Combi meters to be produced locally

Hesto Harnesses put KwaDukuza on the automotive manufacturing map as they launched the combi meter production facility last week at their Stanger plant.

This means the previously Japanese imported combi meter or dashboard instrument cluster, consisting of the speedometer and other instruments, is now produced locally for the new Toyota Hilux.

Minister of Trade and Industry Dr Rob Davies said this is a “good story” for KwaDukuza and South Africa as a whole.

“There are huge social problems in KwaDukuza, including unemployment and poverty. This new facility will contribute to job creation and the upliftment of the community,” said Davies.

He said the broader automotive sector is critical for the economy and contributes between six and seven percent to the country’s gross domestic product.

“The manufacturing of the combi meter in the country is an important investment in the manufacturing sector. This project will take the production of local content to another level and will re-affirm South Africa’s position as a sustainable base for production.”

Davies said Hesto Harnesses has shown commitment to ongoing manufacturing competitiveness improvement and has so far created over 2200 sustainable jobs, with more to come.

KwaDukuza deputy mayor Dolly Govender said the Hesto plant is one of the biggest industries on the North Coast.

“This state of the art investment will restore hope for the KwaDukuza youth, as this high tech plant will offer job opportunities and growth through their training programs,” said Govender.

According to Hesto Harnesses managing director Theo Loock, the launch is a reflection of the positive effects of the international agreements that the government enter into with other countries.

“Through this project, there will be a lot of technology and skills transfer from the Japanese,” said Loock.

Besides the combi meters, Hesto supplies automotive electrical distribution systems, commonly known as wiring harnesses to Toyota and GMSA.

Hesto Harnesses is a division of the JSE listed Metair Investments Ltd, with 25.1% of the shares being held by the Japanese firm Yazaki Corporation.

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