Mercedes-Benz wins top global production awardThe award went to the East London plant because it had yielded the fewest defects and malfunctions of any plant serving the US market.. Read More...
 
Auto sector keeps EC growth on the riseBrisk growth in the Eastern Cape vehicle manufacturing industry rescued the province from the depths of recession during May. The Eastern Cape barometer lifted 2% year on year, led by car manufacturing with a 46% year-on-year rise.. Read More...
 
Shweshwe fabric a World Cup visitorsJust over a week past the World Cup kick-off, soccer balls are everywhere and have even bounced onto the historic, Eastern Cape-made Shweshwe cloth.. Read More...
 
VWSA ramps up its investmentVolkswagen SA (VWSA) yesterday announced a R500m investment in a new workshop facility, adding to a R5,23bn investment by the group in SA over the past four years.. Read More...
 
Electric car could attract massive new investmentA pre-feasbility study to determine the viability of manufacturing large-cell lithium-ion batteries in South Africa will start in the second half of the year, Engineering News reports.. Read More...
 
Uitenhage-based OEM scores state subsidiesInvestments of more than R5-billion by Volkswagen SA in Uitenhage have been approved by the government, meaning they will qualify for state subsidies. . Read More...
 
ECDC solar power investment positions Eastern Cape as a leader in renewable energyA R20 million Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) investment into solar water heater manufacturer, Matla Solar in the East London Industrial Development Zone (IDZ,) has positioned the Eastern Cape as a leading player in the renewable energy sector.. Read More...
 
EC ahead in economic growthThe Eastern Cape’s economy is currently showing the fasted growth in the country.. Read More...
 
Jonas launches ‘local is lekker’ campaign in ECEASTERN Cape Economic Development and Environmental Affairs MEC Mcebisi Jonas yesterday announced the launch of a "Buy Eastern Cape Campaign" which will have as one of its goals promoting primary production of inputs for manufacturing.. Read More...
 
EC is heading out of recession first says leading economistThe Eastern Cape is poised to make a comeback from the recession that ravaged the province last year, with economic indicators painting a positive picture for the year ahead.. Read More...
 
Future in hands of locals says economistsAmple hope and the possibilities of a better economy remain in the hands of Eastern Cape residents as their province is rich with land and manufacturing activity, speakers at the Eastern Cape Economic Outlook Symposium 2010 said yesterday.. Read More...
 
ECDC sees light at the end of the recession tunnelThe 2010 World Cup is expected to increase traffic into the province’s coffers through tourism.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape economy to pick up in 2010The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) believes that while the Eastern Cape economy has been affecting by a seemingly unrelenting global economic recession, there is hope beyond the storm for the provincial economy in 2010. A number of sectors such as tourism, and the struggling general manufacturing sector, led by automotives, are likely to pick up next year as the country eases out of the recession.. Read More...
 
Coega to pilot toolmaker training programme in JanuaryThe first tool, die and mould (TDM) preapprentice orientation programme, which formed part of measures to deal with the “drastic” skills shortage in the TDM sector – a key support sector for South Africa’s manufacturing industry – would be launched at seven pilot sites across the country in January.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape SMME Summit kicks off at Christian Centre tomorrowOver 300 Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), existing businesses and associations from across the Eastern Cape will gather for the third annual SMME Summit and Business Unlimited Expo at the Christian Centre tomorrow. The annual summit is organised by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEEA), the University of Fort Hare (UFH) and the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA). . Read More...
 
IDZ collaboration shows up thousands of IT opportunitiesThe Buffalo City-based IDZ held conference to showcase a sample of the more than 8000 international patents and commercial opportunities available for application in South Africa. East London businesses were this week given insights into opportunities in cutting-edge technologies developed in Taiwan. . Read More...
 
Japan’s auto recovery signals hope for EC’s sectorJapan may be in another hemisphere, but its first signs of economic growth since being ravaged by the world-wide recession may impact positively on the Eastern Cape, especially on the province’s vital motor components industry.. Read More...
 
VW aims to raise local content to 70%As part of Volkswagen of South Africa’s (VWSA’s) initiative to achieve 70% local content on the vehicles produced at its Uitenhage plant, in the Eastern Cape, the company invested R5,6-million investment in a body-panel washing machine. . Read More...
 
Property sector to benefit from new East London IDZ schemeBrokers can earn up to a maximum of R4,3 million for the successful and settlement of a manufacturing investment into the IDZ.. Read More...
 
RI and Forbes magazine give Goodyear top honorsThe Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has – for the second year in a row – been recognized as America’s most respected automotive company by the Reputation Institute (RI) and Forbes magazine. The list, which was released on www.forbes.com, is based on the results RI’s Global Pulse consumer opinion survey, which measures the overall respect, trust, esteem, admiration and good feelings consumers hold toward the world’s largest companies. . Read More...
 
EC “home to almost 10% of all known plants”ECDC medicinal and aromatic plants sector manager says opportunities abound as users move to healthy alternatives now valued at R270 million.. Read More...
 
EC manufacturer secures 2010 bus tenderEast London based motor manufacturer together with MAN secures more than two thirds of a bus tender worth R1,4 billion. . Read More...
 
Study proves AIDC has helped auto sectorEstablished to assist in increasing the global competitiveness of the South African automotive industry, the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) has demonstrated its positive socioeconomic effect on its key focus areas.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape takes robust approach to investment promotionCEO Mxolisi Matshamba shares the corporation’s thinking on promoting the province in the current economic climate. Like all investment promotion agencies across the world, current negative market sentiment has also challenged the Eastern Cape. Furthermore, previous incentives like low electricity and labour rates have also been lessened over time. . Read More...
 
AsgiSA Eastern Cape shows off its implementation credentialsHigh impact priority projects in former Transkei take shape. Eleven months since the appointment of the AsgiSA Eastern Cape CEO, the organisation has made significant progress and is now only days away from full steam implementation of one of six high impact priority projects says AsgiSA Eastern Cape (EC) chairman Saki Macozoma. . Read More...
 
ECDC view on the Eastern Cape's investment promotion prospectsCEO Mxolisi Matshamba shares the corporation's thinking on promoting the province in the current economic climate.. Read More...
 
R3 bn for VWSA’s E Cape manufacturing plantInvestment includes new production technology in body and vehicle assembly operations as well as new engine manufacturing strategy.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape photographic exhibition launched in GermanyThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), the development arm of the Eastern Cape Government, recently launched its Eastern Cape from Above photographic exhibition at the Munich Airport in Germany.. Read More...
 
Queenstown’s Lukhanji plans ramp upThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has announced it is to move into the second phase of developing Queenstown’s Lukhanji Aerodrome into an industrial business hub. . Read More...
 
Exhibition captures Eastern Cape’s spectacular landscapesMore than 12,000 travelers and visitors to Germany’s Munich airport were treated to eclectic beauty of the Eastern Cape in October with a photographic exhibition which included 40 photographic larger-than-life displays.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape photographic exhibition launched in GermanyThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), the development arm of the Eastern Cape Government, will launch its Eastern Cape from Above photographic exhibition at the Munich Airport in Germany today.. Read More...
 
Manufacturing licence for Coega refineryPetroSA, the National Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa, this week reached a significant milestone in realising its plans to build a world-class crude oil refinery at Coega, Port Elizabeth, with the announcement that the company had been granted a manufacturing licence for the project.. Read More...
 
VW pulls in six component manufacturerVehicle manufacturer Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) has attracted a number of key national and international components manufacturers to set up operations in Uitenhage, in the Eastern Cape. The company, which unveiled this initiative this week, said the supplier plan was in line with the new Automotive Production Development Programme (APDP). . Read More...
 
Eastern Cape photographic exhibition launched in GermanyThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), the development arm of the Eastern Cape Government, recently launched its Eastern Cape from Above photographic exhibition at the Munich Airport in Germany. The exhibition, consisting of 40 aerial views of the province, was offically opened by the South African Ambassador to Germany, Mr Eddie Funde and ran until 22 October. . Read More...
 
A region with niches that provide global competitive advantageThe Eastern Cape is the third largest province in South Africa. Located on the eastern coast, it lies between the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. With two working harbours and the transhipment hub of Coega due to become operational later this year, three airports offering direct flights to the main urban centres and an excellent rail and road infrastructure, the province continues to be prioritised by the South African government for further economic development. . Read More...
 
Next step for East London IDZ – an OEMThe East London Industrial Development Zone (Elidz), which totals 430ha, is in full operational mode with 14 of its 15 announced investors operating — the highest number of operational investors for a single IDZ in South Africa. . Read More...
 
East London port sees growth in volumes, productivityA R20 million investment is set to boost the port’s auto capacity. Investor confidence in the Eastern Cape is growing, with millions of rands in investment flowing into the province. This is evident in the many major retail and commercial developments that are either already under way or in the planning stages. . Read More...
 
City’s auto, manufacturing sectors shaping city’s successThe Nelson Mandela Bay economy contributes roughly 40% of the Eastern Cape’s GDP, thanks largely to the automotive and manufacturing sectors in Port Elizabeth. According to big business, the city and Coega Development Corporation are playing their part in ensuring a smooth ride for industry. . Read More...
 
Province's auto sector remains mainstay sectorLatest Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) figures confirm that exports from the province’s two commercial ports, particularly from the automotive sector, are on the increase.. Read More...
 
EC aquaculture Industry shows strong growthMassive investments into the Eastern Cape’s aquaculture industry, running into billions of rands, have placed the province in pole position to challenge the Western Cape’s dominance of this infant industry.. Read More...
 
Fort Jackson property demandThe availability of skilled labour is the main driver behind the high occupancy rates at Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) industrial and commercial properties at Fort Jackson, according to ECDC executive manager of properties Luyanda Tsipa.. Read More...
 
Oysters opportunity for EC entrepreneursLatest Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) figures confirm that exports from the province’s two commercial ports, particularly from the automotive sector, are on the increase. TNPA figures show that the number of vehicles landed and shipped grew by 27% or 9,700 units to 45,200 units in the past year and this trend is set to continue for the foreseeable future. . Read More...
 
EC aquaculture Industry receives faceliftMassive investments into the Eastern Cape’s aquaculture industry, running into billions of rands, have placed the province in pole position to challenge the Western Cape’s dominance of this infant industry.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape energy solution wows global audiences at trade fairA joint venture between Straits Lighting and Uitenhage – based automotive headlights manufacturer Hella, wowed a global business audience at the recent Hanover trade fair in Germany with its Envirolight 57 “extremely energy efficient streetlight.” . Read More...
 
Coega hopes to sign ten investors this year after smelter setbackThe Nelson Mandela Bay IDZ’s now broadening the industrial/manufacturing base, establishing an export and transshipment hub service to the continent, creating jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities. In its quest to attract investments, the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) has changed its strategy to suit local companies. . Read More...
 
Mercedes-Benz’s market resilence should hold off job cutsThe East London-based OEM says that “no broad scale cost reduction programmes were planned by the carmaker in the short term”. Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) is not expecting to cut jobs at its East London manufacturing plant in the short term, despite a national slowdown in car sales. . Read More...
 
Eastern Cape energy solution wows global audiences at trade fairA joint venture between Straits Lighting and Uitenhage – based automotive headlights manufacturer Hella, wowed a global business audience at the recent Hanover trade fair in Germany with its Envirolight 57 “extremely energy efficient streetlight.” . Read More...
 
Blue sky prospects for Somerset EastSomerset East is set to get the province’s next private pilot training academy, once the town’s landmark 1,5 km runway is completed. . Read More...
 
Blue sky prospects for Somerset EastSomerset East is set to get the province’s next private pilot training academy, once the town’s landmark 1,5 km runway is completed. The town, about 180 kilometres from the metropolitan hub of Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole), was granted the funding for the runway through the Special Municipal Infrastructure Grant (SMIF) on the advice of Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) regional head Ken Bern, which is involved in several projects in and around the town. . Read More...
 
Volkswagen South Africa secures new export contractVWSA is to export to more than 10,000 Jettas to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Great Britain and Ireland. . Read More...
 
R1,5bn soya bean plant for CoegaWidespread benefits, ranging from the creation of farm jobs in rural areas to the production of an alternative fuel, were promised yesterday at the announcement of plans for a R1,5-billion soya bean plant at the Coega Development Corporation industrial development zone.. Read More...
 
R1,5bn soya bean plant for CoegaPlant should be operational by the end of 2009 says the Australian-based Rainbow Nation Renewable Fuels Limited.. Read More...
 
Boost for EL Port as new equipment arrivesA precious cargo of eight straddle carriers arrived in East London yesterday to help boost the port’s productivity levels.. Read More...
 
IT Giants make EL their new homeEast London has entered the information technology map overnight with tow major national IT companies launching their services to the region yesterday.. Read More...
 
Green light for the new MercedesEast London plant now has the highest technology in the world. Read More...
 
EC launches parastatal to organise Asgisa investmentsIN A shrewd move akin to that of the most hardened business tycoon, the Eastern Cape government yesterday launched the first ever parastatal tasked with managing Asgisa investments.. Read More...
 
EC’s R2m job drive gives hope to matricsMORE than 70 unemployed matriculants from the Eastern Cape have been placed in learnerships at the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ).. Read More...
 
R5,8bn chlorine gas plant for CoegaTHE Coega Industrial Development Zone yesterday officially signed its 10th investor, which is expected to create about 250 permanent jobs.. Read More...
 
ECDC Playing a key role in developmentSince the inception of the R1,3 billion timber project in the Ugie-Malcear district in late 2005, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has been deeply involved as the implementation arm of the Provincial Government.. Read More...
 
ECDC Playing a key role in developmentSince the inception of the R1,3 billion timber project in the Ugie-Malcear district in late 2005, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has been deeply involved as the implementation arm of the Provincial Government.. Read More...
 
R620m boost for Mandela Bay motor manufacturerIN another major investment boost for the Eastern Cape, General Motors South Africa announced yesterday it would spend R620-million this year, mainly on upgrading its Nelson Mandela Bay manufacturing plants.. Read More...
 
R1,4 bn InvestmentThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has chalked up some significant achievements in the last financial year. Read More...
 
More than R 1 BN investment ECDCTHE Eastern Cape Development Corporation secured investments worth Rl,4-billion in the last financial year, creating or saving 3 467 jobs in the process and taking the tally for the past three years to R3-billion in investment and 7 293 jobs created. . Read More...
 
R5 BN to revive EL POrtA proposed R5 billion major facelift of East Londons port could turn the fortunes of the Eastern Cape around. This was revealed in a study on the deepening and enlargement of the citys port, presented at the premises of Daimler-Chrysler South Africa yesterday. . Read More...
 
R400m to improve VW employee skillsSkills programme to run for four years, will address shortage of technical skills, unemployment and community development. Read More...
 
EL firm outsourced by Australian instituteLocal firm offer favourable technical quality, beating major international players for the multi-million rand deal. Read More...
 
Thai ploughs R750-mil in PEWindy city continues to grow its automotive industry, motorcycle plant to further boost sector. Read More...
 
R116-mil auto parts plant for ELEL IDZ’s fourth investor officially launches plant, 20 per cent aluminium parts to be supplied to Daimler Chrysler. Read More...
 
Multimillion scooter plant opens in PEItalian company set to increase local suppliers and triple sales by end of 2008. Read More...
 
Motor import, export demand to see PE harbour in actionAutomotive industries, agricultural produce increase activity in harbour. Read More...
 
GMSA gears up to export HummerLatest GMSA model receives increasing foreign demand. Read More...
 
Tamiflu for Africa to be supplied by PE firmPE pharmaceutical partners with Roche to include IT skills transfer. Read More...
 
Two new plants expand PE’s catalytic converter industryGovernment support to strengthen PE’s global competitive position. Read More...
 
EL automotive component manufactures reach heightened level of operational efficiencyDevelopment system boosts efficiency and production up to 100 per cent for local manufacturers. Read More...
 
Two new plants expand PE’s catalytic converter industryGovernment support to strengthen PE’s global competitive position. Read More...
 
EL automotive component manufactures reach heightened level of operational efficiencyDevelopment system boosts efficiency and production up to 100 per cent for local manufacturers. Read More...
 
GM expands plant for latest productionGM is set to further expand its plant for the production of Hummer H3. Read More...
 
Agoa criteria to determine Mercedes export to the USDaimlerchrysler SA achieves record turnover and plans to be second SA automotive exporter to the US. Read More...
 
PE could spearhead further expansion for US firmUSA firm makes PE its base in South Africa.. Read More...
 
WC2010 means more bus opportunities for localsIkhwezi Truck Tech opens world-class bus assembly line. Read More...
 
Logistics Park's R113-million phase underwayIt’s the second phase of the park and incorporates the development of an additional mini factory and infrastructure. Read More...
 
VW's truck contract goes BEEMzantsi Truck & Bus, which won the contract, is owned by 53 previously disadvantaged employees at Volkswagen. Read More...
 
MEC upbeat about Eastern Cape economyThe province records a GDP of almost R113 billion; provincial economy grew by 4,6 per cent. Read More...
 
VW takes top HIV/Aids awardLocal arm of Volkswagen becomes the second South African automotive manufacturer to be awarded the international HIV/Aids accolade . Read More...
 
GM has success with local HummerR18 billion contract shows signs of success. Read More...
 
Aspen to establish R200 million facility in PEProduction of Aspen’s new line to start in 2007. Read More...
 
dti looks to Coega IDZ as nuclear component hubHub will supply both South African and export markets. Read More...
 
“White gold” to grow to 3 000 hectares says ECDC and Da Gama TextilesECDC/Da Gama project looks for more cotton farmers. Read More...
 
EC IDZs plan to give agriculture further impetusGovernment aims to trigger minor economic miracle in the province.. Read More...
 
PE “one of the fastest growing areas in SA”Economists say trend is set to continue.. Read More...
 
Coega lifts spend in region for Business PartnersR100-million support for manufacturing, tourism, contracting entrepreneurs in the Eastern Cape.. Read More...
 
FORD CONSIDERS INVESTMENT IN LOCAL OPERATIONThe PE factory could soon be producing commercial vehicles such as its Ford Bantam bakkie for export to sub-Saharan Africa, amongst others.. Read More...
 
Two PE parts firms a credit to industryLocal companies’ accreditation in component manufacturing should lead to further expansion.. Read More...
 
ECDC says province could be SA’s cotton producing powerhouseThe project may grow to be three times its current size if studies prove its feasibility.. Read More...
 
Coega expects first tenants to sign next yearThe Port Elizabeth-based IDZ says about R20 billion of the potential investment is at a “hot” advanced feasibility or pre-feasibility stage.. Read More...
 
R1bn for DCSA’s EL plantThe East London-based motor manufacturer prepares for the production of new Mercedes-Benz C-class production in 2007.. Read More...
 
PE engine plant scoops lucrative new export dealFord’s billion rand investment in the PE plant pays off handsomely.. Read More...
 
PE engine plant scoops lucrative new export dealFord’s billion rand investment in the PE plant pays off handsomely.. Read More...
 
News roundupProvince demonstrates it is the home to some of the country’s best talent with new appointments, awards and the like.. Read More...
 
Integrating province's two economies critical says ECDCCEO Mcebisi Jonas says it is imperative the sophisticated urban-based economy and the impoverished economy of the rural areas are integrated.. Read More...