Addressing the launch, VSL Manufacturing Director, Vuyo Skweyiya, reflected on a journey defined by resilience, innovation and partnership.

“This facility represents the culmination of years of rebuilding, of restoring jobs, and of proving that South African suppliers can compete at the highest level of global automotive manufacturing.”

VSL Manufacturing was established in 2018 following the liquidation of Stateline Pressed Metal in Komani, which resulted in 123 job losses. Rather than accept defeat, retrenched employees Vuyo Skweyiya and business partner Deon van Zyl secured funding from ABSA to acquire the company’s equipment and form VSL Manufacturing. Today, the business is 51% African female–owned, demonstrating a strong commitment to transformation and inclusive industrial growth.

After rebuilding its operations and capabilities, a major turning point came in 2021 when Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) appointed VSL to its supplier development programme. This partnership enabled VSL to upscale its operations, increase its revenue five-fold in the 2021/22 financial year, and meet the rigorous standards required for global OEM supply.

With growth came increased pressure on VSL Manufacturing’s ageing Komani press line, placing future production capacity at risk. To safeguard jobs and ensure long-term competitiveness, VSL Manufacturing, supported by IMSAf, developed a comprehensive investment plan, which was presented to the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the Automotive Industry Transformation Fund (AITF) and the Black Industrialists Scheme (BIS).

This resulted in an unprecedented R750 million capital mobilisation to establish the world-class facility now located in Gqeberha. The astounding investment from IDC, AITF and BIS contributed to VSL raising just over R300 million, Isuzu Motors South invested R260 million, from AITF R50 million from property development R130 million and ABSA supported with an investment of R20 million.

Strategically positioned next to the IMSAf Manufacturing plant, the new facility delivers major production efficiencies, reduces logistics costs, enables real-time synchronisation with OEM operations and strengthens localisation within the South African automotive value chain.

To date, the expansion has created 52 new jobs in Gqeberha, while the Komani operation continues to sustain 66 skilled employees, together forming a growing base of technical expertise and industrial capability in the province.

VSL credits Isuzu Motors South Africa for its hands-on supplier development support. Vuyo noted: “Isuzu did more than award a contract, they transferred tools, opened their supply chain to us, and worked closely to help us meet demanding global standards.”

Billy Tom, President of Isuzu Motors South Africa, echoed the significance of the investment. “At Isuzu, we are positioning ourselves for the economic growth of the African continent. We are building local capabilities that enable our operations here in Gqeberha to serve as an automotive manufacturing hub for the region.”

Vuyo also extended gratitude to the IDC, AITF and other partners, emphasising that VSL’s journey demonstrates what is possible when public and private investment align behind transformation and industrialisation. “From the pain of job losses in Komani has grown a modern facility that will produce parts, create livelihoods and strengthen our industrial ecosystem. This plant is a beacon of what is possible when resilience, partnership and purpose come together.”

The new VSL Manufacturing facility opens ahead of full production for the 2026 financial year to support the ongoing manufacturing of the Isuzu D-MAX, further reinforcing the Eastern Cape’s position as a critical hub in South Africa’s automotive and manufacturing sectors.