New R740m Isuzu plant promises jobs boost in Eastern Cape

Isuzu Motors South Africa recently celebrated the opening of a new state-of-the-art metal-pressing facility in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. 

The R740 million plant, run by majority Black female-owned VSL Manufacturing, will produce critical components for the new generation Isuzu D-Max, marking a significant boost for local manufacturing and the automotive sector.

"We've already created 52 new jobs, and this number is projected to increase to 120 in the next three to five years as the plant matures and starts operating at full capacity. So, jobs-wise, I think we are making a very positive impact. We are hoping to maintain that for years to come," says Vuyo Skweyiya, co-owner and Managing Director at VSL Manufacturing.

Skweyiya emphasised the importance of localisation, noting that the plant will reduce reliance on imported vehicle panels and help make Isuzu vehicles more accessible to South African consumers.

"This is part of Isuzu's localisation strategy, and VSL is the vehicle in which Isuzu gets to do this. We manufacture skin panels, and skin panels to the layperson are the metal components that you see on the outside of a vehicle. Previously, and in the current Isuzu model that's in the market, most of those components were being imported. Now, this move is trumping Isuzu to localise all of those components. 

"It's a wonderful story for the industry because localisation is what is key here. This is what is happening. This is what this investment is enabling."

She also highlighted the facility’s role in supporting young people and women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. 

"Beyond ownership, what matters most is that our people, and especially young people, young women, see themselves in this business and know that they have a future in this industry."

The opening represents a rare piece of good news for a sector hit by job losses and global trade pressures.

To listen to Skweyiya in conversation with Amy Mac Iver on CapeTalk's Views and News, click below: