Name and Location
FAW truck plant project, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Client
FAW South Africa (SA), a joint venture between a local company and Chinese vehicle manufacturer, FAW.
Project Description
The project involves the construction of a truck and passenger car plant in the Eastern Cape. The aim of the new, expanded plant is to service the local South African market, the African market and, eventually, South America.
The 30 000 m2 plant will have a production capacity of 5 000 trucks a year, ranging from smaller trucks to extra-heavy trucks.
If all goes well with truck production in South Africa, FAW plans to start construction of a passenger car plant in 2015.
Production from this plant will be distributed locally and exported into Africa.
Value
The project is valued at R600-million. The plant has been financed by FAW China and the China-Africa Development Fund.
Duration
Vehicle assembly is expected to start in the first half of 2014.
Latest Developments
The first vehicles to be assembled at FAW Trucks’ commercial vehicle plant, in Coega, are scheduled to roll off the assembly line in July.
The facility has reached roof height, and plant and equipment are being installed.
Construction of the truck plant has already created 280 jobs, with an additional 500 opportunities to follow.
The Coega assembly plant will supply trucks to the South African market, as well as to the rest of Africa, in right-hand- and left-hand-drive derivatives.
FAW SA’s existing assembly facility in Isando, Gauteng, will be transformed into a parts and distribution centre, while also serving as the FAW Isando Service Centre.
A new head office is being built in Isando to accommodate 120 staff, and is nearing completion.
The new 2 500 m2 building is set to form the base for the company’s activities in Africa.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
FAW China (finance).
On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.
Contact Details for Project Information
FAW SA, tel +27 31 700 5167 or fax +27 31 700 6292.
FAW China, tel +86 431 8761 4780.