Saint-Gobain invests over R500m in new Ekurhuleni manufacturing plant

South Africa’s construction materials sector received a boost this week with the opening of a new Saint-Gobain fibre cement manufacturing plant in Ekurhuleni, backed by an investment of more than R500 million.

The facility, officially inaugurated on 27 January 2026, will manufacture fibre cement flat sheets and fascia boards for residential, non-residential, light industrial and infrastructure-related construction applications.

Read: CSR agrees to $3bn takeover by French rival Saint-Gobain [2024]

Fibre cement is widely used in areas that require durability, moisture resistance and fire performance.

The opening was attended by government representatives, industry partners and community stakeholders, highlighting the project’s relevance to local industrial development and job creation.

Saint-Gobain Africa said the investment is expected to create both direct and indirect employment opportunities, while supporting local supplier development and skills transfer.

The new plant strengthens South Africa’s construction ecosystem by expanding domestic manufacturing capacity and reducing reliance on imported building materials.

The facility has been developed in line with internationally recognised quality, safety and environmental management frameworks, supporting a consistent local supply.

Aymeric d’Ydewalle, CEO of Saint-Gobain Africa, said the investment reflects confidence in South Africa’s industrial role on the continent.

“This investment of more than R500 million is not simply about expanding capacity; it is a clear demonstration of our long-term belief in South Africa as a key industrial hub for the continent,” said d’Ydewalle.

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The Ekurhuleni plant forms part of Saint-Gobain Africa’s Make it in Africa to Build Africa (MABA) commitment, which focuses on local production, people and skills development, sustainability, and customer-centric manufacturing.

According to d’Ydewalle, the facility is designed to support job creation, supplier development and skills transfer, while contributing to the revitalisation of South Africa’s manufacturing sector.

Saint-Gobain, which has operated in South Africa for more than 90 years, said the plant marks a milestone in its local manufacturing footprint as the group continues to invest in production capacity, innovation and skills development.

The company said it remains focused on building resilient industries, supporting economic growth and contributing to South Africa’s long-term industrial development through sustained local manufacturing investment.

Read: PPC: Why is it so expensive to produce cement in SA? [2025]

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