Commissioning of new tooling at its recently built automotive components plant is nearing completion, with production of the first portion of parts expected to start this month, confirms automotive component manufacturer VSL Manufacturing.

It notes that production will then gradually ramp up from April to October, when the plant is expected to reach full production.

VSL Manufacturing also confirmed that an additional investment of about R15-million is under way for a blank washing and lubricating machine. The machine will be integrated into the press line and contribute to part quality.

The company unveiled its new R750-million purpose-built manufacturing facility adjacent to Isuzu Motors South Africa’s (IMSA’s) assembly plant, in Struandale, in December last year.

VSL Manufacturing director Vuyo Skweyiya says the facility followed years of rebuilding and restoration operations, while demonstrating the ability of local suppliers to meet global automotive standards.

“The company was established in 2018 after the liquidation of Stateline Pressed Metal in Komani, which resulted in 123 job losses,” she shares. Skweyiya and business partner Deon van Zyl secured funding from financial institution Absa to acquire equipment and form the new company. The business is now 51% black female-owned.

A turning point came in 2021 when IMSA appointed the company to its supplier development programme.

“This enabled the company to scale operations, increase revenue fivefold in the 2021/22 financial year, and meet global original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) requirements,” Skweyiya says.

But growth placed strain on the ageing Komani press line, creating risks to future production capacity. The company, supported by IMSA, developed an investment plan that was presented to the Industrial Development Corporation, the Automotive Industry Transformation Fund and the Black Industrialists Scheme.

“This resulted in R750-million being mobilised for the new facility in Gqeberha. Funding included just over R300-million raised by the company, R260-million from IMSA, R50-million from the Automotive Industry Transformation Fund, R130-million from property development funding, and R20-million from Absa,” Skweyiya says.

She also notes that the facility’s location next to the Isuzu plant is expected to improve production efficiencies, reduce logistics costs and enable closer integration with OEM operations.

The expansion also created 52 jobs in Gqeberha, as the Komani operation now employs 66 people.

Skweyiya says IMSA provided supplier development support, including access to tools and supply chains, and assistance in meeting global standards.

IMSA president Billy Tom says the investment supports the company’s plans to position its Gqeberha operations as a manufacturing hub for the African continent.

Skweyiya adds that support from development finance institutions and partners showed what could be achieved through aligned public and private investment.

The new facility opens ahead of the 2026 financial year and will support production of the Isuzu D-MAX.