Isuzu invests R30m to expand Gqeberha commercial vehicle production

Isuzu invests R30m to expand Gqeberha commercial vehicle production. Isuzu Motors South Africa has invested close to R30 million in upgrades at its commercial vehicle assembly plant in Gqeberha, with the investment focused on expanding manufacturing capability and improving production efficiency.

The upgrades cover the plant’s chassis and engine sub-assembly areas, as well as the cab marriage operation. The project also includes 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 investment also includes production and technology improvements aimed at strengthening quality control and digital traceability. These changes are intended to provide greater visibility across the manufacturing process.

Employee safety and ergonomics have also been incorporated into the upgrades. New equipment includes a fuel-tank gripper, lift-assist devices, a cab-marriage hoist and electronic torque tools.

According to Isuzu, the equipment is intended to reduce physical strain on employees while supporting production efficiency.

The plant 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 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 the company produces commercial vehicles for the South African and wider African markets. The latest upgrades are focused on the plant’s manufacturing processes, equipment and production capacity as it continues its operations in the commercial vehicle sector.