EBOR expands manufacturing footprint in Nelson Mandela Bay

The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber has welcomed the official opening of EBOR’s new manufacturing facility in Kariega, describing the development as a significant boost for the region’s industrial landscape and its position as the Bay of Opportunity and a leading manufacturing hub in South Africa

The investment by EBOR, an established automotive component manufacturer specialising in plastic moulded parts and assemblies, demonstrates continued confidence in Nelson Mandela Bay’s manufacturing capabilities and future growth potential. The new advanced facility expands local production capacity, strengthens the automotive supply chain, and contributes to the preservation and creation of sustainable employment opportunities within a key economic sector.

Covering 8,000 sq m, the Kariega facility represents a 60% increase in scale compared with EBOR’s previous operations. The expansion is supported by an estimated R100 million (approx. US$6.1mn) investment in infrastructure, along with a further R45 million (approx. US$2.7mn) allocated towards relocation, upgrades, and advanced equipment. With around 140 employees, EBOR continues to contribute to employment and the development of the region’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Manufacturing remains a vital component of Nelson Mandela Bay’s economy, accounting for approximately 22% of GDP while supporting industrial activity and employment. Investments such as EBOR’s expansion extend beyond individual companies by encouraging supplier development, enabling skills transfer, and strengthening economic resilience across the wider region.

Commenting on the opening, Denise van Huyssteen, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, said the facility highlights the metro’s continued attractiveness as an investment destination despite current economic challenges.

“EBOR’s expansion into a significantly larger and more advanced facility is a strong vote of confidence in the manufacturing strength of Nelson Mandela Bay. It reinforces our positioning as the Bay of Opportunity and speaks directly to the resilience and capability of our industrial base,” she said.

Van Huyssteen further emphasised the importance of ongoing automotive sector investment in supporting regional economic growth.

“Manufacturing remains the backbone of our metro’s economy. When companies like EBOR invest, they strengthen the entire value chain, support local suppliers, safeguard jobs, and enhance South Africa’s competitiveness in the global automotive industry,” she said.

She added that EBOR’s investment demonstrates the continued opportunities available within Nelson Mandela Bay’s industrial sector.

“At a time when economic uncertainty continues to weigh on business confidence, this investment stands as tangible proof that Nelson Mandela Bay remains a strategic manufacturing destination with deep industrial expertise, skilled talent, and established infrastructure. It is precisely this kind of commitment that drives economic renewal and builds long-term resilience in our metro,” Van Huyssteen concluded.