From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

A massive new manufacturing plant is being built in Rosslyn, Tshwane, to service the local car manufacturing industry in the area. Darren Parker tells us more.

Darren Parker:

The construction of automotive components and trims manufacturer YFPO’s new 25 000 m2 manufacturing facility in Rosslyn is in full swing.

YFPO is a joint venture company between French automotive company Plastic Omnium and Chinese automotive company Yanfeng.

Although YFPO currently operates 27 plants and employs more than 4 700 people, the new Rosslyn facility is the JV company’s first investment outside of mainland China and will be supplying car manufacturer BMW’s new plant in Rosslyn.

Rosslyn Hub Development Company director Brendan Falkson:

Darren Parker:

The start of construction on the plant was celebrated by property developer Eris Property Group and Rosslyn Hub Development Company at an onsite sod-turning ceremony on July 25, which saw various public and private sector stakeholders in attendance.

Rosslyn Hub Development Company director Brendan Falkson:

Darren Parker:

The project’s timelines are extremely tight, with completion of the plant, which is about the size of four football fields, expected in less than a year.

Rosslyn Hub Development Company director Brendan Falkson:

Eris development manager Pieter Gouws:

Darren Parker:

The Tshwane Automotive City master plan identified the extension of Tungsten Road as part of the key road infrastructure required to unlock the hub’s development. The road will provide access to the proposed logistics hub and inland port, required for the auto industry to be linked to the N4 highway and Transnet’s rail line.

Rosslyn Hub Development Company director Brendan Falkson:

Darren Parker:

The Tshwane Automotive City is envisioned to emulate well-established automotive cities such as those in Spain, China, Germany and Japan.

The hope is that the Rosslyn Hub will form a second CBD in the north-west of Tshwane, close to Garankuwa and Soshanguve, and will be anchored by a labour-intensive automotive manufacturing core that will enable workers to walk to work and which will redress the poor land decisions of the past.

The YFPO project is the catalyst for the Rosslyn Hub development, which is a crucial step towards the creation of the Tshwane Auto City

Eris development manager Pieter Gouws:

Darren Parker:

The Rosslyn Hub will enable entry level workers to live within walking distance of work, while the money and time saved on transport can be directly invested in assets such as homes, while also increasing the time available for family and quality of life.

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.