Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has announced that the company plans to invest R363 million in a new parts distribution centre in the Ekurhuleni municipality, following the completion of a five-year R8 billion investment programme in the company’s manufacturing facility in Prospecton on the outskirts of Durban.
This represents the largest single investment by the company in Gauteng and will ensure for improved availability of both service and replacement parts for all of its vehicles – including the Lexus and Hino ranges.
Development of the first phase of the new facility should be completed by May 2012 and will serve TSAM’s local and export markets. Upon completion of the second phase, before the end of 2015, the facility will cover 80 000 m2 and will be the largest of its kind in Africa. More than 10 per cent of Toyota’s employees will be based there.
The new warehouse promises to be one of the most modern facilities in Toyota’s global supply network and will make use of the latest technologies and management systems.