While the local launch of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is just a few days away, Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) is preparing for the official start of production of the new model at their East London manufacturing plant. In a similar fashion to its predecessor, the W205 series C-Class will be produced at the award-winning plant in East London, for both local and export markets.
An increase in capacity on the plant’s C-Class production line has had a ripple effect on the contribution that MBSA is able to make both directly, and through the component supply sector, to the economy of the Eastern Cape Province and the country.
Speaking at the start of production event, the minister of trade and industry, Dr Rob Davies, said the automotive industry is critical for the economy of the country and contributes significantly to the country’s GDP. He said the launch will benefit the country through employment creation and exports.
In excess of 550 direct jobs have been created at the plant, with 10 new suppliers added to the local count. Close to R60 million has been channelled into training initiatives, with more than 1 200 training interventions, including assignments to various international plants. In addition, nearly 900 unemployed people from the Border Kei region have been upskilled,
“Projects such as the W205 production play a significant role in helping achieve a target of 1,2 million vehicles assembled in SA by the end of the decade, and even more heartening is the increase in project investment levels from that initially budgeted for. This is indicative of spending to support even further capacity enhancement. The SA government remains steadfast in its commitment to sustaining and growing the local industry”, stated Minister Davies.
Several new technologies will place the MBSA plant at the cutting edge of global automotive production. CEO and vice president for manufacturing at MBSA, Arno van der Merwe explains: “We will bring 10 new cutting edge production technologies to East London in our body shop alone. Several new processes include amongst others, localised components and processes such as aluminium skin panels; complex laser welding; roll forming for complex structural profiles; advanced rear axle carriage assembly; aluminium pre-treatment and natural fibre pressings. Many of these technologies also empower the local supply industry. The new C-Class boasts ten new suppliers (including three sequencing operations), who have set up shop in the country.”
C-Class models produced in the East London plant will be exported all over the globe. “Truly out of Africa, for the world,” van der Merwe concludes.
