In March 1973, BMW took the first step of intertwining its history with that of the automotive industry in South Africa. 50 years down the line after millions of models were produced within our borders, we got to begin the celebrations at their Rosslyn manufacturing plant.
Serving as the first manufacturing facility outside of Germany, BMW South Africa took a stride into the ever-globalising world in March 1973 when the newly established Rosslyn facility started producing vehicles bearing the Bavarian badge. This then, signals the start of an annual birthday celebration to commemorate the milestone. Presenting the momentous milestone was Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of BMW AG for Production and Chairman of the Board of Management, Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa among several other key internal figures that ensure the world-class facility continues to operate at its full potential.
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The critical role of Plant Rosslyn and BMW has been a natural symbiosis to strengthen both the automaker and the local automotive manufacturing climate. Nedeljković stated: “As the first plant outside Germany, the emotional link to South Africa is very strong. It was our first step to internationalise BMW.” In addition, “Plant Rosslyn has over the past 50 years proven itself to be an essential member of our production network, consistently improving quality and productivity. The passion for the brand is clear, and the right teams with the right spirit are in place to direct its growth for the next 50 years.”
While looking back on the 50 years was the reason behind this celebration, the local branch of the German automaker also emphasised its plans for the future, to ensure it can continue its local legacy which has come to prominence since its inception. BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s current legacy boasts impressive statistics, with 12,5% of South Africa’s total exports in 2021 and more impressively constituted 60% of light vehicle production exports in the same year. In terms of employment, BMW claims its entire operations locally are responsible for an indirect 50 000 jobs.
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The facility has naturally evolved in this vast timeframe. More than R12,6 billion has been invested into the production facility by the BMW Group since 1995 with more than 1,6 million cars being produced at the plant since its inception. Now, automated machines and state-of-the-art facilities have the ability to rival the likes of the most technologically advanced factories around the world. This constant investment has also enabled the facility to claim numerous international awards for quality and coinciding with the birthday was the milestone of the 300,000th BMW X3 rolling off the assembly line.
Peter van Binsbergen added: “Plant Rosslyn represents a cornerstone of the BMW Group’s global production network of more than 30 sites in 15 countries. We built BMW 3 Series here for more than 30 years; a period that included production of the iconic 333i and the cherished 325iS ‘Gusheshe’. BMW South Africa benefited from the successful adoption of a government-endorsed export programme from 1995 before transitioning to an “X” plant in 2018.”
“Given our rich and colourful history, while we acknowledge our past, our 50th celebration is an equally good time to look ahead. I can only say thank you to the people of South Africa for allowing us to serve you for the past 50 years. We are not only a corporate citizen in South Africa, but through our people and our vehicles, we are a part of the fabric of South African society. Wait until you see what we intend for the next 50 years!”
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