WATCH: Brakpan welcomes state-of-the-art fibre cement manufacturing plant
The new plant is set to create direct and indirect employment opportunities while strengthening supplier development and skills transfer in the region.
Saint-Gobain Africa opened its new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Brakpan on January 27, marking an investment of more than R500m in local manufacturing.
The event brought together government representatives, industry partners and community stakeholders, marking a strong vote of confidence in South Africa’s economy and industrial potential, rooted in international collaboration and local empowerment.
The French multinational, with over 360 years of global manufacturing and innovation expertise and more than 90 years’ presence in South Africa, confirmed that the new plant will produce fibre cement, a durable composite building material valued for its strength and fire and moisture resistance.
The investment is expected to create numerous direct and indirect job opportunities, while strengthening local supplier development and skills transfer.
The investment forms part of Saint-Gobain’s long-term commitment to Africa and aligns with the company’s global purpose, Making the World a Better Home, which extends beyond products to supporting sustainable growth, industrial development and social progress.
@brakpan_herald The opening of the new Saint-Gobain plant spells good things for the economy of Brakpan and surrounding areas with a French-South African partnership in fibre cement production that hopes to revolutionise the construction landscape. saint-gobain #construction #brakpan #jobcreation
“This investment of more than R500m is not simply about expanding capacity; it is a clear demonstration of our long-term belief in South Africa as a key industrial hub for the continent,” said Aymeric d’Ydewalle, CEO of Saint-Gobain Africa.
“We continue to invest because we believe deeply in South Africa’s talent, its manufacturing capability, and the importance of strong partnerships between the public and private sectors in driving sustainable growth.”
The Brakpan plant, situated in Vulcania South, brings Saint-Gobain Africa’s “Make it in Africa to Build Africa” (MABA) commitment to life, demonstrating its focus on local production alongside skills development, community empowerment and the strengthening of regional value chains.
“Through our MABA commitment, we are focused on producing locally, developing people and contributing meaningfully to the communities in which we operate,” d’Ydewalle added.
“This new plant is designed to support job creation, supplier development and skills transfer, while contributing to the revitalisation of South Africa’s manufacturing sector.”
The opening of the Brakpan plant marks a significant milestone in Saint-Gobain Africa’s long-term presence in South Africa.
As the company continues to invest in local manufacturing, innovation and skills development, it remains focused on building resilient industries, supporting economic growth and contributing meaningfully to the country’s industrial future.
The Brakpan Herald attended the opening, bearing witness to the hard work put into erecting the plant.
D’Ydewalle said that the journey towards building the plant was indeed a long one.
“It was up in the air for 10 years before we made the decision, and from then to building it was another three years getting the necessary approvals and everything,” he said.
ALSO CHECK: ExED Private School opened 2026 with new head prefects
There was significant emphasis placed on the fact that the fibre cement panels can be used for much more than ceilings and partitioning, the way traditional plasterboard is typically used.
In terms of sustainability, Saint-Gobain asserts itself as a leader in light and sustainable manufacturing. The light weight of the boards decrease transport burden, lowering emissions, and the density provides stronger insulation, allowing for lower electricity use to control temperatures in buildings.
Limited ingredients are also a consideration, as research work is being done to substitute them without compromising quality in order to be more sustainable.
“We have strong confidence, we believe in the market, we believe in South Africa, we believe in our customers, we believe in our team and our strengths. We are newcomers, and there is competition, but we think we come with a value proposition that has a lot to offer,” D’Ydewalle said.
