Growth in the electrical goods industry will mean more than 150 new jobs for Atlantis, says Dr Rob Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry.
Speaking at the launch of the new Hisense investment in Atlantis Monday 18 March, he said: “The South African white goods industry has shown unprecedented foreign direct investment in the last three years, and this illustrates both the importance of the domestic sector to multinationals and the strategic location of South Africa to a rapidly growing African consumer market.” Davies said this investment will create 150 new jobs at the plant.
“The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) will create the largest free trade area globally and will boost intra Africa trade”, said Jerry Liu, President of Hisense Middle East-Africa Holdings, who was at the launch.
He said as the leading global company and world leader of flat panel TVs, household appliances and mobile communication, the company is geared towards expanding its plant in Atlantis.
This shift will see the growth of the FMCG sector on the African continent, Liu added. “Through its presence and incremental investments in the country, Hisense has reaffirmed South Africa as its strategic manufacturing hub and location for its wide and diversified product range,” he said.
“Hisense has invested R60 million in its refrigeration production line and a further R12 million in the TV production line. These investments will optimise the improvements in the production capacity, leading to increased volumes and improved efficiencies in the manufacturing process.”
The hope is that the investments will also result in increased volumes of production for TV and refrigeration investments, respectively.
Liu confirmed Hisense is keen to support government localisation programmes, by partnering with South African manufacturers and the logistics network. “Hisense is now a significant employer in Atlantis, and the skills developed by staff in this plant have made Hisense SA one of the most competitive locations within the Hisense group,” said Davies.
