The R1 billion investment injected by Yanfeng Plastic Omnium South Africa into the newly-unveiled plant in Rosslyn for manufacturing vehicle automobile components has been commended for its potential to create more than 300 jobs.
The National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers has applauded the company for the establishment of its state-of-the-art facility meant to supply components for the latest version of the locally manufactured BMW South Africa X3.
According to the association, the approximately R1bn investment, and 325 jobs are a significant contributor to the local economy and community.
Its chief executive Renai Moothilal hailed the company’s partnership with BMW for resulting in employment, skills, and technology transfer in the new plant.
The partnership, he said, also resulted in deep localisation with lower-tier suppliers to Yanfeng from other components plants found across the country.
Yanfeng general manager Jerry Ni talked about his company’s commitment to employing local youths and women in managerial roles in its South African operations.
The company, he said, has intentions to empower its workforce through skills transfer, and training.
City of Tshwane MMC for economic development and spatial planning, Hannes Coetzee, said the empowering of women through employment could not come at a better time, as the country celebrates Women’s Month.
He explained that Yanfeng is a renowned global provider of automobile components, specialising in interior and exterior solutions.
“It was formed by a joint venture between Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems and Plastic Omnium, headquartered in Shanghai, China. Yanfeng operates in more than 20 countries and employs nearly 50 000 people worldwide,” Coetzee said.
He lauded the company’s launch in South Africa, saying it marks a significant turning point in the BMW and Yanfeng’s international collaboration process.
The company is set to supply BMW with cutting-edge materials and manufacturing processes, lightweight and environmentally-friendly solutions as well as integrated smart technology for the new BMW X3.
Coetzee said: “Following BMW’s award for localisation supply of the new G45 (BMW X3) platform, this project further solidifies the strategic collaboration between the two parties and achieves significant benefits in plant and production sustainability and digitisation.”
He said the initiative is a good illustration of how original equipment manufacturers and international suppliers can work together to increase investment in the automotive value chain, especially in South Africa where the need for employment is so great.
He was also particularly pleased with Yanfeng’s dedication to mitigating its environmental impact as evident in its use of recyclable and sustainable materials, including its energy-efficient production techniques.
“Given that the automotive industry supports Tshwane’s economy and contributes significantly to the GDP and employment, our coalition government welcomes this achievement.
“The City of Tshwane is delighted to be part of this major milestone and trusts that more investments will come to Tshwane,” Coetzee said.
Pretoria News