THE official opening of Ebor’s new manufacturing plant in Kariega was welcomed by the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, which calls it a landmark development that further strengthens Nelson Mandela Bay’s position as the Bay of Opportunity and one of South Africa’s leading manufacturing hubs.
In a media statement, the chamber says the significant investment by Ebor, an established automotive component supplier specialising in plastic moulded parts and assemblies, reflects strong and sustained confidence in the metro’s industrial capability and long-term growth trajectory. The new state-of-the-art facility represents a decisive expansion of local manufacturing capacity, enhances competitiveness within the automotive value chain, and supports the retention and creation of sustainable jobs in a sector that remains critical to the regional economy.
According to the chamber, the 8,000 sqm facility in Kariega reflects a 60% increase in scale compared to Ebor’s previous operations, backed by an estimated R100 million investment in infrastructure and a further R45 million directed towards relocation, upgrades and advanced equipment. With a workforce of approximately 140 employees, Ebor continues to play an important role in sustaining employment and strengthening the region’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of the metro’s economy, contributing approximately 22% to GDP and anchoring both industrial output and employment. Against this backdrop, investments of this nature extend well beyond individual businesses; they stimulate supplier development, support skills transfer, and reinforce broader economic resilience across the region, the chamber noted.
Commenting on the development, Denise van Huyssteen, chief executive officer of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, said the opening of the facility underscores the enduring appeal of Nelson Mandela Bay as a competitive and credible investment destination, despite prevailing economic headwinds.
“Ebor’s expansion into a significantly larger and more advanced facility is a strong vote of confidence in the manufacturing strength of Nelson Mandela Bay. It reinforces our positioning as the Bay of Opportunity and speaks directly to the resilience and capability of our industrial base,” she said.
Van Huyssteen added that continued investment in the automotive sector is vital to sustaining the region’s economic ecosystem and driving inclusive growth.
“Manufacturing remains the backbone of our metro’s economy. When companies like Ebor invest, they strengthen the entire value chain, support local suppliers, safeguard jobs, and enhance South Africa’s competitiveness in the global automotive industry,” she said.
She further noted that Ebor’s expansion sends a powerful signal to the market about the metro’s investment potential.
“At a time when economic uncertainty continues to weigh on business confidence, this investment stands as tangible proof that Nelson Mandela Bay remains a strategic manufacturing destination with deep industrial expertise, skilled talent, and established infrastructure. It is precisely this kind of commitment that drives economic renewal and builds long-term resilience in our metro,” Van Huyssteen concluded.
