Sappi takes occupation of new Technology Centre

An interior view of the Technology Centre, showing the central passageway from the first floor. The view across the north face of the Technology Centre, showing the pond, which is aimed at attracting local bird life. The main entrance to the Sappi Technology Centre at The Innovation Hub.

Sappi Limited, the first anchor tenant at The Innovation Hub, has taken occupation of its new Technology Centre at the Hub's site in Pretoria. Previously known as the Sappi Research and Development department, the staff from Enstra, Tweedie Forestry Research (Shaw Research Centre), University of the Free State and Braamfontein recently moved into their new premises, having closed the Enstra offices in Springs. Links have also been set up on the University of Pretoria campus.

With a few minor glitches and some misdirected boxes the move went smoothly. "One of the new services that we are all getting used to at the Hub is mounted security. This is certainly a first for any Sappi operation in South Africa!," says Sappi Public Relations Manager, Diane Rose.

The laboratories in the new building are all fully equipped and operational. Services offered include: Pulping and Bleaching Technologies and Testing Services; Biotechnology; Chemical Sciences and Analytical Chemistry; Paper Sciences and Paper Testing; and Environmental Sciences. Sections of the Pilot Plant are still in the installation phase, while the entire plant is expected to be up and running by end March this year.

Some of the major factors considered by Sappi for its selection of a site at The Innovation Hub included its location on a "knowledge axis" that provides easy access to research and academic resources at the CSIR, the University of Pretoria and the Tshwane University of Technology. In addition, Sappi perceives a cultural fit with the Hub's vision of technology innovation and scientific excellence and stands to benefit from interacting with entrepreneurs and knowledge workers who form part of the Hub's INNOV8 community. Sappi also supports the role played by Science Parks globally to help grow local economies in partnering with Government, business and other stakeholders. As such, Sappi is part of The Innovation Hub's endeavours - as the first globally accredited Science Park in Africa - to stimulate growth and sustainable development for the country.

The main focus at the Sappi Technology Centre is to be a Centre of Excellence that provides the highest level of service to its divisions and customers, locally and internationally. According to Chris Davies, Technology Director at Sappi Management Services, "While some snag list items are still being dealt with, the overall impression of the new building is that it is an exciting, functional and modern facility of which we are extremely proud. We must now deliver research results to ensure our viability as a Technology Centre."

As part of Sappi's commitment to the protection of the environment and natural bio-diversity, the landscaping around their building has been done with indigenous endemic plants. As these plants survive on rainfall, no irrigation system has been installed, which is significant as a water saving measure.

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