Gqeberha, South Africa, 12 April 2024 – The Coega Development Corporation’s (Coega) expanding Multi-User Facility continues to serve as a prime location for small to large companies looking for ideal office space in a plug-and-play industrial zone. Strategically located in Zone 3 of the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Coega’s Multi-User Facility is home to an array of companies representing six of the SEZ’s 14 focus sectors, including logistics, energy, and automotive. “The Natural Fibre Hub has benefitted greatly from the factory-ready space of the Multi-User Facility. It has enabled us to move quickly to capture an opportunity when the equipment we needed became available at very short notice,” says tenant and Natural Fibre Hub Manager, Mr. Andy Radford.
The Multi-User Facility is currently home to an impressive array of tenants, with newly announced investor, Stellantis, set to occupy an office at the facility ahead of the construction of their R3bn Auto Manufacturing Plant in Zone 2 of the Coega SEZ. Multi- user tenants include African loop Solutions, Himoinsa SA, Ocean Legacy Marine, Chemchamp Africa (Akula Trading), VSL (auto components), Flow Cultivate, Romark Logistics, Natural Fibre Hub (joint venture between the CSIR/Coega Biofibre Hub), CNSA Investment (Chinese solar storage), and Vanguard Logistics. Collectively, the Multi-user Facility houses over 60 employees, representing operational jobs.
“The 6 000m2 Multi-user Facility offers cutting-edge ICT infrastructure and world-class boardrooms and offices, facilitating seamless plug-and-play environment experience for tenants. The facility ensures exemption from loadshedding up to stage 4, convenient access to major transport networks, a range of government incentives such as customs duties and VAT suspension, 24-hour security, and accessible business support through the Coega One-Stop-Shop located in Zone 1 of the SEZ,” says Mr. Mandla Maqanda, Coega Facilities Manager.
The Multi-user Facility is also currently the incubator for the biofibre development project between the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Coega. The project aims to develop industrial applications for plant-based fibres, supporting the competitiveness of the local automotive sector, and has recently partnered with a leading Italian plant-based leather manufacturer that provides products to leading European auto manufacturers, and to leading luxury fashion brands looking for sustainable leather alternatives.
The Facility also provides a range of invaluable resources and support to Small, Medium, and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs). Through this facility, SMMEs gain cost-effective access to crucial resources, business support in a conducive industrial ecosystem.
With an established track record of facilitating successful ventures, the Multi-user Facility is expected to draw interest from a diverse range of industries and is well- positioned to accommodate the needs of prospective tenants, providing them with access to key markets and enabling them to thrive. Phases 1 and 2 of the Facility are currently occupied, testament to its ideal location and commercial appeal. . Phase 1 was completed in 2017, with Phase 2 reaching completion in May 2020.
“As the Facility continues to expand its offerings and foster collaboration among stakeholders, it will play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and job creation in the region. With four development phases set to create approximately 25,000m2 of space upon completion, the Multi-user Facility remains a driving force for companies seeking to expand their footprint,” concludes Mr. Maqanda.
