Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Custom
Timeline
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Abongile Matshaya

Abongile Matshaya

Maintenance Technician
East London

Summary

I am an experienced Mechanical Engineering Technician with over 9 years in Automotive Manufacturing, specializing in Production and Maintenance. Proven track record of improving workflows, optimizing maintenance processes, and promoting best practices. Skilled in analysis, problem-solving, and communication, with a strong commitment to safety and efficiency. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and continue growing technical and leadership skills.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
2
2
Languages

Work History

Maintenance Technician

MERCEDES-BENZ SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD
06.2020 - Current
  • Maintained and optimized robotic assembly and conveyor systems across multiple production lines, ensuring 24/7 operational availability to meet high-volume manufacturing targets (Achieved 90% plus throughout years).
  • Performed advanced preventative maintenance on equipment such as conveyors, material handling equipment, torque tools, automated guided vehicles, Lenze drives and motors devices, Festo pneumatic components, and Siemens components, using the SAP PM system, adhering strictly to scheduled work orders, and reducing unplanned downtime by 20%.
  • Led troubleshooting and repair of complex breakdowns on automated systems equipment, like stacker cranes, using diagnostic tools (e.g., Siemens PLC, Lenze software) to restore production within tight operational timeframes; MTTR improved.
  • Investigated recurring equipment faults in the final assembly line by conducting trend analysis and operator feedback sessions, and implemented mechanical upgrades that resolved chronic faults and increased system reliability.
  • Participated in cross-functional Root Cause Analysis sessions, and applied Corrective and Preventative Actions following drive train assembly line stoppages; implemented corrective actions, including improved lubrication schedules, to eliminate recurrence, and enhanced operators' training.
  • Increased overall equipment effectiveness of assembly production equipment by fine-tuning servo drive parameters and replacing outdated actuators, resulting in a 12% improvement in cycle time and product consistency.
  • Performed comprehensive risk assessments and Failure Mode & Effects Analysis on critical safety systems, including vehicle lift platforms and automated guided vehicles, leading to the implementation of additional safety interlocks and risk mitigation procedures.
  • Collaborated with engineering and maintenance planning teams to develop and continuously update Asset Care Plans, using real-time performance data and historical maintenance logs to prioritize predictive maintenance tasks.
  • Coordinated and supervised maintenance activities during weekend work and planned shutdowns, coordinating subcontractors, and ensuring that over 20 major maintenance tasks are executed with zero incidents, and all work meets production readiness deadlines without delays.
  • Participated in the commissioning of new equipment in the paint shop, assembly, and body shop, verifying mechanical checks, performing quality checks in line with Mercedes-Benz standards, and completing buy-off checklists before releasing machines to production.
  • Provided real-time equipment status updates to production supervisors and the maintenance planner, ensuring that repairs and part replacements were tracked and communicated for seamless shift transitions.
  • Ensured all work was performed in strict compliance with Mercedes-Benz technical standards, SOPs, and quality protocols, maintaining a culture of engineering excellence, and accountability.
  • Maintained a safe working environment by performing hazard identification, ensuring all lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures were followed, and promoting safety awareness among technicians and operators.

Mechanical Engineering Graduate Trainee

MERCEDES-BENZ SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD
02.2019 - 05.2020
  • Expertly directed preventative maintenance protocols, ensuring a high rate of task execution and system reliability.
  • Pioneered effective troubleshooting techniques for complex machine malfunctions, significantly improving downtime response.
  • Innovatively resolved recurring mechanical issues, employing advanced analytical skills for long-term solutions.
  • Enhanced machinery performance by streamlining optimization processes, resulting in improved cycle times and quality output.
  • Performed comprehensive risk assessments and Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), fortifying risk management strategies.
  • Played a key role in refining Asset Care Plans (ACDP), fostering an environment of continuous improvement.
  • Orchestrated and supervised critical equipment operations during off-hours and planned shutdowns, ensuring seamless transitions.
  • Diligently conducted equipment commissioning, including thorough completion of buyoffs checklists.

Production Associate and P2 student

MERCEDES-BENZ SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD
10.2014 - 01.2019
  • Maintained a flexible approach to work assignments, willingly cross-training in other areas to support changing production needs.
  • Ensured adherence to industry standards, maintaining accurate documentation for compliance audits and certifications.
  • Assisted in fine-tuning production schedules to balance efficiency, quality, and cost considerations for optimal results.
  • Improved product quality with thorough inspections, identifying and addressing potential issues before shipment.
  • Reduced waste and material costs by optimizing inventory management and implementing a recycling program (Application of 7 waste of LEAN manufacturing).
  • Understanding and application of Mercedes-Benz Production system.
  • Conducted quality checks by measuring quality, quality control & quality assurance processes (Assembly).
  • Dealt with projects according to project specification and buy offs during equipment commissioning.
  • Worked with problem solving team that was tasked to investigate causes of downtime in the production trim lines (Assembly).
  • Learn more in engineering design concepts.
  • Practice of housekeeping following 5s principle.

Mechanical Engineering Experiential Trainee

FLOORWORX (PTY) LTD
01.2014 - 09.2014
  • Working safely with tools and equipment (Basic hand skills)
  • Safety Laws
  • Using engineering tools (hand & power tools, lifting techniques)
  • House keeping
  • Operating hydraulic machine
  • Arc and gas welding

Education

Advanced Diploma - Mechanical Engineering

WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITY
East London, South Africa
01.2024

National Diploma - Mechanical Engineering

WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITY
East London, South Africa
01.2017

Skills

COMMISSIONING PROCESSES

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Certification

Driving license category C 1

Custom

Mr Zamile Mpeta  [HOD] - Walter Sisulu University

Contact: 0437094000, email: zmpeta@wsu.ac.za

Mr Christian Zwedala [Line Manager Technical] - Mercedes-Benz South Africa Pty Ltd

Contact: 0815534987, email: christian.zwedala@mercedes- benz.com

Mr Junior Lumnkwana [Line Manager Production] - Mercedes-Benz South Africa Pty Ltd

Contact: 0815850930, email: junior.lumnkwana@mercedes- benz.com

Timeline

Maintenance Technician

MERCEDES-BENZ SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD
06.2020 - Current

Mechanical Engineering Graduate Trainee

MERCEDES-BENZ SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD
02.2019 - 05.2020

Production Associate and P2 student

MERCEDES-BENZ SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD
10.2014 - 01.2019

Mechanical Engineering Experiential Trainee

FLOORWORX (PTY) LTD
01.2014 - 09.2014

Advanced Diploma - Mechanical Engineering

WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITY

National Diploma - Mechanical Engineering

WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITY

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