Sustainable building materials manufacturer Saint-Gobain Africa has officially launched its new fiber cement manufacturing plant in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. This plant represents an investment of over R500 million in the South African economy, aimed at strengthening local manufacturing capabilities and supporting industrial growth. The new facility will produce fiber cement—a composite material used in residential, infrastructure, and commercial buildings, valued for its strength and fire- and moisture-resistant properties.
At the inauguration ceremony on January 27, Américk Deidevalle, CEO of Saint-Gobain Africa, stated that the plant is based on Saint-Gobain's global manufacturing experience, drawing on fiber cement production technologies from multiple regions worldwide. He mentioned that by producing fiber cement locally, the company can enhance supply reliability for its customers. "This plant enables us to bring the right solution to the right market at the right time. But beyond solutions, this plant significantly strengthens our overall supply in South Africa," Deidevalle said, adding that the plant helps provide integrated building solutions across residential, non-residential, and infrastructure projects.
Deidevalle emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in the construction of this plant and acknowledged the support from government agencies and industry partners. "These ecosystem partnerships are crucial to unlocking sustainable growth, and today's achievement clearly demonstrates what we can build together. This plant is also a very concrete example of our regional commitment—to manufacture in Africa to build Africa," he stated. Thierry Bernard, CEO of Saint-Gobain Southern Europe, Middle East, and Africa, added that the launch of this plant reflects confidence in the South African market and signals the company's continued investment in the region.
The plant is expected to create direct and indirect job opportunities and promote the development of local suppliers and skills transfer. Saint-Gobain Africa noted that the construction of the Ekurhuleni plant aligns with the company's global purpose of "Making the World a Better Home," focusing on sustainable growth, industrial development, and social progress.
