MERCEDES-BENZ South Africa (MBSA) is the latest tenant to move into the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ). It is leasing a facility to store its imported and export-bound cars. “This is a further example of the ELIDZ’s commitment to business and the strengthening of its value proposition to the automotive sector,” says ELIDZ CEO Simphiwe Kondlo. “Since the inception of the Automotive Supplier Park and the investment by Foxtec-Ikhwezi in Zone 1F, the business partnership between the ELIDZ and MBSA has been strengthened, and we are proud to have provided another world class solution.” MBSA’s move into the ELIDZ follows the acquisition of four new investors worth R165 million which started operations in the zone at the end of 2007. They brought the total number of confirmed investors in the zone to 14, with a combined value of R920-million, according to Kondlo. MBSA divisional manager for supply chain and sales support, Naeem Hassim, said “the tailormade solution proposed by the ELIDZ is the preferred option for MBSA and allows storage of vehicles in a fully secure environment.” The site is situated in Zone 1A of the ELIDZ, which also hosts the Automotive Supplier Park. Further infrastructure on the 95 000 m2 site includes vehicle washing and inspection bays, as well as a loading area that can accommodate up to nine carrier vehicles at the same time. There area 2 502 covered and 956 uncovered parking bays. MBSA will lease the storage facility for seven years with the option of renewing the contract.
