Join Port Elizabeth and MyPE in congratulating Mover and Shaker, John Mulgrew from DESign:
The local automotive industry was given a boost with the opening of Design South Africa’s new Port Elizabeth premises on 24 August 2012, bringing together their much-lauded engineering and automation departments right in the middle of one of South Africa’s automotive hotspots.
Originally founded in Kwazulu-Natal as a six-man operation in 1998, Design South Africa initially sought to offer new options for process planning and mechanical design to the South African automotive industry, but has since grown into one of South Africa’s most reputable independent engineering and automation firms, employing 300 people across the country, with some 70 of those in Port Elizabeth.
The opening attracted well-known senior executives from the automotive industries of Germany, South Korea and India to Port Elizabeth – as well as local suppliers, customers and dignitaries – and reflects a massive investment in both Port Elizabeth and the Eastern Cape from the company.
Managing Director and Design co-founder John Mulgrew said, “Our new premises in Port Elizabeth will enable us to streamline our services to Volkswagen, General Motors South Africa, Tenneco and Mercedes-Benz, who are all within close reach, and help ensure the growth of the Eastern Cape’s developing automotive industry.” The new 1900m2 building will bring Design’s Eastern Cape engineering, automation and assembly departments under one roof for the first time since operations begun in Port Elizabeth in 1999.
“We felt it was important to consolidate all of our departments in order to not only maximise efficiency, but also allow us scope to grow even more within the Eastern Cape in due time,”
Design’s commitment to providing cost-effective engineering and robotics solutions at the highest of international standards have garnered them repeat custom from large international and national firms, as well as a number of prestigious industry awards, such as being named as Volkswagen South Africa’s Facilities Supplier of the year in both 2008 and 2009, Tenneco 2009 & 2010 Supplier of the year, Toyota 2011 indirect Supplier of the year as well as GMSA’s Indirect Supplier of the Year in 2006.
“In fact, not a year has gone by at Design without recognition from our customers, not to mention massive growth in terms of both turnover and employment, “We like to think of our staff – from the workers on the shop floor to our administrative department – as a large, albeit very hard-working, family.”
“That attitude ensures that we deliver the highest possible quality product to our customers and continue our growth, development and investment in the Eastern Cape for years to come.”
Submitted by: Mandy Watson on behalf of DESign.
Click here to see more PE Movers and Shakers.
Click here to submit your or your company achievements.
Alan Straton
Latest posts by Alan Straton (see all)
- Dr. T Fletcher Calls for Glaucoma Checks Before the Year Closes - 13 November 2026
- PaperTrail Adds Scout AI Search to Its Document Management Software - 12 November 2026
- Wavepool Surf Tour Launches Ride the Future 2026. Let’s Go! - 12 November 2026
- Online Catalogue With Shelly Smart Automation Range and Bespoke 3D-Printed Installer Accessories - 12 November 2026
- SalePrice Workshop Outlet Publishes A, B and C Grades for Ex-Demo Machines - 12 November 2026
