6 October 2009
BMW South Africa is to invest an additional R2.2-billion at its plant in Rosslyn outside Pretoria, in order to introduce the latest vehicle and production technology at the plant and within the company’s local supplier network.
“The investment will enable maximum plant capacity to increase from 60 000 to 87 000 units, while securing production in South Africa for the future,” the German automaker said on Monday.
Automotive production and development
The investment announcement followed the signing of a letter of commitment with the Department of Trade and Industry, which will honour the investment under the state’s new support scheme for the motor industry, the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP).
The APDP will replace the current support programme for the automotive industry, the Motor Industry Development Programme, in 2012.
Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane welcomed BMW’s move, saying it would be a major boost for the South African economy. She said the automotive sector remained a key industry in South Africa, and the investment proved that Gauteng province was a first-choice production location.
Speaking to Radio 702, Mokonyane said the investment showed confidence by the group in the future of South Africa’s economy, and would not only guarantee jobs but also develop skills in the province.
Training, skills development
At the same time, the automaker announced a training programme for 1 100 associates at its Rosslyn plant.
“The training programme commenced in early September and will run for the next 18 months, providing a Merseta (Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education Training Authority) accredited qualification to the associates,” BMW South Africa said.
Source: BuaNews
