Isuzu Motors South Africa has invested close to R30m in upgrades at its commercial vehicle assembly plant in Gqeberha, aimed at expanding manufacturing capability and improving production efficiency.
Image supplied
The investment includes upgrades to the chassis and engine sub-assembly areas and the cab marriage operation, as well as new tooling and changes to production layouts.
Isuzu said the extended chassis line will allow additional stations to be added, enabling the plant to accommodate more content and a broader range of commercial vehicle applications.
The upgrades also include production and technology improvements designed to strengthen quality control and digital traceability, giving the company greater visibility across the manufacturing process.
Focus on safety and efficiency
Employee safety and ergonomics were also considered in the plant upgrades, with new equipment including a fuel-tank gripper, lift-assist devices, a cab-marriage hoist and electronic torque tools.
Isuzu said the equipment is intended to reduce physical strain on employees while improving production efficiency.
The company has also introduced energy-efficient tools and motors and optimised workflows as part of efforts to reduce resource consumption and the environmental impact of its manufacturing operations.
Johan Vermeulen, executive vice president for manufacturing and product engineering at Isuzu Motors South Africa, said the investment reflected the company's long-term commitment to manufacturing in South Africa.
“By continuing to invest in our Gqeberha operations, we are strengthening the capability and capacity needed to remain competitive and respond to the evolving mobility needs of customers across Africa,” Vermeulen said.
Isuzu said the upgrades will also support the plant's ability to manufacture commercial vehicles for changing technologies and future production requirements.
The investment follows Isuzu's continued manufacturing operations in Gqeberha, where it produces commercial vehicles for the South African and wider African markets.
