Deal sealed on R11.5-bn car supplier park
Now is the time for local business to get involved.
The news that a deal has been sealed for a R11.5-billion industrial park to be built on the banks of the Illovo River has been welcomed by the Durban South Business Forum (DSBF).
The automotive supplier park is set to grow the car manufacturing sector in the province.
The 1,000-hectare site should be on track to start development at the end of 2018, with the park in operation by 2022.
“The DSBF is very excited by this announcement,” said DSBF president, Aart Verrips. “The positive impact this super development will have in uplifting our community and, even more, the local business community, will be significant.
We look forward, as the DSBF representing organised business, to meet with the developers to ensure the value proposition of such a development is filtered through to local business, community, social development, job creation, education and grass root levels.”
The automotive park is expected to attract component and car part manufacturers that supply Toyota, MAN Trucks and Bus, and Volvo Trucks.
The 1,000-hectare site should be on track to start development at the end of 2018, with the park in operation by 2022.
“The establishment of such a significant development will have a positive roll-on effect on local businesses that will ensure sustainability and job creation, and spark innovation, creating exciting opportunities for established business and entrepreneurs,” said Verrips. “Participation in significance always results in success, but that is a decision that each local business owner will make for themselves.”
Initially the plan was to establish the automotive park within the area designated for the proposed dig-out port, but with the port plans on hold, an alternate site had to be sourced. The new site is only 18km from Toyota’s Prospecton plant.
“This is definitely a major injection of faith in the local economy. This development, together with the new Toyota expansion, lift the economy of the southern business basin of Durban to new highs, creating excitement and opportunities on short and long-term expectations,” said Verrips.
“Now is the time for local business to get involved, be pro-active and play their part. There will definitely be an influx of new business to the Toti area which will have direct and indirect impact on the local economy in support of this super development.
Local business must get together and voice our competencies, availability and capability to add value to these developments,” advised Verrips.
If local business and other organisations want to get involved, email carine@dsbf.co.za.
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