A third-generation South African creator is demonstrating that technology can have a soul, despite the fact that the global narrative around AI is often characterized by fear of job losses.
Lesco, a local producer of electrical and consumer products, recently launched its semi-robotic production lines with an unprecedented makeover.
Technological upgrades, combined with advanced use of AI on the factory floor, will increase output by four to 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 diverse enabling organisations, support groups, schools and vulnerable communities across South Africa, and these positions have been ring-fenced as part of their rollout.
The company, as a manufacturer of switches, sockets, adapters, extension cords and similar electrical products, currently supplies to some of the largest retailers in our country, including Clicks, Build It, Builders, Makro, Buko, Mica Hardware, Cashbuild, Game, Chamberlains and Leroy Merlin.
They also manufacture these products for Balvin Properties.
Inclusive Manufacturing Operations
Group CEO at Lesco, Jonathan Shapiro says that “It is these retailers who are playing a vital role in ensuring that locally made products, made by an inclusive manufacturing operation, reach every South African home. They should be celebrated for sourcing their products so purposefully – by doing so, they are driving job creation in such an important sector of our society.”
While many industries are surrendering to the ruthless elimination of jobs in the name of cold, automated efficiency, Lesko's model is leading a masterclass in technology with soul, proving that we can embrace the future without sacrificing livelihoods.
Shapiro comments, “Industrial innovation in South Africa must always be based on a moral commitment to inclusivity. We are proud to reaffirm that we are evolving with today's technological advances, without displacing vulnerable workers from our country's disabled community.”
Lesko, a family business that began in Shapiro's father's garage, currently employs more than 300 people.
Disability is not a barrier
“We also hope that this investment in technological and AI advancements will help inspire the youth of South Africa’s disability community. By incorporating AI and automation into workflows, we are sending a powerful message that disability is not a barrier to mastering the world’s most advanced technologies.
For years, we have partnered with Glen Oaks Academy in Kensington, and placed their students in our work readiness program. In 2026, those students will be exposed to local manufacturing and automation like our factory has never seen before – this is an extremely exciting development for everyone in our circle,” says Shapiro.
Engineered to exceed the most stringent global standards, this production line is a formidable engine of the industry, aiming to double Lesco's manufacturing capacity from 5 to 10 million units annually.
With this growth, the company hopes to continue expanding its capabilities through the heartbeat of the organization: its workforce. While the World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates that automation could displace 92 million roles by 2027, Lesko is using the same technology to create sanctuaries for those often neglected in the digital age.
“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”.
committed to the people
Lesko's commitment to its people goes far beyond the assembly line. All supervisors are sent for sign language training to ensure seamless communication with all deaf employees.
By June 2026, the factory will transform into a holistic ecosystem of care by introducing an on-site occupational therapist and dedicated social worker to better support its disabled employees. A new partnership with a leading NPO will also create an additional 40 jobs for members of SA's disability community.
Lesco is also a proud member of Proudly South African, a non-profit advocacy campaign that was established to unite consumers, the public and the private sector to intensify their support for locally produced goods and services with the aim of enhancing the revitalization of our industrial capacity, economic growth and job creation.
human face of technology
“The long-term sustainability of local companies depends on their ability to remain globally competitive in a business environment that is highly competitive. Achieving this requires agility and the discretionary adoption of smart technologies that can be incorporated into the production cycle to increase efficiency and reduce input costs.
We are pleased that Lesco has managed to strike a delicate balance of incorporating cutting-edge technology into its production without sacrificing the much-needed jobs that sustain the livelihoods of many people.
The investment by Lesco provides a masterclass of the human face of technology: demonstrating how new age technologies can be integrated into the production process to improve productivity while maintaining their human capital,” says Eustace Mashimbe, CEO of Proudly South African.
locally produced
Mashimbe says Lesco's choice to manufacture locally allows the company to maintain full control over its quality, while supporting other entities in South Africa further down the value chain.
“With the support of a partnership of local distributors, they keep the South African supply chain running, while their approach to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) makes Lesco products the silent force behind South Africa’s most trusted brands.
As the only manufacturer in the country capable of producing these high quality and reliable products on home soil, LESCO supports the economic sovereignty of the country, it creates employment opportunities, facilitates ongoing skills development and can support work readiness programs for our youth” says Mashimbe.
Despite its ongoing commitment to being an inclusive employer, Lesco is also an industrial powerhouse. With SABS, ISO-9001 and SMETA accreditation, the company can confirm that it has taken a highly responsible approach to ethical audits that ensure a conducive and safe working environment in the factory.
Lesko's story is a challenge to the global manufacturing sector: “Progress should not come at the expense of vulnerable people. While the future may be semi-robotic, it will always be fully human. By balancing world-class standards with a deep loyalty to South Africa's marginalized communities, we hope to demonstrate that the most powerful ingredient in any electrical product is not the copper or the plastic, it is the person who made it,” Shapiro concludes.
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