German instrumentation and control company Vega opened its new 6 000 m² Africa head office and warehouse, in Lanseria, on October 31, to enhance service in the country, as well as expand services and products into Southern and Central Africa.

Having previously occupied a 1 000 m² Africa head office and warehouse in Honeydew from 2012 until this year, MD Frikkie Streicher says the company, experiencing significant growth over the past five to six years, has a long-term vision for the new building, having been allocated land with plenty of extra space – 15 000 m² in total – so that the company can expand, as and when the need arises.

This space also provides Vega South Africa the opportunity to start domestic manufacturing, should Vega decide to expand manufacturing options in South Africa.

Currently, Vega manufactures its products in the US, Germany and China.

“We can double our staff complement and still be comfortable in our current building,” he says.

The new building has also enabled Vega South Africa to increase its in-country stockholding. “We really intend to keep our fast-moving goods stock up so we can fulfil orders within a day or two,” says Streicher.

As for picking Lanseria as a base for its new operations, he tells Engineering News the decision was made in line with the government's plan of developing Lanseria into one of the up and coming smart cities.

The new building also incorporates a solar photovoltaic system capable of meeting 100% of Vega South Africa’s energy demand during daytime hours, as well as a grey-water harvesting system that incorporates Vega control systems.

“Since we have been in this building, we have generated 160 MW of our own power,” says Streicher.

Vega CEO Isabel Grieshaber explains that the new building also has unique features, such as a so-called wall-less design that makes use of large windows. This provides more sunlight inside the building, saving further on energy costs.

Inside the building, large open spaces occupy much of the office space, which Vega designed to be staff-centric. The building also incorporates a gymnasium, cooking facilities, a bar and a gaming area. “That’s what [the staff] wished for,” she says.