MINISTER DAVIES TO OPEN ABOUT R300-MILLION GESTAMP WIND TOWER INVESTMENT IN CAPE TOWN

MINISTER DAVIES TO OPEN ABOUT R300-MILLION GESTAMP WIND TOWER INVESTMENT IN CAPE TOWN

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies will officially open about 300-million Gestamp Renewable Industries (GRI) wind tower manufacturing plant in Atlantis in the Western Cape on the 5 November 2014.

Minister Davies says GRI invested approximately R300 million in a wind tower mast manufacturing facility in South Africa, to produce 150 wind tower masts a year at Atlantis in the Western Cape for both for the local and export market.

“The opening of this facility is welcomed by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) as part of our drive to expand the capabilities of the South African manufacturing industry and to increase the country’s industrial base.  The Green Economy has been identified as a key focus area in the Department’s Industrial Policy Action Plan, and provides significant opportunities for job creation and economic growth,” says Davies.

He added that GRI is the 2nd Wind Tower investor in South Africa; as DCD Dorbyl has invested ZAR 300 million in their wind tower plant in the Coega IDZ in Port Elizabeth, which is currently manufacturing 110 towers per year. DCD Dorbyl used the former Manufacturing Investment Programme grant from the dti and the Independent Development Corporation is a 20% equity partner.

Gestamp Renewable Industries (GRI) is an international company present in different sectors such as steel, vehicle components and renewable energies. They are present in 25 countries in Europe, the Americas and Asia, with more than 130 industrial plants and a global workforce of more than 35,000.

The Plant Manager of Gestamp Renewable Industries, Mr Christiaan Botha says the facility will employ more than 200 personnel and will train operators to master the specialised fabrication processes. According to Botham this new world class facility will produce 150 wind tower masts per year for various customers.

Minister Davies further said the development incentive grant received from the dti put to good use in constructing the Atlantis facility which has become a landmark in the area.

“the dti is working closely with the green industries sector to develop policies that will enable further investment. We launched a study on localisation for the manufacturing of PV solar panels in South Africa.  A similar study is currently being undertaken for the localisation potential in the wind industry,” concluded Davies.

Trade and Investment South Africa (TISA), a division of the dti has worked closely with Green Cape to provide a seamless investment experience for GRI.  To further support investment into the Green Economy, TISA and Green Cape will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding to cement the good working relationship between local, provincial and national government.