Mahindra's new vehicle assembly plant in Durban: A boost for local jobs
KwaZulu Natal department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs mec Rev Musa Zondi and the executive of Mahindra South Africa at a new state of the art facility built in Industrial Zone 2 in Dube Trade Port
Image: Doctor Ngobo/Independent Media
Mahindra, one of India’s largest automotive manufacturers, officially launched its new state-of-the-art vehicle assembly plant in Durban’s Dube TradePort on Tuesday.
The new 14,000m² plant replaces Mahindra’s previous semi-knockdown (SKD) facility and enables full nuts-and-bolts vehicle assembly.
The event was attended by eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development Reverend Musa Zondi, Mahindra South Africa CEO Rajesh Gupta, as well as representatives from AIH Logistics and the Industrial Development Corporation.
The Indian car manufacturer officially commissioned the new Mahindra plant at the Dube Trade Port on Tuesday, August 12.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
The expansion is expected to more than double production capacity to over 1,000 vehicles a month and create around 100 new jobs, strengthening local manufacturing and boosting skills development in the province.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Xaba said the new plant marked a significant milestone for Durban and KwaZulu-Natal, and pointed to the city’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for investment and job creation.
“We are not just opening a factory, we are celebrating a significant investment in our community, a solid partnership between the public sector and the private sector, and a step forward for our automotive industry. Mahindra’s decision to build this new plant here in Durban is highly appreciated as it brings jobs and skills to our people,” Xaba said.
The Indian car manufacturer officially commissioned the new Mahindra plant at the Dube Trade Port on Tuesday, August 12.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
CEO Rajesh Gupta stressed the investment reflects the brand’s deepening roots in the country and its commitment to local growth.
“In 2017, as a calendar year, we in the country sold less than 1,000 bakkies. But in 2022, we sold over 10,000 bakkies. And this plant played a very significant role because people in South Africa believed in us because we are here to stay. And at the same time, they believe in the pride of being assembled in South Africa."
EThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, lauded Mahindra South Africa for opening its largest car assembly plant in the country in Durban.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
Zondi, also praised the investment, noting that it aligns with the province’s industrial development and job creation goals.
"This is about growth, innovation and opportunity, and about KwaZulu-Natal as a province standing tall as a prime destination for industrial development"
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