IN another boost to Mandela Bay‘s buoyant economy, a Thai firm announced yesterday that it was looking into setting up a R750-million motorcycle and car parts plant in the city.

A high-powered six-member delegation from Thai Summit Autoparts Industry Company arrived yesterday to finalise discussions with the municipality.

The visit follows one made to Thailand by an Eastern Cape delegation in June. It was led by Premier Nosimo Balindlela and joined by Mandela Bay mayor Nondumiso Maphazi.

Speaking at the city hall, where the proposed investment was announced, Maphazi said she had made proposals to the company and encouraged them to set up a motorcycle plant in the city.

She said the investment “holds positive spin-offs not only for us in particular, but for the province as a whole”.

“Bringing the production of motorcycles to this region could encourage the use of this mode of transport. It will also encourage recreation, with the various sporting events associated with motorcycling.

“The company also makes a variety of motor parts for General Motors, Volkswagen SA and Volvo.”

She emphasised the company was not only focusing on Mandela Bay, but looking at investing across the province.

The company‘s business development general manager, Sathien Jetanapong, said they had not initially been keen to invest in the city, but after talks with Maphazi and seeing the “excellent” infrastructure and the region‘s beauty, they had reconsidered.

“We are happy to invest here. We are one of the biggest motorcycle manufacturing companies in Asia and are pleased to bring our expertise here. This is a good investment environment.”

Mandela Bay tourism and economic development committee chairman Mike Kwenaite said: “This confirms our economy is going in the right direction.

Investors are drawn here due to skills availability, a stable, growing economy, political stability and proper management of our economy.”

The Thai company has more than 30 subsidiaries in Asia and employs more than 13 000 people.

Mandela Bay has seen several major projects announced in the last month, including:
• The signing of a deal between the Coega Development Corporation and Russia‘s Renova Investments for a R7-billion manganese smelter.
• A R511-million, five-year municipal rehabilitation plan for Soweto-on-Sea.
• A proposal for a R307-million water treatment plant at Coega.

Also, Alcan has announced it will make a final decision on its R14-billion smelter by the end of this month and Eskom announced recently it is planning three multi-billion-rand investments at Coega as well as “other exciting developments”.