Ford Invests R15.8 Billion in Its SA Facilities to Build Next 'Ranger'
- The Ford Motor Company has reportedly invested R15.8 billion in its South African plant to prepare for the production of the next Ford Ranger vehicle
- The move will allegedly create around 1 200 jobs at the Silverton plant itself and another 10 000 across the supply chain
- The investment is intended to increase efficiency across the Ford Company's operation in SA, with the new Ranger going into production in 2022
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The Ford Motor Company is increasing its investment in the South African branch of its operations and has spent R15.8 billion to do so.
Ford announced its decision on Tuesday, 2 February and stated that the plans were to invest the money into upgrading the existing facilities in SA as well as create jobs across its organisation.
The move follows Ford's decision to produce the next generation of Ford Ranger vehicles on South African soil which will be both locally and internationally distributed.
Source: Getty Images
The new Ranger will reportedly begin its production in 2022 and Ford will be using their investment to improve their plant in Silverton to cope with the supply.
Reuters quoted Andrea Cavallaro, the operations director of Ford’s International Market Group, as saying:
“It’s the biggest investment in Ford’s 97-year history in South Africa and one of the largest ever in the local automotive industry"
As well as the facilities being improved on, Ford's 15.8 billion will also be creating jobs across the organisation. Approximately 1 200 will be created at the updated plant and around 10 000 more all along the company's supply chain.
The upgrade is also intended to increase production capacity at the plant and grow it from the current 168 000 to over 200 000 units per annum.
In other business news, Briefly.co.za recently reported on a black-owned network service being announced and internet users reacting to the news.
Joel Mafenya, a Soweto-born entrepreneur, has proven to be ahead of the crowd as he has just achieved the feat. Mafenya launched his mobile provider, Taxicom Mobile, in December 2020.
@kasieconomy wrote on Twitter as they introduced Mafenya and his mobile network to the masses:
"Meet Joel Mafenya, founder of Taxicom Mobile. A 100% black-owned mobile company that's rolling out its services across neglected townships & villages. The company is already recruiting people and aims to employ 6 000 youth within 5 years.Please share, make this Kasi HERO famous,"
South Africans were all for the news. Many of them took some time out to ask important questions about the brand while others simply praised the young man. Read a few of their comments below:
@LeroiRamasike said: "It’s not only about black-owned. It’s also about ZA-owned. Many of our listed companies take profits abroad to shareholders who don’t care about local priorities."
@sibusiso_stanly asked: "What is their service offering in the market?"
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Source: Briefly News
