Name of the Project
Ford Silverton assembly plant expansion project.

Location
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.

Client
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA).

Project Description
The project involves the expansion of Ford’s Silverton assembly plant, in Pretoria, to produce the new Ford Everest sport utility vehicle (SUV), along with the new Ford Ranger that was launched at the end of 2015.

The plant features state-of-the-art automation using Ford’s global manufacturing processes, and will be equipped to produce 10 000 Everest SUVs a year. South African-produced models will be sold locally and exported to markets across sub-Saharan Africa.

The investment will enable Ford to increase volumes and expand the Everest range to eight derivatives across a broader price range. It will enable customers across sub-Saharan Africa to choose from two powerful engines equipped with robust six-speed automatic or manual transmissions.

The all-new Ford Everest is a seven-seat SUV, featuring body-on-frame construction, intelligent four-wheel drive and an Advanced Terrain Management System to help navigate challenging terrain with ease.

Jobs to be Created
The project will create about 1 200 new jobs at FMCSA and its supplier network.

Value
R2.5-billion.

Duration
Production of the new range has started.

Latest Developments
FMCSA has started production of the Everest SUV at its Silverton plant.

The introduction of the Everest to the assembly line means that the Ford plant becomes a two-vehicle assembly facility. The plant currently produces the Ranger pick-up for export to 148 markets in Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

The SUV will be fitted with diesel engines built at Ford’s Struandale engine plant, in Port Elizabeth.

The Silverton facility joins AutoAlliance Thailand, in Rayong; Ford’s Chennai plant, in India (where it is sold as the Endeavor); and the JMC Xiaolan plant, in Nanchang, China, as production hubs for the Everest.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
FMCSA, Alisea Chetty, tel +2712 842 2707 or email achetty2@ford.com.