Gauteng's strategic location, skilled workforce, and robust infrastructure have successfully attracted major players in the automotive industry, propelling the province towards its goal of becoming a regional powerhouse in the sector. A testament to this progress is Ford's recent announcement of further investment in its Gauteng operations, driven by the record-breaking production achieved at the company's Silverton assembly plant in Pretoria. This vote of confidence from a renowned global automaker solidifies Gauteng's position as a thriving hub for automotive manufacturing and highlights the region's potential for continued growth and success in the industry.According to Ockert Berry, VP operations at Ford South Africa, the company has embarked on an extensive modernisation and expansion plan of its local operations focused on delivering products both locally and to more than 100 export markets around the world.The company is currently operating close to its installed capacity of 720 units based on three shifts and 200 000 vehicles per annum at its Silverton plant, the highest volume yet for this facility, which assembles the next-gen Ranger as well as Volkswagen pickups as part of the Ford-VW strategic alliance. In terms of exports, 24 583 next-gen Rangers had been shipped to export markets up to the end of June – the largest destination being Europe where the Ranger leads its segment. Vehicles are exported to more than 100 global markets through the roll-on-roll off (ro-ro) terminals at the ports of Durban and Port Elizabeth.Berry said ongoing quality improvements were under way, including the installation of an innovative R22-million skid cleaning facility for the paint shop.Over the past few years, Gauteng has taken decisive steps to foster an environment conducive to auto manufacturing. The Tshwane automotive special economic zone is one of only three locations worldwide that manufacturers the next-gen Ranger.
