Rail consortium Gibela’s new R1 billion train factory in Dunnottar, Ekurhuleni, is now 65% complete and is on track to complete its first South African-made commuter train by the end of 2018.
This was announced by the company in a statement yesterday (Thursday) in which it noted that, at its peak, the new facility would produce 62 trains a year.
The factory is being constructed to support Gibela’s R51 billion contract with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa to build commuter trains over 10 years for Metrorail.
The rail manufacturer noted that a specific souring strategy was being deployed to ensure that small, medium and micro enterprises – based closest to the factory – would be prioritised for business.
“To meet its demanding local content requirement of at least 65%, Gibela has contracted 54 South African suppliers to supply materials, part and services,” said a spokesperson. “In the process, more than 4 700 South African jobs are already being supported by the company’s activities.”
