In a significant boost to the Eastern Cape s automotive and tyre manufacturing sectors, MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, and Tourism, Nonkqubela Pieters, officially unveiled the Orion Engineered Carbons (Orion) Tank Farm in the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The project, which began construction in April 2022, is now operational and is pivotal in safeguarding approximately 7,000 jobs that were at risk in the region.

This is a fulfilling moment for us. Through this project, we are saving 7,000 jobs jobs that would have otherwise been lost. As a government, we are committed to building an innovative and inclusive economy that creates and preserves jobs,” said Pieters. She emphasized the importance of the automotive sector, which is currently facing challenges, including potential layoffs at Mercedes-Benz.

Pieters also highlighted the Eastern Cape s proactive approach with the completion of the Provincial Electric Vehicle Strategy and the planned rollout of 11 new electric vehicle charging stations across the province.

Located in Zone 7 of the Coega SEZ, the state-of-the-art Orion Tank Farm features two 18,000 m³ tanks, connected to the Port of Ngqura by a 5.4-kilometre pipeline. The facility will store black feedstock oil, which is essential in the production of tyres and other high-performance products.

The project s socio-economic impact extends beyond job preservation, as the construction phase created 267 jobs, facilitated by the engagement of six local Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). During its operational phase, the facility will create 100 additional jobs.

Orion s CEO, Corning Painter, praised the collaboration between public and private sectors that ensured the project s success. The Tank Farm enables Orion to continue as a critical part of South Africa s tyre supply chain,” he said.

This development further cements the Coega SEZ s role as a leading investment destination in the continent.