Name and Location
Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) press shop, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Client
VWSA.

Project Description
The project involved the construction of state-of-the-art press shop in Uitenhage, in the Eastern Cape.

The facility comprises press lines that consist of six presses, with a total capacity of 81 000 kN. At full capacity, the line can deliver 8 541 strokes a day.

The new press shop has the flexibility to change die in less than five minutes through an automated process, compared with the manual process that takes hours to complete.

VWSA is the first manufacturing plant in the Volkswagen Group production network and in the world to install a press line that combines wave-motion technology in addition to Cobra robotics technology.

The continuous-wave technology is designed to allow presses to cycle in a wave pattern, unlike the conventional press lines in which presses cycle together.

The Cobra robots get their name from the striking motion of the cobra. The robot moves parts through the press process much faster than conventional systems. This leads to a 30% reduction in energy consumption.

The Uitenhage press shop is also the newest and most environment-friendly press shop in the Volkswagen Group production network. The new press shop was constructed using ‘green’ technology. The facility has been designed to use natural light and has been fitted with intelligent lighting systems with occupancy sensors to monitor movement and lighting.

Rainwater harvesting tanks have been installed. Recycled materials were also used during the construction of the building.

Value
R500-million.

Duration
The press shop was opened on March 15.

Latest Developments
The press shop is in the ramp-up phase and will be fully operational in July.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
VWSA GM communications, Matt Gennrich, cell +27 82 570 5761 or email gennrich@vwsa.co.za.