What Mecad Systems does

Mecad Systems is South Africa's authorized SOLIDWORKS reseller and certified training partner, distributing the full Dassault Systèmes product portfolio — including SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD (Standard, Professional, Premium tiers), Simulation, Flow Simulation, Plastics, Electrical, CAM, PDM, Visualize, Composer, Inspection, MBD, DraftSight, and the 3DEXPERIENCE cloud platform — to engineers and manufacturers across South Africa. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Centurion with regional offices in Cape Town and Durban, the company serves over 2,700 active clients ranging from single engineers and startups to large manufacturers (e.g., CADAC/Dometic, Miser Hybrid Technologies, Sat-Com, Stage Zero), with reach extending throughout the African continent.

The company's revenue is generated through four streams: (1) subscription-based reselling of SOLIDWORKS software licenses (with quote-based pricing for Professional/Premium tiers and a listed R3,650/month online subscription for Standard), (2) certified training delivered through MECAD Academy, (3) recurring technical support contracts, and (4) consulting and implementation services through the MECAD Technologies subsidiary — covering workflow optimization, custom software development, CAD automation, system audits, and rendering/animation services. Its go-to-market combines direct e-commerce for entry-level licenses, sales-assisted quotes for enterprise deployments, and field-based engagement across three regional offices.

Mecad's value proposition centers on being a single-source provider for the complete SOLIDWORKS ecosystem in South Africa, with local certified engineering support, a 90-Day Pilot Project for first-time users, specialized educational pricing under its Dassault Systèmes Preferred Education Reseller 2026 designation, and engineering-driven implementation services. The company essentially operates as a localized services and distribution layer over Dassault Systèmes' global CAD/CAE/CAM/PLM technology stack, with its competitive moat derived from partner tenure, certified talent, and physical presence rather than proprietary technology.

Name

Mecad Systems

Legal name

MECAD Systems

Website

https://mecad.co.za

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Mecad Systems is South Africa's authorized SOLIDWORKS reseller and certified training partner, distributing the full Dassault Systèmes CAD/CAE/CAM portfolio and related services to more than 2,700 engineering and manufacturing clients across the African continent from offices in Centurion, Cape Town, and Durban.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Engineering Design Software (CAD/CAM/CAE Reseller and Services)

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Wholesale-Computers & Peripheral Equipment & Software (5045), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)

akta.pro primary industry

3D Design & CAD for Additive Manufacturing (IMAAACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Scan-to-CAD & Reverse Engineering Software (IMAAAHAE), Quality Assurance, Inspection & Traceability Software (AM) (IMAAACAG), Service, Repair & Maintenance Contracts (Preventive Maintenance, Onsite Service, Extended Warranty) (IMAAAIAM)

Keywords

• SOLIDWORKS reseller
• 3D CAD software
• Engineering design software
• CAD training services
• Product data management

Headquarters

HQ city

Gauteng

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. SOLIDWORKS Software Resale: Revenue from reselling SOLIDWORKS software licenses including Standard, Professional, and Premium tiers. Offers multiple licensing models including standalone, network, term, and 3DEXPERIENCE-based licenses. Software sales represent the primary revenue stream as an authorized Dassault Systèmes reseller.
2. Training Services (MECAD Academy): Certified SOLIDWORKS training programs including Essentials, Advanced Design, Simulation, and specialized courses. Revenue from instructor-led training sessions at their facilities or on-site.
3. Technical Support Services: Engineering-driven technical support including troubleshooting, software updates, best practice advice, and enhanced subscription services. Provided via phone, email, and online support portal.
4. Consulting and Implementation Services: Custom consulting services including workflow optimization, custom software development, implementation support, CAD model creation, automation, system audits, and specialized services. Delivered through Mecad Technologies.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

MECAD Systems resells Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software (Standard, Professional, and Premium tiers) along with the broader SOLIDWORKS portfolio—Simulation, Flow Simulation, Plastics, Electrical, CAM, Visualize, Composer, Inspection, MBD, PDM, Manage, DraftSight, and the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform—to engineers and manufacturers in South Africa and across Africa. The company complements its software resale with MECAD Academy certified training, MECAD Optimization Pack and PDM/Electrical QuickStart implementation services, consulting via MECAD Technologies, and engineering-driven technical support including an Enhanced Subscription program.

Product overview

Mecad Systems is South Africa's authorized SOLIDWORKS reseller and training partner, offering a comprehensive portfolio of SOLIDWORKS software solutions complemented by professional services. The core offering is the SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD platform available in Standard, Professional, and Premium tiers, which serves as the foundation for the entire product ecosystem. This is extended through specialized add-on modules addressing specific engineering needs: SOLIDWORKS Simulation for structural/thermal analysis, SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation for CFD analysis, SOLIDWORKS Plastics for injection molding simulation, SOLIDWORKS Electrical for electrical schematics and routing, SOLIDWORKS Visualize for photorealistic rendering, SOLIDWORKS Composer for technical documentation, SOLIDWORKS CAM for manufacturing, SOLIDWORKS Inspection for quality documentation, SOLIDWORKS MBD for 3D PMI, and SOLIDWORKS PDM for data management. The 3DEXPERIENCE Platform provides cloud-based collaboration and data management capabilities that integrate with SOLIDWORKS. DraftSight offers 2D CAD capabilities as an alternative. Complementing the software portfolio, Mecad provides certified training through MECAD Academy, consulting services, implementation services (PDM QuickStart, Electrical QuickStart), optimization services, and technical support. The company serves over 2,700 clients across Africa from offices in Centurion, Cape Town, and Durban.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MECAD Academy: Certified SOLIDWORKS training programs offered by MECAD Systems, covering Essentials, Advanced Design, Simulation, and more.

Products and services

• SOLIDWORKS Design Industry-standard 3D CAD software for creating parts, assemblies, and technical drawings with parametric modeling, real-time collaboration, and design validation capabilities. Available in Standard, Professional, and Premium tiers. Sold to engineers and manufacturers in South Africa.
• SOLIDWORKS Simulation Engineering analysis tool for running structural, thermal, and motion analyses to test real-world performance before manufacturing, including buckling studies and applied forces on beams. Used by engineering teams to validate designs prior to physical prototyping.
• SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool for simulating pressure, temperature, and flow rates to ensure consistent product performance and make necessary design adjustments. Used by engineers evaluating thermal and fluid behavior of mechanical designs.
• SOLIDWORKS Plastics Injection molding simulation tool for predicting and preventing moulding defects by simulating plastic flow during part and mould design. Sold to plastic part designers and mold makers.
• SOLIDWORKS Electrical Electrical schematic design tool for quickly creating intelligent electrical schematics and automating wiring documentation directly within SOLIDWORKS, including terminal strip layout and cable handling. Used by electromechanical design engineers.
• SOLIDWORKS Visualize Photorealistic rendering software for transforming CAD data into images and animations for marketing and presentations, with DSPBR material support. Used by engineering teams for product visualization and marketing assets.
• SOLIDWORKS Composer Technical documentation tool for producing clear, interactive assembly instructions and manuals directly from 3D models. Used by engineering and technical publications teams to author service and assembly documentation.
• SOLIDWORKS CAM Computer-aided manufacturing software that connects design to manufacturing by automating CNC programming inside SOLIDWORKS. Used by manufacturers and machine shops to program CNC operations directly from part models.
• SOLIDWORKS Inspection Tool for creating inspection documentation and automating balloon and dimension callout workflows for quality assurance processes. Used by QA engineers to streamline inspection reporting.
• SOLIDWORKS MBD Manufacturing bridge tool for defining and publishing 3D PMI (Product Manufacturing Information) directly from SOLIDWORKS models. Used by manufacturers to communicate GD&T and manufacturing data in 3D.
• SOLIDWORKS PDM Product data management system for managing design data securely, tracking revisions, and collaborating across teams with centralized version control. Used by engineering organizations to control CAD files and releases.
• DraftSight Professional 2D drafting and 3D design software compatible with DWG files, positioned as an alternative to AutoCAD. Used by drafters and engineers for 2D technical drawing.
• 3DEXPERIENCE Platform Cloud-based collaboration and data management platform from Dassault Systèmes that integrates with SOLIDWORKS for enhanced team collaboration, secure cloud storage, and access to cloud CAD tools like 3D Sculptor. Sold to engineering teams needing cloud collaboration and PDM.
• MECAD Academy (Certified SOLIDWORKS Training) Certified SOLIDWORKS training program delivered at MECAD offices in Centurion, Cape Town, and Durban, or on-site at customer locations. Courses include Essentials, Advanced Design, Simulation, and specialized topics. Targeted at engineers, designers, and manufacturing professionals.
• MECAD Optimization Pack Advanced optimization service for maximizing efficiency of SOLIDWORKS workflows through tailored analysis and implementation. Targeted at engineering organizations seeking to improve SOLIDWORKS usage efficiency.
• PDM QuickStart Implementation Expedited implementation service for SOLIDWORKS PDM that helps clients stand up product data management quickly. Targeted at engineering teams adopting PDM for the first time.
• SOLIDWORKS Consulting Tailored workflow analysis and implementation consulting services delivered by certified engineers for optimizing SOLIDWORKS usage and engineering processes. Targeted at engineering organizations needing workflow improvements.
• SOLIDWORKS Technical Support Engineering-driven technical support provided via phone, email, and an online support portal, with an Enhanced Subscription option for customers needing additional support beyond the standard tier.
• CAD Model, Drawing Creation, and Automation CAD model creation, drawing generation, and automation services for streamlining design workflows. Targeted at engineering teams needing outsourced modeling or workflow automation.
• System Audits and Evaluations Comprehensive evaluation services for assessing SOLIDWORKS implementation and identifying optimization opportunities. Targeted at engineering organizations seeking to benchmark their CAD environment.
• Rendering and Animations Professional rendering and animation services for creating photorealistic visuals and animations from SOLIDWORKS models. Targeted at engineering and marketing teams needing visual assets from CAD data.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2,700 companies trust MECAD for SOLIDWORKS solutions across Africa
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Dassault SystèmescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMECAD Systems is South Africa's authorized SOLIDWORKS reseller and certified training partner recognized by Dassault Systèmes. The company provides genuine SOLIDWORKS licenses, certified training, and direct technical support for engineers and manufacturers across South Africa. As a preferred education reseller, MECAD also offers educational institutions free or discounted licenses.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Hawk Ridge Systems: Authorized SOLIDWORKS VAR providing software, training, and 3D printing/AM solutions across the U.S., with a similar combination of license resale, consulting, and certified training services to Mecad.
• GoEngineer: One of the largest SOLIDWORKS resellers in North America, offering the same triad of software resale, certified training, and technical support as Mecad. Closest functional analog to Mecad in a different geography.
• Fisher Unitech: Long-standing SOLIDWORKS VAR providing 3D CAD, 3D printing, and PLM solutions across North America. Now part of Trimech, but historically competed as a direct VAR analog to Mecad's authorized-reseller model.
• Trimech: Major SOLIDWORKS value-added reseller in the U.S. offering software, training, and engineering services, including acquired peers such as Fisher Unitech. Operates the same VAR-plus-services model that defines Mecad's business.
• CATI (Computer Aided Technology): Authorized SOLIDWORKS reseller providing software, training, and 3D printing/AM solutions, with a similar mix of license distribution, certified training, and engineering services comparable to Mecad's offerings.

Others

• Tata Technologies: Global engineering services and digital-led CAD/CAM/PLM consulting firm. Comparable to Mecad's consulting arm (MECAD Technologies) in delivering outsourced design and engineering workflow services to manufacturers.

Broad incumbents

• Dassault Systèmes: The vendor whose SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE products Mecad resells. Defines the partner economics, product roadmap, and channel terms that govern Mecad's entire business model.
• PTC: Competing CAD/PLM vendor (Creo, Onshape) with established regional reseller coverage. Structurally analogous to Dassault in shaping the competitive landscape Mecad operates within.
• Autodesk: Competing CAD vendor (AutoCAD, Fusion 360, Inventor) with parallel South African reseller channels. Represents the principal alternative platform Mecad's prospects could choose instead of SOLIDWORKS.

Regional players

• Solid Solutions (UK): UK-based SOLIDWORKS authorized reseller and training partner with a parallel VAR-plus-services model, comparable to Mecad but operating across a different geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@mecadsystems-solidworksand4875
• Facebookfacebook.com/MecadSolidWorks
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mecad-systems
• Instagraminstagram.com/mecad_systems
• Xx.com/MecadSystems

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mecad Systems