The Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park is entering its second phase, with tenders closing on January 19 for consultants to complete the development.

This R394-million Vision 2020 project, financed by the municipality, is being established to streamline the supply chain in the automotive industry, with Volkswagen SA the primary beneficiary.

Sox Ntombana, the municipality’s automotive and manufacturing specialist responsible for the project, said yesterday the deadline for the submission of bids had been extended by a week as the festive season shutdown had delayed bids. The main infrastructure in the 54-hectare precinct A has been completed, representing 30% of the development.

This work was valued at R113-million, said Ntombana.

The first phase has seen the completion of the link and internal roads, truck staging and parking, bulk water and electricity infrastructure, the pump station, gatehouse, perimeter fence, and taxi rank.

“Phase two will be the development of the rest of precinct A, which is about 70% of the project. It is an additional mini factory and infrastructure.

“Once we reach a certain stage we will have to increase the infrastructure inside the park,” explained Ntombana.

He said the municipality needed to complete the contracting of suppliers according to municipal regulations as the first phase had been initiated by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation.

The provincial government withdrew due to cost-cutting measures, leaving the municipality as the sole backer.
Ntombana said first-phase and new consultants were welcome to bid for the second phase.

Development of the second phase is expected to be completed within three years, after which an additional area will be developed.

The park has secured investment from German logistics services supplier, Schnellecke, specialised packaging and detergent supplier Baypac, and the Mediterranean Shipping Company.