KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala joined household appliance manufacturer Defy in launching its R170-million warehouse, in Ladysmith, on May 19.

The facility, based in Danskraal near Ladysmith, has capacity to load and unload more than 200 trucks a day and a storage capacity of 100 000 m³ of product.

The new warehouse will create over 130 new jobs, while strategically serving as a dry dock for products required to be transported north.

In total, Defy has progressively invested about R812-million in the region.

In addition to the new warehouse, it has previously invested R642-million in the Ladysmith Ezakheni manufacturing facility.

“This commendable initiative represents a commitment to investment in the local economy of Ladysmith and South Africa as a whole. We view this much-needed investment as another concerted effort to making a meaningful impact to the lives of [Defy's] employees, business partners, consumers and communities.

“We understand that Defy Appliances is Southern Africa’s largest manufacturer and distributor of leading domestic appliances. We are truly proud that Defy has its deep roots in KwaZulu-Natal. The products which are known in the market under the Defy brand range from a full range of kitchen, laundry to small domestic appliances," the Premier commented.

He added that collaboration between the private and public sectors would drive and position KwaZulu-Natal as a preferred destination for manufacturing and logistics or distribution investment.

“Our government is encouraged to note that Defy has established ways to further improve distribution efficiencies [while] investing in local communities at the same time. In this regard, Ladysmith is a prime location for the company’s Ezakheni manufacturing facility. The region is benefiting economically and the employment opportunities can be realised,” Zikalala noted.