Western Cape MEC of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, has officially opened the new EOT Solutions advanced metal processing and fabrication facility at Freeport Saldanha, marking an investment of more than R30 million in the region.
The facility, which currently supports approximately 15 direct jobs, strengthens Saldanha Bay's advanced manufacturing capabilities and reinforces growing investor confidence in the Western Cape as a destination for industrial development, economic growth and job creation.
The project also has the potential to expand through a second phase that could increase total investment to approximately R70 million and double direct employment to around 30 jobs.
Speaking at the official opening on Wednesday, Meyer said the investment demonstrates the provincial government’s commitment to creating an environment that enables business growth and job creation.
"Today is about celebrating investment, innovation, partnership and job creation. Most importantly, it is about recognising the confidence that businesses have in Saldanha Bay and in the Western Cape as a destination for industrial growth and opportunity," said Meyer.
Established by EOT Solutions (Pty) Ltd, in partnership with Nine Dot Solutions (Pty) Ltd and Saxeni Projects (Pty) Ltd, the facility has introduced world-class manufacturing technology to Saldanha Bay, including one of South Africa's largest CNC fibre laser cutting machines, advanced profiling equipment and CNC brake press machinery.
Meyer said the investment directly supports the Western Cape Government's Growth for Jobs Strategy, which focuses on stimulating economic growth through private-sector investment and employment creation.
"Already, this facility supports approximately 15 direct jobs. Behind every one of those jobs is a family, a household and a future that is more secure because investment has translated into employment," he said.
The MEC added that discussions regarding a second phase of expansion are a positive signal for the future of industrial development in the province.
"Successful businesses create confidence. Confidence attracts new investment. New investment creates jobs. And jobs create hope," said Meyer.
EOT Solutions Chief Executive Officer, Gunther Guse, described the occasion as a significant milestone for the company.
"EOT sees this event as our peg in the ground. We are committed to building something credible, something sustainable, and creating jobs. We have established a world-class facility able to compete at the highest standard, in full compliance with all the necessary quality standards," Guse said.
Chairperson of the Board of Freeport Saldanha, Stieneke Jensma, welcomed the investment and its contribution to the growth of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
"EOT has brought serious capital and equipment, and we do not take this for granted. Thank you EOT for the confidence you have placed in the SEZ through your investment," he said
The investment further enhances Saldanha Bay's position as a strategic hub for maritime services, engineering, manufacturing and energy-related industries, while demonstrating the importance of strong partnerships between government and the private sector in driving sustainable economic growth. – SAnews.gov.za
