Saint-Gobain Africa has reinforced its long-term commitment to South African manufacturing with the official opening of a state-of-the-art fibre cemen
Saint-Gobain Africa has reinforced its long-term commitment to South African manufacturing with the official opening of a state-of-the-art fibre cement facility in Ekurhuleni.
The new plant represents an investment of more than R500 million signalling confidence in the country’s industrial potential and a tangible boost to local job creation. The inauguration brought together government representatives, industry partners and community stakeholders, underlining the role of public-private collaboration in driving industrial growth.
For more than 360 years, Saint-Gobain has been shaping global manufacturing and construction innovation. Its footprint in South Africa spans over nine decades, with the company steadily expanding local production and workforce development. The Ekurhuleni facility continues this trajectory, producing fibre cement products designed for long-lasting performance in residential, commercial and infrastructure projects.
Fibre cement is valued for its performance which makes it a preferred choice for a variety of applications ranging from cladding, ceilings, partitioning, fascias, barge boards and other critical building elements. Its adaptability suits the varied climatic conditions of South Africa and supports modern construction’s demand for durable materials.
“This investment is about expanding capacity and is a clear demonstration of our long-term belief in South Africa as a key industrial hub for the continent,” said Aymeric d’Ydewalle, CEO of Saint-Gobain Africa. “We continue to invest because we believe deeply in South Africa’s capability and the importance of strong partnerships between the public and private sectors in driving sustainable growth.”
The Ekurhuleni plant is a key component of Saint-Gobain Africa’s Make it in Africa to Build Africa (MABA) programme. Through MABA, the company aims to produce locally while simultaneously developing people, empowering communities and strengthening regional value chains.
Growing demand
Fibre cement’s appeal lies in its engineering for longevity and resilience. The material performs across indoor and outdoor applications exposed to moisture or wear and maintaining structural stability over decades. Its uses extend from external façades to internal partitioning in moisture-prone areas, as well as roofline elements such as fascias and soffits. Fibre cement also forms part of permanent shuttering systems and flooring, making it integral to both residential and non-residential construction.
The Ekurhuleni plant will produce flat sheets and fascia boards to meet this growing demand, reducing reliance on imports and reinforcing the local construction ecosystem. The facility incorporates internationally recognised manufacturing, quality and environmental standards and Saint-Gobain Africa emphasises responsible resource use with operational systems designed to manage water efficiently and minimise waste through reuse and recycling. The plant’s design and operation reflect a balance of modern production efficiency with sustainability considerations, aligning with the global shift toward environmentally responsible construction.
“Through MABA we focus on producing locally, developing people and contributing meaningfully to the communities in which we operate,” d’Ydewalle added. “This new plant is designed to support job creation, supplier development and skills transfer, while contributing to the revitalisation of South Africa’s manufacturing sector.”
He expanded that Saint-Gobain Africa’s approach to MABA is structured around four pillars. Sustainability is embedded across design, manufacturing and application, ensuring that the products and systems the company delivers contribute to healthier more resilient built environments. The third pillar focuses on people and communities. Saint-Gobain Africa invests in developing local talent, training contractors and applicators and supporting community upliftment initiatives. Safe and inclusive workplaces are fundamental to this approach, enabling employees to acquire skills, build careers and contribute to broader social development.
Finally, customer-centricity drives the fourth pillar. Local expertise allows Saint-Gobain Africa to understand the real needs of the market and provide high-quality, locally manufactured solutions backed by technical support. The Ekurhuleni facility strengthens the company’s ability to deliver consistent service and reliable products to the construction industry.
Perfectly situated
The plant is located in Vulcania South, Brakpan, within the Ekurhuleni industrial zone. Its development aligns with broader economic objectives to stimulate local manufacturing and industrial growth. By producing fibre cement locally Saint-Gobain Africa is helping reduce reliance on imported building materials while enhancing supply chain resilience. The investment also supports the creation of direct and indirect jobs; underpinning skills transfer initiatives and strengthening the capabilities of local suppliers.
“Saint-Gobain’s presence in South Africa has consistently emphasised the integration of global expertise with local operations. The Ekurhuleni plant builds on a history of innovation and quality bringing modern manufacturing technology to the regional construction market. This includes closed-loop water systems, careful waste management and energy-conscious processes to reduce environmental impacts. The materials produced are also designed to last which contributes to long-term building performance and sustainability. By embedding these principles in day-to-day operations, Saint-Gobain Africa ensures that industrial growth and environmental responsibility progress hand in hand.
“The Ekurhuleni plant is a milestone in our long-term presence in South Africa,” d’Ydewalle said. “It shows, through action, our commitment to the country: investing locally, developing skills, creating jobs and working together to build resilient communities and economies.
Saint-Gobain Africa operates across multiple regions in Africa and is part of a global network generating €46.6 billion in sales in 2024 and employing over 161,000 people in 80 countries. On the continent, Saint-Gobain has more than 1800 employees across 20 manufacturing sites in 16 countries. It is focused on enabling infrastructure development, urbanisation and sustainable growth through its products, solutions and local manufacturing footprint.
