China’s SANY Group has officially commissioned a new 28,000 m² industrial park in Johannesburg, marking a major milestone in China-South Africa industrial cooperation. The facility brings together a modern manufacturing line, a logistics hub, and a specialized training center designed to cultivate local technical talent. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to produce up to 1,000 excavators annually, positioning South Africa as a strategic manufacturing base for SANY’s operations across the continent.
During the launch ceremony, SANY Vice President Guo Ruiguang described the development as a long-term investment in South Africa’s industrial future, emphasizing the company’s shift from simple equipment sales to deep-rooted localized production and skills transfer. South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala, welcomed the investment, noting that SANY’s presence will significantly strengthen workforce development and enhance the country’s capacity for technology-driven growth.
Representing the Chinese Embassy, Economic and Commercial Counsellor Qiu Zhongyi highlighted SANY’s expanding footprint in South Africa, pointing out that the company has grown into a trusted industrial partner with commitments that extend well beyond manufacturing. He added that SANY’s ongoing localization strategy aligns closely with South Africa’s own development goals.
The new park forms part of SANY’s broader Southern Africa headquarters project, a R300-million initiative that began in 2023 and is set to anchor regional operations in manufacturing, technical training, logistics, and after-sales support. With more than USD 3 billion worth of machinery sold across Africa, SANY continues to strengthen its presence through distributor networks, service centers, and partnerships across mining, construction, and renewable energy sectors.
This latest investment deepens China-South Africa ties at a critical moment for the country’s industrialization drive. By boosting local production capacity, creating jobs, and advancing technical skills, SANY’s Johannesburg industrial park demonstrates how Chinese companies are positioning themselves as long-term partners in South Africa’s economic transformation. As the facility ramps up operations, it is expected to serve not only the national market but also emerging infrastructure and energy projects across the wider Southern African region.
