Formex recently announced yet another investment of just over R100-million towards the end of March 2023, this on the back of yet another VWSA contract award. This year’s project entails 21 new parts from 11 different tools. This expansion will see Formex become a key supplier for the high runner Polo and around 139 000 cars per year for six years.  These components are currently imported from Portugal.

This Formex project requires a new facility to house the 1600-tonne auto transfer press and Formex has established an additional factory in Struandale. This factory will house the largest press in the Eastern Cape for a locally owned supplier.  This press will also make Formex internationally competitive for bodyshop stampings, which is especially important as this will shift Formex away from its traditional internal combustion engine components.

Formex usually sources 70% of its raw materials and services from the localised region. However, for the VWSA project, in particular, more than 80% of these materials and services will come from Nelson Mandela Bay. The above VWSA projects alone will inject just over R100-million per year, for the next seven years, into the Gqeberha economy.

VWSA along with other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and indirect customers of Formex will benefit from Struandale. Ford, Isuzu, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota are some of the OEMs that will receive components from Struandale, whether directly from Formex or indirectly through Tier 1 suppliers.

Isuzu will have components manufactured at Struandale

Formex will also supply various components to Isuzu for their all-new D-MAX model, including fuel filler flap assemblies. Struandale will become Isuzu’s second-largest components facility in the world, after Thailand. Isuzu has made a R1.2-billion investment in its South African facilities, which is a sign of long-term commitment to the local automotive manufacturing industry.

A portion of this investment will go towards the upgrade and extension of the Struandale plant. Thanks must also be given to Deneb Investments Limited, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, as well as the Automotive Investment Transformation Fund (AITF) for their support and contribution toward this investment.