The new plant will manufacture a wide range of automotive filters for the group’s network of aftermarket suppliers.

Says Cedric Dackam, President for the Automotive Aftermarket for the global group: “This investment reflects our confidence in South Africa’s future. It allows us to be more responsive to the local market needs and it gives us a foothold to reach other markets in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

The 3,200 m² plant will focus on producing high-performance filters for commercial vehicles, passenger cars, off-highway (mining and construction), and industrial applications. The facility is scheduled to commence operations in March 2025 with a new workforce and the ability to scale up to three shifts depending on market requirements.

According to Cavin Hearne, the Managing Director of the SA operations, the plant can scale up and down and shift between different filter types in a matter of minutes. This gives MANN+HUMMEL the ability to offer a large variety of SA-made filters and add or change products almost immediately as customers require it.

“This plant in South Africa is a key milestone in MANN+HUMMEL Africa’s business growth strategy,” said Kurk Wilks, President and CEO of the global group. “It aligns with our ‘in the region, for the region’ philosophy, offering our customers more responsive and competitive solutions.”

Sustainability is also at the core of the plant’s design, with solar power integrated into daily operations and the adoption of the company’s 3R principles—reduce, reuse, recycle—to minimise environmental impact.

MANN+HUMMEL first opened its doors in SA in 2016 and it has grown steadily in both range and reach. It currently focuses on the aftermarket, but it can supply to manufacturers directly, as it does in the States, Europe, and Asia.