Yanfeng Plastic Omnium (YFPO), an automotive component producer with strong ties to BMW, will invest a substantial R1 billion in South Africa and create over 300 employment opportunities in the City of Tshwane.
YFPO is a global provider of automobile components, specialising in interior pieces such as seats, steering wheels, displays, and lighting, as well as exterior solutions like grilles, bumpers, tailgates, and rock panels.
The firm was established in 2007 through a joint venture between Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems and Plastic Omnium, and is currently headquartered in Shanghai, China.
Today, YFPO operates in more than 20 countries and employs nearly 50,000 people at 240-plus facilities across the globe.
Prioritising localisation
YFPO’s South African wing will mainly be producing all of the painted plastic exterior components for the next-generation BMW X3 built in Rosslyn, Pretoria.
Additionally, it will “supply BMW with cutting-edge materials and manufacturing processes, lightweight and environmentally friendly solutions, and integrated smart technology for the new BMW X3 to enhance the user experience,” said General Manager Jerry Ni.
“Following BMW’s award for localisation supply of the new G45 (BMW X3) platform, this project further solidifies the strategic collaboration between the two parties and achieves significant benefits in plant and production sustainability and digitalisation,” he said.
Ni emphasised that the company will prioritise employing local youths, particularly women, in managerial roles in its South African operations, as well as empowering them through skills transfer and training.
YFPO will also assist with the City of Tshwane’s goals of reducing its environmental impact through the liberal use of recyclable and sustainable materials, as well as energy-efficient production techniques, said Ni.
“Given that the automotive industry supports Tshwane’s economy and contributes significantly to the GDP and employment, our coalition government welcomes this achievement,” said the City of Tshwane’s Functional Head, Mash Moeketsi.
“The City of Tshwane is delighted to be part of this major milestone and trusts that more investments will come to Tshwane.”
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