Michael Bennett - Founder / CEO

Summary

Seasoned engineering executive with over 40 years of industry experience leading global-scale manufacturing and turnkey engineering projects. General Manager of Casting and Engineering Specialists Pty Ltd, an ISO 9001/9002/ISO-TS 16949 - certified provider of high-quality metal castings, Wear abrasive casting, forgings, and integrated engineering solutions. Proven expertise in precision machining, steel fabrication, Mining Equipment manufacturing, Military equipment design and manufacturing, Aerospace equipment design and manufacturing and end-to-end design, with a focus on specialized engineering services for the mining, automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors. Strategic leader with a successful track record navigating complex global markets and operational risks within the African and European volatile industrial landscape.

Highly driven General Manager successful at implementing strategic approaches to drive profitability and sales. Recognized for performance excellence in operations and customer care. Successful at motivating, training and developing team members to drive profitability in highly competitive environment.

Customer-oriented general manager with several years of experience focused on increasing production and minimizing downtime. Adaptive and deadline-oriented with capacity to execute and complete multiple projects in high-stress environments. Meticulous leader and strategic planner with comprehensive managerial acumen.

Accomplished industry leader offering many years of management expertise including staff training and development, performance evaluation, and continuous improvement. Focused and efficient with proficiency in financial reporting and budget adherence. Demonstrated success in evaluating P&L to achieve targets.

Results-driven General Manager known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Skilled in strategic planning, team leadership, and operational management. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, ensuring effective team collaboration and customer satisfaction. Committed to driving business growth through innovative strategies and exemplary leadership qualities.

Resourceful professional in management operations known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in strategic planning, team leadership, and operational improvement. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, ensuring seamless execution of business strategies and enhancement of team performance.

Experienced in fast-paced environments and adaptable to last-minute changes. Thrives under pressure and consistently earns high marks for work quality and speed.

Overview

35

years of professional experience

6

years of post-secondary education

Work History

Founder / CEO

Casting and Engineering Specialists Pty Ltd

Boksburg, South Africa

02.1998 - 06.2025

"Built CES into a globally recognized provider of custom, high-quality engineering solutions supplying clients across Africa, Europe, and Asia".
Spearheaded transition from African operations to global turnkey project delivery, reducing reliance on African markets volatility.
Oversaw operations across precision CNC machining, metal casting (ferrous & non-ferrous), metal forging, steel structure fabrication, High wear abrasive mining equipment design and manufacturing, steel fabrication, Construction steel structures fabrication and 3D laser inspection.
Achieved and maintained ISO 9001/ISO 9002 and ISO/TS 16949 certifications, ensuring global-standards & quality assurance.
Managed end-to-end engineering projects for mining, military, aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications.
Recruited and mentored a team of top-tier engineers and specialists, focusing on skills retention amid national shortages.
Navigated BEE/B-BBEE policy constraints by expanding export channels and leveraging a premium quality-driven model that competes against low-cost imports.
An ISO 9001/9002/ISO-TS 16949 - certified provider of high-quality metal castings, Wear abrasive casting, forgings, and integrated engineering solutions. Website: https://castingandengineering.simdif.com
Delivered engineering solutions for critical mining infrastructure in Namibia, Zambia, Angola, Botswana, Ghana and Tanzania under harsh operational conditions.
Designed and manufactured specialized aerospace components adhering to global reliability and international precision standards, ISO 9001/ISO 9002/ISO/TS 16949.
Developed and produced critical heavy automotive parts (engine blocks, cylinder heads, gearboxes, differential casings, Helical Gears) while actively adapting to EV/SDV sector trends.
Created a streamlined, client-centered project model-"One-Stop Engineering Workshop"-to reduce vendor dependencies.
Protected brand integrity and client IP by maintaining private, direct client relationships without public endorsements.

Education

BBA - Business Management, Financial Management, Business Administration, Sales and Marketing Management

University of Witwatersrand

Johannesburg

Grade 12 Matric -

Hoodland High School

Skills

Business Management
Turnkey Engineering Project Management
Technical Management
Product Design and Development
Inventory Management
Procurement Management
Mining Equipment Manufacturing
Crushing Equipment Design
Precision CNC Machining
CNC Milling
CAD/CAM
3D Laser Scanning
AutoCAD
SolidWorks
Siemens NX
Fanuc
Global Supply Chain Management
Operations Management
Sales Management
Marketing Management

Custom Metal Castings
Metal Forgings
Negotiation
Contract Management
Design and Development of Engineered Components
Aerospace Components
Military Components
Quality Compliance
Audit Management
Strategic Market Diversification
Innovation
Continuous Improvement
New Business Development
Team Leadership
Critical Thinking
Problem-Solving
Metallurgical Analysis
Casting Simulation
Advanced Steel Fabrication Techniques
Documentation Management

Affiliations

South African Institute of Foundrymen (SAIF)
African Engineering and Manufacturing Council (AEMC) - Affiliate

Languages

Afrikaans
English, Fluent
Afrikaans, Professional

Leadership And Management

Proven track record of driving business growth worldwide, innovation, and excellence in a dynamic environment., Experienced in building, leading, and motivating high-performance teams to achieve exceptional company results., Skilled in navigating organizational change, driving cultural transformation, and fostering a culture of innovation and business ethics., Implemented process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance quality., Developed and executed business strategies to drive business growth, expand market and global share, and increase business revenue., Highly skilled in analyzing complex technical problems and developing effective solutions., Encouraged innovation and R&D to drive business growth and stay ahead of the competition worldwide., Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders., Metallurgy, Steel Structure, Steel Construction, Aerospace Technology, Heavy Equipment manufacturing, Wear abrasive design Engineering, Light steel structures, Military equipment design and development.

Languages

Afrikaans
English, Fluent
Afrikaans, Professional

Industrial Education And Training

Professional Engineering & Metallurgy Training, Certificate on request
Industry Certification & Continuous Improvement, Certificate on request

Languages

Afrikaans
English, Fluent
Afrikaans, Professional

Leadership And Management

Proven track record of driving business growth worldwide, innovation, and excellence in a dynamic environment., Experienced in building, leading, and motivating high-performance teams to achieve exceptional company results., Skilled in navigating organizational change, driving cultural transformation, and fostering a culture of innovation and business ethics., Implemented process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance quality., Developed and executed business strategies to drive business growth, expand market and global share, and increase business revenue., Highly skilled in analyzing complex technical problems and developing effective solutions., Encouraged innovation and R&D to drive business growth and stay ahead of the competition worldwide., Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders., Metallurgy, Steel Structure, Steel Construction, Aerospace Technology, Heavy Equipment manufacturing, Wear abrasive design Engineering, Light steel structures, Military equipment design and development.

Work Preference

Job Search Status

Open to work

Salary Range

$125000/yr - $200000/yr

Industrial Education And Training

Professional Engineering & Metallurgy Training, Certificate on request
Industry Certification & Continuous Improvement, Certificate on request