Assembly plant to deliver a boost to KZN economy

MAHINDRA’S Pik Up range of single and double-cab bakkies will start its journey to the rest of Africa in Durban.

A new semi-knockdown assembly plant in the Dube TradePort special economic zone will supply vehicles to the African market. The investment will inject around R95-million into KwaZulu-Natal.

Speaking at the launch on Friday‚ provincial economic development MEC Sihle Zikalala said the establishment of an assembly plant – where about 2 500 vehicles would be produced annually with a target of 4 000 at full capacity – was indicative of KwaZulu-Natal’s rising star in terms of investor confidence.

He said the initial employment opportunities generated in this enterprise would have a considerable effect on the region’s socioeconomic profile.

“Of the 24 staffers to be hired in the new assembly plant‚ we have been assured 80% would be locals who had not been employed before and hopefully this would fit the youth profile‚” he said.

“We have also acknowledged that the company would be extensively investing in skills development including sending staff to India to gain more capacities which would contribute in the expansion of skills base in the province.”

The company has committed to sourcing 40% of the components for its Pik Up range from local suppliers. —