If you needed any more confirmation of Samsung’s popularity in South Africa, the company is planning to open a TV manufacturing plant in the Dube Trade Port in Durban before the end of the year. To this end, the Korean electronics giant is investing R212 million (US$20 million) in the project until 2018.
The project is the result of close collaboration between Samsung and the South African authorities at both national and provincial levels, according to Matthew Thackrah, deputy managing director at Samsung Electronics South Africa.
“Samsung remains the leading consumer electronics brand in South Africa and we are determined to add value to the South African community in which we operate,” he adds. “The establishment of new plant is another step in our goal to create new business opportunities, products and technology.”
In order to build the manufacturing plant, Samsung has to undertake extensive feasibility studies. Thanks to local authorities, Samsung says it was able to expedite the project, which it says will “deliver socio-economic benefits to the KwaZulu-Natal province and residents”.
Samsung expects the new facility will create job opportunities while simulataneously developing skilled and unskilled labour in the province.
“Samsung South Africa is continuously exploring opportunities which will benefit the country,” Thackrah says. “Durban is aligned with these goals and this is an exciting step forward for the company.”
The first TVs are expected to roll off the production line before the end of 2014.
Samsung recently revealed the US price for the most impressive TV in its range, the 105-inch 4K Curved OLED UN105S9W, an eye-watering $120 000 (or R1.27 million). Those sets will be made to order rather than mass produced, but lets hope a local manufacturing plant means we see more of Samsung’s innovative TVs in South Africa, and at better prices.
