The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported on Monday that 187 projects, involving cumulative grant requests of R2.3-billion, had been received since applications opened in May for the newly created Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (MCEP).
A total of 60 projects had already been approved, involving commitments valued at more than R300-million.
The MCEP scheme involves a package of incentives, including cash grants and concessionary loans, designed to bolster the competitiveness of established manufacturers and to facilitate job retention.