the-line EV that is capable of competing with the best of the best in the high-performance vehicle segment.' The Mullen FIVE RS is an ultra-high-performance EV featuring a top speed of 200 mph and acceleration from 0-60 mph in under 2 seconds. The vehicle is equipped with 800-volt architecture, all-wheel drive, a two-speed gearbox, and over 1,100 horsepower. 'We are excited to bring the FIVE RS to market, with our partner FPF, starting with Germany later this year,' said David Michery, CEO and chairman of Mullen Automotive. 'It has always been a focus and passion of mine to bring an ultra-high-performance EV to market.' About Faissner Petermeier Fahrzeugtechnik AG ('FPF') Faissner Petermeier Fahrzeugtechnik AG, headquartered in Garching, near Munich, Germany, is a renowned development service provider in 2- and 4-wheel (automotive) development. With a rich heritage in both motorcycle and automobile development, the company is at the forefront of innovative vehicle solution development. From components to complete vehicles, it offers extensive experience and expertise across diverse vehicle concepts. The company collaborates closely with established OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers and startups in the mobility sector, contributing to the optimization and innovation of their products. With a dedicated team of over 100 employees, boasting over 25 years of successful collaboration, and a production facility spanning nearly 7000 m², the company is well-positioned to support clients from concept to production readiness. As a reliable development and assembling partner, FPF offers forward-thinking solutions in the automotive industry and micro-mobility and is committed to remaining a leader in the development of cutting-edge vehicle technologies. To learn more about the company, visit About MullenMullen Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) is a Southern California-based automotive company building the next generation of commercial electric vehicles ('EVs') with two United States-based vehicle plants located in Tunica, Mississippi, (120,000 square feet) and Mishawaka, Indiana (650,000 square feet). In August 2023, Mullen began commercial vehicle production in Tunica. As of January 2024, both the Mullen ONE, a Class 1 EV cargo van, and Mullen THREE, a Class 3 EV cab chassis truck, are California Air Resource Board ('CARB') and EPA certified and available for sale in the U.S. The Company's commercial dealer network consists of seven dealers, which includes Papé Kenworth, Pritchard EV, National Auto Fleet Group, Ziegler Truck Group, Range Truck Group, Eco Auto, and Randy Marion Auto Group, providing sales and service coverage in key West Coast, Midwest, Pacific Northwest, New England, and Mid-Atlantic markets. In September 2022, Bollinger Motors, Inc. became a majority-owned EV truck company of Mullen. Bollinger has passed numerous milestones, including its B4, Class 4 electric truck production launch on Sept. 16, 2024, and the development of a world-class dealer and service network with over 50 locations across the United States. To learn more about the Company, visit Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as "continue," "will," "may," "could," "should," "expect," "expected," "plans," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Mullen and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to when European validation and homologation for the Mullen FIVE RS EV Crossover will be achieved; the final features and performance specifications of the FIVE RS; whether the Company will meet its targeted sales date in Germany for the FIVE RS; if and when Mullen will achieve the launch of the FIVE RS in other EU countries, the UAE, South Africa and the U.S. Additional examples of such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: (i) Mullen's ability (or inability) to obtain additional financing in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms when needed; (ii) Mullen's ability to maintain existing, and secure additional, contracts with manufacturers, parts and other service providers relating to its business; (iii) Mullen's ability to successfully expand in existing markets and enter new markets; (iv) Mullen's ability to successfully manage and integrate any acquisitions of businesses, solutions or technologies; (v) unanticipated operating costs, transaction costs and actual or contingent liabilities; (vi) the ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel; (vii) adverse effects of increased competition on Mullen's business; (viii) changes in government licensing and regulation that may adversely affect Mullen's business; (ix) the risk that changes in consumer behavior could adversely affect Mullen's business; (x) Mullen's ability to protect its intellectual property; and (xi) local, industry and general business and economic conditions. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in the most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed by Mullen with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Mullen anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Mullen assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Mullen's plans and expectations as of any subsequent date. Contact:Mullen Automotive, Inc.+1 (714) Corporate Communications:IBNAustin, OfficeEditor@ Attachment Mullen FIVE RS, Ultra-High-Performance EV CrossoverError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Recorder
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Meeting of IATF, IPCC: IHC grants time to govt to submit reply
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC), Thursday, granted time to the government to submit its reply regarding the meeting of Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and Inter-Provincial Coordination Committee on Narcotics Control and implementation of court's orders to authorities to immediately halt the couriers and food deliveries to students at educational institutions to curb narcotics. A single bench of Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas, on Thursday, issued the directions during hearing of a petition filed by Lakki Foundation, a civil society organisation, highlighting the alarming rise in drug addiction among students in Islamabad and seeking the inclusion of anti-narcotics awareness in the academic curriculum of Islamabad's schools and colleges. During the hearing, the Deputy Attorney General (DAG) appeared before the court and sought more time to submit the reply in this matter as counsel for the petitioner had previously contended that the IATF and Inter-Provincial Coordination Committee on Narcotics Control, constituted under the relevant Act, is one of the most important bodies responsible for regulating and ensuring effective control of narcotics throughout the country but no such meeting of IATF held. At this, the DAG was directed to submit a report indicating when the last meeting of the Council was held and the decisions taken therein. Similarly, Shafqat Ghafar, counsel for respondent No 9, had appeared and sought time to file a comprehensive report regarding the inclusion of narcotics related information in the curriculum. On the last hearing, expressing serious concern that drugs are being delivered to students under the guise of items like pizza and snacks Justice Minhas remarked, 'Children order pizza and receive drugs along with it.' He added, 'Stop all direct deliveries to students. Any school or college that fails to comply should face legal action.' Justice Minhas directed the authorities to monitor all courier services operating in and around educational institutions and ensure a ban on direct deliveries to students. Acceding to the plea of DAG, Justice Minhas deferred hearing of the case after Eid holidays directing the authorities to submit the report. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time Business News
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time Business News
How Fastener Manufacturers In India Ensure Quality From Material To Dispatch?
Fasteners might be small parts, but they do an important job. In fields like aerospace, cars, railways, and building construction, fasteners hold everything together. Top fastener manufacturers in India always prioritize the quality of fasteners. Every bolt, nut, screw, and stud manufactured by them goes under a lot of testing and inspections before leaving the factory. Read this article to know how the best fastener manufacturers in India maintain the quality of each fastener. Quality begins with selecting appropriate raw materials at the initial production stage. The foundation of making strong, problem-free fasteners begins at this point. Supplier Checks & Approvals: Quality makers depend on suppliers from trusted sources who are granted ISO 9001, BIS and IATF certifications. Material Tracking: Each metal coil and rod and bar receives its own unique tracking through heat numbers combined with batch codes. Chemical Testing: The testing of raw materials happens through special equipment to determine their carbon, manganese, chromium and other metal content levels. Strength Testing: Special equipment determines the breaking point of materials along with their stretching ability. The selection of poor or uneven materials results in problems such as cracks and stripped threads and rust so raw material choice stands as a mandatory quality step. The selected raw materials undergo piece creation based on specific dimensions for fastener requirements. Exact Cutting Machines: Automatic cutting machines ensure all pieces maintain consistent lengths. Eye Checks: Workers examine every cut piece for prospective damage or improper shaping. Oiling and Cleaning: Clean pieces are needed to avoid dirt during the shaping steps. Forging or cold heading gives fasteners their head shape and strength. The process changes how the metal grains line up, making it work better under pressure. Cold Heading (for smaller fasteners): Shapes the fastener without heating, making it stronger through pressure. Hot Forging (for larger fasteners): Heats the metal piece to a certain temperature before shaping. Tool Upkeep: The quality of shaping tools directly affects how accurate the head shape is. Live Checking: Machines with sensors watch temperature, force, and alignment. Crack Finding: After shaping, workers check for head cracks or metal weakness. Once shaped, fasteners get trimmed and pointed to make their ends or tips exact as needed. Machine Setup: Regular checks ensure length and tip angle stay the same. Edge Smoothing: Processes to remove sharp bits or flaws. Size Checking: Tools like calipers measure length, width, and edge angles. Threads are made by rolling, not cutting. This makes the fastener better at handling repeated stress and carrying loads. Cold Rolling Machines: Use heavy pressure to form threads, keeping the metal grain pattern intact. Direct Testing: Special gauges confirm thread shape and spacing accuracy. Surface Smoothness Checks: A smooth thread works better for tightening and prevents stripping. Better at handling repeated stress No lost material = stronger core More exact sizing Heat treatment makes fasteners hard, tough, and long-lasting. Without it, fasteners might break under working loads. Annealing / Normalizing: Makes the metal grain structure better. Quenching & Tempering: Makes the metal stronger while keeping it somewhat flexible. Carburizing / Nitriding: Methods to harden the surface for wear protection. Inside and Outside Hardness Testing: Using special hardness testing machines. Metal Structure Looking: Labs study grain patterns and carbon loss. Batch Reports: Each group of fasteners gets its own heat treatment record. Coatings help prevent rust, improve looks, and make assembly work better. Zinc Coating (white/yellow/black): Low-cost rust protection. Hot-Dip Galvanizing (HDG): For outdoor and sea environments. Geomet® / Dacromet®: Chrome-free coatings good for cars. PTFE / Xylan®: For non-stick, low-friction needs. Salt Spray Testing (ASTM B117): Creates fast rust conditions to test coating. Coating Thickness Tests: Using special tools to measure coating depth. Sticking & Peeling Tests: Makes sure coating stays on during use. Some fasteners need extra steps based on what customers want. Drilling or Slotting Adding rough patterns or grooves Adding welding bumps Adding thread locking patches Each process gets its own check for size match and working right. Before packaging, fasteners go through one last round of checks. This step ensures only good parts move on to shipping. Size Inspection: Using measuring tools, thread gauges, profile viewers, and computer measuring machines. Strength Testing: Pulling, loading, impact, cutting, and wedge tests. Looking Inspection: Checks for cracks, rough edges, misalignment, or coating flaws. Working Testing: Checking how they tighten and fit in assembly. AQL-based Sampling (Acceptable Quality Level) 100% inspection for safety-critical parts Outside inspector checks (when asked) Even the best fastener can become useless if packaged poorly. Moisture-proof bags and cardboard boxes Bug-treated wood pallets for sending overseas Plastic sleeves or paper wrapping for sensitive threads Clear Labels: Include size, batch number, grade, coating, and customer logo Trusted makers provide detailed papers and certificates with each shipment. Mill Test Certificate (MTC) Certificate of Conformance (CoC) Coating & Heat Treatment Reports Material Test Reports (MTR) Size & Working Test Reports This builds customer trust and meets industry rules and check requirements. Once quality is confirmed, shipping happens using computer systems and GPS-tracked shipping partners. Order Grouping: Batches put together by customer needs Live Tracking: Shipment tracking for rush orders Export Rules: Includes shipping codes, bug treatment, and country-specific labels Leading Indian fastener makers follow global standards such as: ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 / ISO 45001 IATF 16949 (for car fasteners) DIN, ASTM, BS, JIS, IS, and ANSI Standards Outside inspections from groups like TUV, SGS, Lloyd's Register, and BV are also available. A supplier selection for fasteners in India must go beyond cost and speed because it demands establishing partnerships with manufacturers who maintain material excellence, exact production, uniform batch output, certification, and ongoing technical support. Several key factors should guide your decision for selecting a trustworthy supplier. The first check is understanding if the supplier has the in-house equipment to meet your amount and quality needs. Making Capacity: Can they fill big orders on tight deadlines without cutting corners on quality? Machines and Technology: Look for suppliers with computer-controlled thread rolling machines, cold heading systems, heat treatment units, and surface coating lines. Tool and Die Skills: A good supplier should be able to make or fix dies for special or custom parts. Material Range: Do they work with carbon steel, stainless steel, brass, high-strength alloys, and rare materials? A complete facility ensures better process control, tracking, and turnaround time, reducing your need for multiple vendors. Good suppliers in India should follow international quality standards and be able to make fasteners according to: DIN, ISO, ASTM, BS, ANSI, JIS standards IS codes for Indian uses Car and rail industry certifications like IATF 16949 or IRIS Environmental and safety standards like ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 Always ask for papers such as Mill Test Certificates (MTCs), Certificate of Conformance (CoC), and outside inspection reports. Not having these might point to unchecked processes and quality problems. The mark of a reliable supplier is in how strong their quality control system is. Quality doesn't just depend on raw materials—it depends on how every step is watched, from shaping to threading to packaging. In-House Testing Labs: Look for pulling test machines, hardness testers, salt spray chambers, and metal study microscopes. Process Tracking: Make sure every batch can be traced by heat numbers, batch IDs, and making reports. Size Accuracy Checks: Check if they use thread gauges, micrometers, profile viewers, or computer measuring machines (CMMs). Choosing a supplier with a special quality team ensures that bad products are found and fixed before shipping. A flexible supplier should offer both standard listed products and the ability to make custom-designed fasteners based on drawings or needs. Types: Bolts, nuts, washers, screws, studs, rivets, pins, anchors, clips Grades: 4.6, 8.8, 10.9, 12.9, SS 304, SS 316, brass, and more Sizes: From tiny fasteners (M1) to large-diameter bolts (M100+) Finish Options: Zinc-plated, hot-dip galvanized, Geomet, black oxide, PTFE, etc. A supplier with in-house research or design help is especially valuable if you work in fields like aerospace, energy, or defense where custom work is common. Delays in fastener delivery can cause project holdups, line stops, or export fines. So, a supplier's delivery system is just as important as their making capacity. On-Time Shipping Rate: Do they meet promised times consistently? Storage Abilities: Can they keep inventory for repeat orders or just-in-time supply? Location Benefit: Being close to ports or major industrial areas (like Ludhiana, Pune, Ahmedabad) can speed up transport. Shipping Methods: Can they deliver by air, sea, road, or rail based on urgency? Some of the best suppliers also use computer systems for shipping tracking, offer barcode-labeled packaging, and keep safe and bug-treated export packaging as per international rules. When dealing with overseas customers or regulated industries, proper paperwork is a must-have compliancen requirement. Test Certificates (MTC, CoC, CPK, PPAP) Size and Coating Reports Inspection Methods per AQL standards REACH, RoHS, CE, or UL certifications (if needed) Having complete paperwork not only builds trust but also ensures tracking in case of recalls or audits. The best fastener producers in India conduct comprehensive quality inspections at every stage from raw material acquisition through final delivery. Top fastener makers in India maintain a strict focus on precision tracking and excellence which produces fasteners that perform their functions and reinforce the structural integrity of bridges towers railways power plants and other structures. A top Indian maker provides their clients with more than just fasteners by offering performance guarantees that extend through standardized procedures and built-in trust elements. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Arabian Post
08-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Dubai's Textile Trade Fair to Spotlight Sustainable Fashion and Innovation
Dubai is set to host the 19th edition of the International Apparel & Textile Fair from 20 to 22 May 2025 at the Festival Arena, positioning itself as a pivotal platform for global fashion and textile stakeholders. Organised by Nihalani Events Management, the event anticipates participation from over 600 exhibitors representing more than 27 countries, and expects to attract approximately 15,000 visitors, including buyers, designers, and industry professionals. The fair will showcase a diverse array of products, ranging from apparel and home textiles to footwear, accessories, and textile machinery. A significant emphasis will be placed on sustainable and eco-friendly materials, reflecting the industry's shift towards environmentally conscious practices. Innovations such as biodegradable fabrics, water-saving dyeing techniques, and recycled materials will be prominently featured, highlighting the sector's commitment to reducing its ecological footprint. Technological advancements will also be a focal point, with demonstrations of digital textile printing, 3D garment design software, and automated tailoring technologies. These innovations aim to enhance efficiency and creativity in textile manufacturing, offering attendees insights into the future of fashion production. The IATF will facilitate numerous networking opportunities, including business matchmaking sessions, seminars, and workshops led by industry experts. Topics will cover a broad spectrum, from sustainable fashion practices and ethical sourcing to the integration of artificial intelligence in design processes. These sessions are designed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants. Fashion shows and design competitions will provide a platform for emerging and established designers to present their latest collections, offering a glimpse into upcoming trends and styles. These events aim to celebrate creativity and innovation within the fashion industry, while also providing exposure to new talent. Dubai's strategic location as a nexus between Europe, Asia, and Africa enhances the fair's appeal, facilitating access to key international markets. The city's robust infrastructure and business-friendly environment further solidify its status as a global hub for trade and commerce in the textile sector.
