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The MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism in the Eastern Cape Nonkqubela Pieters says 7000 jobs in the automotive sector across the country were saved when Orion Engineered Carbons decided to stay in South Africa.
She was speaking on Tuesday at during the formal unveiling of Orion Engineered Carbons (Orion) Tank Farm Project in Zone 7 of the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
MEC Pieters was accompanied by CDC acting CEO, Themba Koza and Orion CEO, Corning Painter at the event which marked the successful completion of the project which broke ground in 2022.
The tank farm comprises of two oil tanks of 18000 cubic meters each that produce a raw material, carbon black, a crucial ingredient in the manufacture of tyres as well as having various other applications.
“Today, through this project, we are saving 7000 jobs in the region—jobs that would have otherwise been lost.
“This is a fulfilling moment for us, as the 7th administration is mandated to build an innovative and inclusive economy that creates jobs.
“As we coordinate our efforts to achieve this, we must also prevent job losses,” said Pieters.
The Coega Development Corporation meanwhile said the unveiling also “underscored the culmination of effective collaboration” between the Coega Development Corporation, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Eastern Cape government, Transnet National Ports Authority, and Orion.
Orion also commended the collaboration.
“We are grateful for the successful collaboration and support from our partners in South Africa.
“The Tank Farm enables Orion to continue operating as a critical link in the supply chain for the country’s tyre industry,” said Corning.
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