Billion-rand plant north of Durban to create jobs
The joint manufacturing operation between Toyota Tsusho Africa (Pty) Ltd and Ogihara Thailand Corporation Ltd is expected to create around 600 jobs within the next five years.
DUBE TradePort (DTP) will soon be home to a R1.1-billion automotive-components manufacturing facility.
The launch was held at the facility’s TradeZone 2 on August 22, marking the celebration of foreign direct investment in KwaZulu-Natal.
Also read: Durban North family to make a splash at SA Bodyboarding Champs
Construction of the facility has commenced, and the company aims to resume its manufacturing operations in June 2025.
Speaking at the launch of the joint venture manufacturing operation between Toyota Tsusho Africa (Pty) Ltd (TTAF) and Ogihara Thailand Corporation Ltd (OTC), MEC for Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Reverend Musa Zondi, said that the launch was proof of the continuing momentum in the KwaZulu-Natal economy and that special economic zones, such as the DTP, would play a strategic role in further development of the vital automotive sector.
“We are exceptionally pleased that after an extensive site selection process, Ogihara SA decided to locate its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Dube TradePort’s TradeZone 2.
“We believe that is because we can meet the needs of the private sector in a stable environment that is secure, well operated, and has sustainable and green energy, as internationally, green supply chains and green production are becoming very important for the final product and market,” said Hamish Erskine, CEO of Dube TradePort.
Ogihara SA, the single largest investment secured by DTP, occupies 32 000 m2 at TradeZone 2 – inclusive of a manufacturing and assembly plant that was relocated from Thailand. This plant will produce pressed steel components for supply to Toyota South Africa Manufacturing.
Reverend Zondi added that it would not be the last as, based on its successful track record to the north of Durban, the DTP will be both the developer and operator of the proposed Durban Automotive Supplier Park (ASP), in collaboration with the eThekwini Municipality. In the advanced planning stage, this will be located to the south of Durban and also aims to attract component manufacturing and car assembly firms.
“The inclusion of Ogihara SA in our local manufacturing ecosystem will not only create new job opportunities but also enhance our capabilities in producing high-quality body parts for the automotive industry. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to localisation and underscores the possibilities for growth and development in the KZN province,” said Andrew Kirby, CEO and president of Toyota South Africa Motors.
Ogihara SA is one of seven private sector investors secured for Dube TradeZone 2, with a total private sector investment value of close to R2 billion and an expected job creation of around 600 within the next five years.
For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
