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

Sashnee Moodley:

Sustainable building materials producer and distributor Saint-Gobain Africa has officially launched its new fibre cement manufacturing plant, in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. Sabrina Jardim has the story.

Sabrina Jardim:

Saint-Gobain Africa says its new plant represents an investment of more than R500-million into South Africa’s economy and reinforces its long-term commitment to local manufacturing, job creation, skills transfer and sustainable industrial growth.

The new plant will produce fibre cement – a durable composite building material valued for its strength, as well as its fire- and moisture-resistance.

Saint-Gobain Africa CEO Aymeric d’Ydewalle…

Sabrina Jardim:

The investment forms part of the company’s long-term commitment to Africa and aligns with the company’s global purpose – Making the World a Better Home – which extends beyond products to supporting sustainable growth, industrial development and social progress.

During the opening in January, Saint-Gobain Africa CEO Aymeric d’Ydewalle described the plant as a “world class industrial investment” built on the company’s global expertise, drawing on years of fibre cement manufacturing experience across multiple regions of the world.

By producing the fibre cement locally, d’Ydewalle said the company is able to improve availability and reliability for its customers.

Saint-Gobain Africa CEO Aymeric d’Ydewalle…

Sabrina Jardim:

D’Ydewalle said the plant allows the company to deliver integrated construction solutions across residential housing, non-residential buildings and infrastructure projects.

Additionally, d’Ydewalle emphasised the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors in this project, noting support from the government authorities, local institutions and industry partners.

Saint-Gobain Africa CEO Aymeric d’Ydewalle…

Sabrina Jardim:

Saint-Gobain Africa said the Ekurhuleni plant brings the company’s Maba commitment to life, demonstrating its focus on local production alongside skills development, community empowerment and the strengthening of regional value chains.

D’Ydewalle said the company would continue to invest in South Africa, manufacture locally and build strong partnerships with its entire ecosystem.

As the company continues to invest in local manufacturing, innovation and skills development, it says that it remains focused on building resilient industries, supporting economic growth and contributing meaningfully to the country’s industrial future.

Saint-Gobain Africa CEO Aymeric d’Ydewalle…

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.