The East London Industrial Development Zone SOC Ltd (ELIDZ) is the only solution for investing automotive manufacturers in the region. This industrial estate leads the development of the Automotive Sector in the country thus carving the way for other Industrial Development Zones (IDZs) / Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The Zone has attracted more than R4 billion worth of investment in this sector. The ELIDZ has put in place the following customised solutions to support the growth of the sector:
WORLD-CLASS AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLIER PARK:
The state-of-the-art Automotive Supplier Park (ASP) houses world renowned automotive suppliers that supply the likes of Mercedes Benz South Africa, Nissan South Africa, Volkswagen South Africa, Ford South Africa and Isuzu Motors South Africa with components from the location.
To create a plug and play environment as well as ensure ease of doing business, these suppliers are supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure and customised offerings. This platform enables these component manufacturers to produce high spec, quality components at the right time and within a competitive price range for the original equipment manufacturer (OEMs) they service.
The ELIDZ’s offering to automotive suppliers has made it possible for some of these manufacturers to acquire new business, expand their product lines and receive industry recognition for their world class operations.
PACKAGED OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SECTOR
ELIDZ-MOEM-Brochure-A5 landscape
IN-HOUSE METAL SURFACE TREATMENT PLANT
In 2012, the ELIDZ established the Metal Surface Treatment (aluminium treatment and E-Coating) facility which is located at its ASP. This became the first facility of its kind in the greater Border-Kei area. The establishment of the facility has increased the competitiveness of Buffalo City as an investment destination, particularly for the automotive sector.
Upon completion, the organisation appointed a proficient operator (Linde + Wiemann RSA) to oversee the day-to-day running of the facility.
The establishment of the facility at the ELIDZ installed value adding services to the automotive sector, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of the IDZ by creating shared services through enabling infrastructure which can be used by multiple customers. The Metal Surface Treatment (MST) facility offers its services to Mercedes Benz South Africa (MBSA) and various other component manufacturers and has in turn created direct jobs.
The Port of East London’s Support to the regional Automotive Sector
The port plays a key role in the countries automotive sector. With its easy access to the ELIDZ Automotive Supplier Park and Coastal Vehicle Distribution Centre, East London is the preferred import and export port for MBSA, as well as other vehicle importers.
The Port of East London is situated at the mouth of the Buffalo River and is the only commercial river port on the South African coastline. Centrally located both nationally and internationally, the port is strategically positioned to act as the gateway between Africa and the global market. The Port of East London’s geographical position gives its customers easy access to world markets, while reputation for excellent turnaround times is renowned.
The port enjoys a strategic relationship with the ELIDZ, which is situated in close proximity to the port, offering complete supply chain and production facilities to any potential investor who requires access to global markets.
The proximity of the port to the MBSA manufacturing plant is unique, in that this major motor assembly plant is linked by a private bridge to a world-class four-level car terminal adjacent to the quayside, thus positioning the port to handle the import and export of fully built-up vehicles in a seamless manner, inclusive of in and outbound containerised components.