General manufacturing in the Eastern Cape is based mainly in the urban areas of East London and Port Elizabeth.  The location of general manufacturing in these areas is directly related to the fact that the urban areas of the Eastern Cape offer investors access to prime manufacturing locations, ready access to skilled and trained employees and ease of logistics for both domestic and foreign markets.

General manufacturing makes up a significant portion of the provincial economy and is primarily driven by the needs of the automotive sector which is the biggest manufacturing sector in the Eastern Cape.  Initiatives in support of the manufacturing sector in the province include the establishment of a tool, die and mould preapprentice orientation programme in support of the province's manufacturing industry.

GENERAL MANUFACTURING SUB-SECTORS
METALS AND ENGINEERING
PLASTICS
CHEMICALS
ELECTRONICS - MANUFACTURE