A South African manufacturer takes a different approach to AI
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – While the global narrative around Artificial Intelligence (AI) has often been defined by the fear of job losses. A third-generation South African manufacturer is proving that technology can have a soul.
Lesco, a local producer of high-quality electrical and consumer products, this week announced the launch of its state-of-the-art semi-robotic production lines. This comes with a unprecedented twist. The technological upgrade, combined with advanced use of AI on the factory floor, will lift output by between four and ten times depending on the line, while protecting every permanent role and every position held by a differently abled employee working for the business. Lesco sources 45% of its workforce from differently abled organisations, support groups, schools and vulnerable communities across South Africa. And these positions have been ring-fenced as part of their rollout.
Building products for South Africa while protecting jobs
The company, as a leading manufacturer of switches, sockets, adapters, extension cords, and similar electrical products. They currently supply some of the largest retailers in our country. This includes Clicks, Makro, Cashbuild, Game, and Leroy Merlin among others. They also manufacture these products for Balwin Properties.
Group CEO at Lesco, Jonathan Shapiro, states that:
“These are retailers that are playing a key role in ensuring that locally made products, created by an inclusive manufacturing operation, reach every South African household. They should be celebrated for sourcing their products so purposefully – by doing so, they are promoting job creation in such a critical sector of our society.”
Technology with soul instead of cold automation
While many industries are surrendering to the ruthless culling of jobs in the name of cold, automated efficiency. Lesco’s model is pioneering a masterclass in technology with soul, proving that we can embrace the future without sacrificing livelihoods.
“Industrial innovation in South Africa should always be underpinned by an ethical commitment to inclusivity. We are proud to confirm that we are evolving with today’s technological advancements, without displacing the vulnerable workers from our country’s differently-abled community,” comments Shapiro.
The family business, which began in Shapiro’s father’s garage, currently employs over 300 people.
AI and automation as a doorway for differently abled communities
“We also hope that this investment into technological and AI advancements will help inspire the youth from South Africa’s differently abled community. By introducing AI and automation into the workstream, we’re sending a powerful message that disability is not a barrier to mastering the world’s most advanced technologies.”
For years, Lesco has partnered with Glen Oaks Academy in Kensington and placed students into its work readiness programme. In 2026, those students will be exposed to local manufacturing and automation unlike anything previously seen at the factory.
A production boom without sacrificing people
Engineered to surpass rigorous global standards, the new production line aims to double Lesco’s manufacturing capacity from five to ten million units annually. While the World Economic Forum predicts that automation could displace 92 million roles by 2027. Lesco is attempting to flip that narrative entirely.
“Automation doesn’t mean fewer jobs, it means different jobs,” says Shapiro. “We made a deliberate and strategic choice to implement a semi-robotic system rather than full automation. We want to show other businesses that you can innovate to be globally competitive, without sacrificing your social responsibilities.”
More than manufacturing: creating an ecosystem of care
Lesco’s commitment to its employees stretches far beyond the factory floor. All supervisors are sent for sign language training to improve communication with deaf employees.
By June 2026, the company plans to introduce an on-site occupational therapist and dedicated social worker to better support differently abled staff members. A new partnership with a major NPO will also create an additional 40 jobs for members of South Africa’s differently abled community.
Lesco is also a proud member of Proudly South African, the campaign dedicated to encouraging support for locally manufactured goods and services.
Proudly South African backs Lesco’s human-first innovation
“The long-term sustainability of local companies hinges on their ability to remain globally competitive in a trade environment that is fiercely competitive,” says Eustace Mashimbye.
Mashimbye praised Lesco for striking what he described as a delicate balance between technological advancement and social responsibility.
“The investment by Lesco provides a masterclass of the human face of technology: it demonstrates how new age technologies can be integrated in the production process to improve productivity while sustaining their human capital.”
He also noted that Lesco’s decision to manufacture locally strengthens South Africa’s supply chain, supports job creation, and contributes to skills development and youth work readiness programmes.
A challenge to the global manufacturing industry
Despite its continued commitment to inclusive employment, Lesco remains an industrial powerhouse with SABS, ISO-9001, and SMETA accreditations.
Its story now stands as a challenge to the wider manufacturing sector.
“Progress does not have to come at the cost of the vulnerable. While the future may be semi-robotic, it will also always be fully human. By balancing world-class standards with a fierce loyalty to the marginalised communities of South Africa, we hope to demonstrate that the most powerful component in any electrical product isn’t the copper or the plastic, it’s the person who made it,” concludes Shapiro.
