Buffalo City can go back to a long history of manufacturing. The city produced in 1883 the first confectionary in South Africa. Today known as Nestle South Africa. First National Batter produced 1931 the first automotive battery. Until today First National Battery is a proudly Buffalo City based company. Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical opened its first factory in Africa in Buffalo City.

For further information about the wide variety on manufacturing based companies, have a look at the manufacturer's database .

Manufacturing at the East London IDZ

In 2008, emanating from a challenging global economic meltdown ELIDZ decided to broaden its horizons to include other sectors, such as Aquaculture, Agro-processing, Renewable Energy and ICT & Electronics. Subsequent to the move by the organisation, a need for one more sector which would encompass industries not aforementioned was identified. This was prompted by the variety of businesses in South Africa and the likelihood of more industries wanting to locate in the zone. General Manufacturing was born out of that need.

Ever since its establishment the General Manufacturing sector has been involved in major talks with various intrigued multi-national companies who would like to locate within the zone. The sector now boosts of a diamond cutting and polishing plant a first of its kind in the province.

Current investment opportunities

Buffalo City has a good potential in industrial manufacturing based on:

• East London Industrial Development Zone
• Available serviced and well connected industrial land
• The existing auto industry
• Maritime industries and logistics

Support programme

The Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) with the support of Kyle Business Projects is currently setting up a comprehensive cluster for non-automotive manufacturing businesses. The cluster will include various programmes to address common challenges facing participants in the sector, to enable improved productivity, competitiveness, and ultimately more business, more employment, and improved economics.

Find out more on the NAM cluster here .

Incentives

• Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (MCEP)
• Capital Goods Industry – The Capital Projects Feasibility Programme (CPFP)
• Additional Tax Allowance for manufacturers – S121 of the Income Tax Act
• Foreign Investment Grant (FIG)
• Industrial Development Corporation's support to black industrialists

Useful documents

• Industrial Policy Action Plan 2013/14 - 2015/16
• Performance of the manufacturing sector 
• Industrial Policy Action Plan 2018/19 - 2020/21
• SA Manufacturing Landscape 2017-2020

Useful links

• National Cleaner Production Centre South Africa