The Nelson Mandela Bay economy got a boost on Wednesday with the announcement of a R60m investment by Lighting Innovations.
The company said it would construct a new 8000 square metre factory to produce fluorescent fixtures, for the domestic and export markets.
Chief executive, Bruce Waddell, says they will be relocating their manufacturing facility from Wynberg in Johannesburg to Greenbushes in Port Elizabeth and will be employing between 80 to 100 people.
Construction will start in the next few weeks and according to Waddel, their brand new factory will be commissioned by the end of the year.
"Besides the cost for construction of the factory, additional investments will be made in precision machines, wiring equipment and a powder coating line. The introduction of energy saving lighting solutions and safety of maintenance workers is a priority," he said.
While there will be job losses at Lighting Innovations Gauteng operation, their investment in Nelson Mandela Bay has been welcomed by the Municipality.
The Metro's director for trade and investment, Anele Qaba, says "this is a critical investment for the Nelson Mandela Bay region and the Eastern Cape province as it will contribute immensely to job creation."
"Also of importance is that the investment is in line with the key objective of re-industrialisation of the Eastern Cape province and is a symbol of confidence by investors int our region," said Qaba.
