DaimlerChrysler, in partnership with Brits Textiles—a subsidiary of Seardel Investment—has officially launched a new sisal textile production facility in South Africa, marking a major step toward the integration of natural fibres in automotive manufacturing.
The R11 million joint venture is part of DaimlerChrysler’s global strategy to reduce environmental impact by using renewable natural resources in vehicle components. The South African plant will produce sisal mats that will be molded into rear parcel shelves for the right-hand drive C-Class Mercedes-Benz vehicles assembled at the company’s R1.5 billion upgraded East London facility.
Gunther Butschek, a board member at DaimlerChrysler, said the initiative not only advances the company’s environmental goals but also supports local job creation. “This project positions South Africa as a key contributor in our mission to incorporate sustainable materials into automotive production,” he stated.
The East London plant currently manufactures 47,500 C-Class units annually, with 82% exported to international markets including the UK, Japan, Ireland, Australia, and parts of Europe. The company plans to increase annual output to 45,000 units by 2002.
Bernd Grau, DaimlerChrysler’s procurement and export manager, noted that incorporating sisal into vehicle components will raise the local content of the C-Class model, enhancing eligibility for benefits under the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP). The programme allows car manufacturers to earn export credits that offset import duties on fully built vehicles.
Brits Textiles CEO Ken Capstick-Dale announced that downstream investments in sisal fleece manufacturing, hot-press molding, robotic trimming, and just-in-time delivery could reach R70 million, potentially generating R130 million in turnover by 2003.
The sisal used in the mats will be sourced from three state-owned plantations in South Africa’s Northern Province. Northern Province Agriculture Minister Aaron Motsoaledi confirmed the plantations are being privatized as part of a broader initiative to revive the sisal industry.
The new plant reflects a growing commitment within the automotive industry to environmental sustainability, local sourcing, and economic empowerment through strategic industrial development.
