Beer and condoms make an early entry in East London IDZ

Leonard Neill THE EAST London Development Zone Council (ELDZC) has identified 42 projects emanating from industries interested in establishing manufacturing plants in that city's Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) which is now awaiting promulgation. Of these 12 feasibility studies have been completed, says chief executive Peter Miles. These include motor component manufacturing, optical fibre manufacturing, auto glass manufacturing, metal press stamping, aluminium and magnesium high pressure moulding, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, wood products and textiles. Already two plants are under construction in a small area of the zone which will not fall under the duty free regulations. These are a German wheat brewery and a condom manufacturer, with a combined investment of R400million involved. Official government designation of the IDZ is expected to be announced before the end of this month. Miles is satisfied that considerable progress has been made in this direction despite claims from some sectors that this has been on the slow side. The Department of Trade and Industry project manager Thapelo Makheta has co-ordinated all the responses called for in a recent advertising campaign. This has been put before the DTI's Manufacturing Development Programme Board (MDPB), which has taken a decision on designation and made a recommendation to Trade and Industry Minister Alec Erwin. He will take the proposal to cabinet for approval. Once this has happened the East London IDZ designation will be gazetted, says Miles.