R300-million pipe plant for Richards Bay
Manufacturer starts R300-million project, bringing home ‘Africa first’ product.
CONSTRUCTION has officially started on a R300-million manufacturing plant that will produce PVC pipes at the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone’s (RBIDZ) Industrial Phase 1A Park.
Sizabantu Piping Systems (SPS) received a warm welcome at the launch ceremony on Thursday from the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DEDT) Mike Mabuyakhulu, District Mayor Thembeka Mchunu, City Mayor Mduduzi Mhlongo and RBIDZ CEO Pumi Motshoahae.
SPS already run operations in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
Local construction company Sam-Lib Civils was contracted to build the new facility over two phases on a two-hectare RBIDZ plot, forecasting completion by May next year.
The project will create 57 direct and 110 indirect jobs.
Mabuyakhulu thanked SPS for choosing Richards Bay for the hefty investment.
‘It shows the level of confidence Don Coleman (SPS CEO) has in our RBIDZ team.
‘This area is bearing results for job creation. The bricks and mortar of economic development is being laid.
‘And it is only the start. RBIDZ is working on a pipeline investment of more than R100-billion.’
This, he said, includes projects set to commence this financial year, and those still being negotiated with project promoters interested in the Zone.
In May, the the uMhlathuze Municipality announced it has set aside more than R40-million out of its yearly capex budget to replace worn-out lines in Richards Bay, Empangeni, eNseleni and Ngwelezane.
The Bay SPS plant will manufacture bi-axle orientated pipes – PVC pipes modified through a second process, resulting in a product five times stronger.
‘It means these pipes are suitable to handle high pressure ranges and can be fitted to larger diameters than regular PVCs,’ said SPS CEO Don Coleman.
‘A non-metallic pipe appropriate for long distances without requiring any cathodic protection is a first for Africa.’
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