Piston manufacturing project seeks investment

Posted on : Saturday , 22nd November 2014

 The African aluminium industry is one of the industrial pillars of the South African economy. The country has primary smelters of its own which are performing well. South Africa’s last remaining piston manufacturer closed in the last five years, a victim of the global slowdown in the automotive industry. The country now imports pistons from various parts of the world to support the automotive industry and aftermarket demand. South Africa has the raw material and the foundry capability available to locally manufacture pistons. A concept study carried out by Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal, highlighted the growing market demand for piston manufacturing. 

Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone, is located within uMhlathuze Local Municipality, some 170 km northeast of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. A major comparative advantage is its close proximity to molten aluminium supply from BHP Billiton’s Hillside and Bayside Smelters. 

Feasibility study 

A full study is to be carried out shortly to determine the feasibility of establishing a manufacturing facility in KwaZulu- Natal for the manufacture of aluminium pistons.

Business plan

The business plan is completed and has been updated. The outcome of the market feasibility will determine the finacial model and business plan.