20.05.2016
BMW South Africa marks the start of construction of new state-of-the art Bodyshop
The start of construction on the new, state-of-the art Bodyshop at BMW South Africa’s Rosslyn Plant is a strong visual reminder of the expansion that comes hand-in-hand with the R6bn investment announced by the automotive giant in 2015, to produce the next generation BMW X3.
The new Bodyshop will see a 50% expansion in size to 26000 m2, up from currently 17000m2. Around 300 robots are expected to be in operation in the future. It will set the benchmark in the local automotive industry, and give BMW South Africa a competitive advantage in the global group. This expansion will result in an increase in the number of employees in the new Bodyshop, and the increased robotics will allow us to empower employees with new skills to run these new technologies.
The new Bodyshop is a significant element of the R6bn investment, with funding also allocated to other infrastructure and operational enhancements, suppliers, launch costs and employee training. Construction of the new Bodyshop is planned for completion in the first half of 2017, and will be followed by facility installation, testing and commissioning.
The production of the next generation BMW X3 at Plant Rosslyn will replace the BMW 3 Series Sedan, which will be allocated to other plants within the global BMW production network. BMW Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina, USA, will also continue to produce the next generation BMW X3. Preparation of the plant for the next generation X3 will happen alongside current production of the BMW 3 Series Sedan until the end of its lifecycle.