Whatshot
Conlog invests in a factory at Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone
Conlog invests in a factory at Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone
Conlog Pty Ltd, a Durban-based electronics manufacturing company, has invested R110 million in a smart electricity meter manufacturing plant within Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone (DTP SEZ). The 12 000 m2 development, located at the now fully-subscribed Dube TradeZone 1, is a major expansion of Conlog's operation which were previously located in Overport, Durban.
A member of JSE-listed Consolidated Infrastructure Group Limited (CIG), Conlog is the world's largest installer of prepaid electricity systems, with a footprint spanning 4 continents and 20 countries. Over 70 utilities make use of Conlog metering solutions and thousands of Conlog vending units have been installed around the world, reaching millions of users who access the prepaid systems in English, Arabic, French, Spanish and Portuguese. Over 400 Conlog revenue management systems are also in operation both locally and internationally.
The official opening of the new Conlog head office and manufacturing plant on 27 November 2019, was officiated by the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Ms Nomusa Dube-Ncube and attended by a number of dignitaries including representatives of Invest SA and the Department of Trade and Industry; KwaDukuza Acting Mayor Cllr Dolly Govender and hosts Mr Hamish Erskine, CEO of Dube TradePort Corporation as well as Dr. Bridgette Gasa, Dube TradePort Corporation Board Chairperson.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Ebrahim Patel applauded Conlog on their investment into Dube TradePort and further added that the investment will not only result in the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility which boosts improved engineering processes using advanced technologies but will create a centre of manufacturing excellence in South Africa and the region.
The innovation, monitoring and management capabilities of the plant will further reduce process defects making the product and process more competitive. The installation of two new automated surface mount assembly lines enhances the plants capacity for producing electronic circuit boards from 150k to 550 thousand units per month, which leads to process efficiencies gains for the country, enhancing its competitiveness as a global player.
Speaking at the launch, MEC Dube-Ncube said: "On behalf of the provincial government of KwaZulu-Natal, I would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the shareholders, management and staff of Conlog on this momentous expansion project. It is extremely encouraging to witness the inspirational business growth trajectory of a KwaZulu-Natal business that has not only gone on to become a leading player in global trade, but one that is re-investing locally, stimulating the local economy and contributing to job creation for our people."
Conlog CEO, Logan Moodley, said: "Our new facility will allow us to improve our product and service offering to our growing local and international customer base. Our decision to relocate to the Dube TradePort SEZ was cemented by the attractive incentives available by being located within the Special Economic Zone and within a Controlled Customs Area precinct. Currently, 80% of our production is for export. The location of Dube TradeZone 1, adjacent to the Dube Cargo Terminal, also improves access for growing our exports into Africa, South America, South-East Asia and other target markets.