Toyota opens new parts distribution warehouse

The R363 million centre was built and equipped in 15 months and was designed to serve the company's Southern African Toyota, Lexus and Hino dealer network with daily deliveries. It will also over support 70 international destinations where proudly South African built Toyota vehicles are found.

"Today's announcement signals the start of a new phase of investment and development for Toyota South Africa," says Dr. Johan van Zyl, president and CEO of Toyota SA Motors and a managing officer of Toyota Motor Corporation. "After announcing our intention to develop this facility in January 2011 we have also announced the local assembly of our Ses'fikile taxi and future plans to significantly expand this initial R70 million investment.

Strengthening SA's position

"These investments lay the foundation for a mid-term strategy that will further develop the local automotive industry as envisioned by the automotive production and development programme. It will also strengthen South Africa's position as a global manufacturing hub with its ability to fully support any locally manufactured vehicle, regardless of its destination."

The new facility has 39,000mm² of storage space and a further 3,000m² of office space. This area hosts the company's customer service and logistic support divisions.

In the second phase Toyota will add a further 38,000mm² of warehouse space, making this facility the largest of its kind on the African continent. Until this second phase has been completed - expected in 2015 - the new facility will be supported by the company's existing warehouse infrastructure of 22,000mm² located in Sandton, Gauteng.

"It is fortuitous that our new centre is opened on the eve of the introduction of the new automotive production and development programme. We believe that this programme will create an environment in which Toyota and the automotive industry can further expand its operations, in turn benefiting the local component industry," says Dr. Van Zyl.