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Ford South Africa’s engine plant in Struandale, Port Elizabeth, is set to become a key player in the company’s aggressive expansion plans into African and Middle Eastern Markets.
This was revealed on Thursday by Ford South Africa CEO, Jeff Nemeth, during celebrations of the engine plant’s 50th anniversary.
The Struandale engine plant already produces engines for Ford’s Ranger bakkies which are exported to more than 148 markets worldwide as well as engines for the Ford Transit which is built in Kansas in the United States.
“The local team has consistently proved that they are up to the challenge, using trademark South African ingenuity and dedication to produce world-class products,” Nemeth said.
Addressing guests and the workforce today (Thurs) Nemeth said that by 2016, they will have brought 25 new vehicles to Middle East and African markets, which are expected to grow by 40 percent by the end of the decade.
To take advantage of growth opportunities, Ford has combined the four regions of North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa and the Middle East into a single business unit, with all sales, share and financial reporting consolidated for the 67 Ford markets.
“The Middle East and Africa region is vast and is comprised of very diverse markets with different political, cultural and economic environments,” Benintende said. “In order to best support the region it has been imperative that we establish a robust operation with a dedicated focus and clear understanding of the unique conditions and customer needs in these markets,” said Jim Benintende president, Ford Middle East and Africa.
Meanwhile, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has appointed John Cameron as the new Plant Manager for the Struandale Engine Plant in Port Elizabeth, leading to an all-South African management team heading the facility.
The other members of the management team are Basil Raman (Operations Manager), Neil Stander (Programs and Engineering) and Ludwe Kawa, who joins Ford as new Quality Manager.
