PORT ELIZABETH-based motor components manufacturers Bel-Essex Corporation will invest R109-million in a new aluminium high pressure die-casting foundry in a project facilitated by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC). The plant is a joint venture between Bel-Essex and Italian group Almec, which is Europe’s leading manufacturer of high-pressure die cast components. It is part of the Italian consortium Prima Spa. The ECDC introduced Almec to the Eastern Cape in 2000. Zola Tshefu, Auto Sector Specialist at ECDC says “on Almec’s initial visit they were looking at setting up a plant to supply Fiat. However we introduced them to the Ford RoCam Engine Plant. They subsequently got the order to supply Ford’s PE engine plant which is now the reason for the investment. We also visited their plant in Avellion, Italy, to meet with the Chairman of Prima S.pA., the holding company of Almec. This visit was well received and really put the Eastern Cape on the decision makers' minds. We also helped expedite work permits through the embassy in Milan.” As a result of the groundwork done by ECDC, Almec signed a joint venture agreement early last year with Bel-Essex Corporation to form the new South African Company Bel-Mec Die Casting (Pty) Ltd. The new operation will be called Bel-Mec Die Casting. Bel-Essex chief Chris Steenekamp described the investment as critically important to the group’s plans to be a major global supplier of components in South Africa. The catalyst for this expansion is a R250-million order from Ford. “The Ford RoCam Engine programme in Port Elizabeth, has gained precedence now with confirmed orders worth R250-million on hand. Supply is scheduled to commence early in the second quarter of this year,” he says. According to Steenekamp, the R109-million initial investment in the Uitenhage venture would go towards plant and machinery for the first phase of the project. At least 60 new jobs will be created, with more expected when the plant shifts into full production. The latest in die casting machinery, furnaces and sophisticated machining equipment has already arrived in Port Elizabeth. “This project will create real and permanent first-world job opportunities in the region,” says Steenekamp. The first stage of the project provides for eleven die casting cells ranging from 1750 tons down to 420 tons capacities. In 2001, Bel Essex launched a similar venture worth more than R100-million with German group Woco, is currently engaged in metal pressings and assemblies, wiring harnesses and rubber to metal anti-vibration components in its automotive divisions. Bel-Essex’s involvement in the latest venture, he said, was part of a broader long term plan to strengthen the company’s foothold among leading original components suppliers in South Africa. He said opportunity for further technology development in the country had been enhanced by a commitment from the Industrial Development Corporation, BAE Systems and Saab to join the venture.