THE PORT ELIZABETH Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry reports that there has been ongoing expansion by many of its members in the motor industry. Johnson Controls Automotive SA has moved premises, hired additional staff, invested in capital equipment and expanded its export contracts. Managing Director, Bryan Gray says exports into the United States and Japan have grown significantly. The move to bigger premises was needed to accommodate the additional volumes. Johnson Controls manufactures a range of seat assemblies, cockpit assemblies, overhead systems, seat covers, door panels, and sun visors. Another component manufacturer with accelerating volumes is SJM Flex. The Korean owned company was initially established in the Metro order to supply parts for Ford’s C170 project. Initially employing 25 people, the business has now grown to 165 staff members. Volumes have also increased dramatically with the company currently manufacturing 2 million units a year from 350 000 units in 1997. The company produces components for both the indirect and direct export markets in the Czech Republic, Turkey, Germany and Russia. South America and Japan were recently added to the list.