23 May 1972 – 31 March 2024

It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our esteemed Executive Director and valued shareholder of CRH-Africa Automotive (Pty) Ltd, Kevin Pather. Kevin peacefully passed away on the 31st of March 2024.

Kevin’s journey with CRH-Africa Automotive (Pty) Ltd was one marked by unwavering dedication and exemplary leadership. Since acquiring shares within the Company, he played an instrumental role in shaping its trajectory, garnering immense respect from the Company’s Board of Directors and Senior Leadership. His vision and commitment have laid the foundation for sustainable growth, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished for years to come.

Beyond his professional achievements, Kevin was a cherished member of our team and a dear friend to many. His seasoned professionalism, coupled with his unwavering enthusiasm and positive attitude, left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working alongside him. He epitomized business excellence and inspired those around him to strive for greatness. He had a profound impact on many personal lives through his humility and deep respect for people.

During this challenging time, our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin’s family and loved ones. We recognize the profound loss that his passing brings, and we extend our deepest condolences to all who were touched by his warmth and kindness.

As we come to terms with this loss, let us take solace in remembering Kevin’s extraordinary contributions and the positive impact he had on each of us. His legacy will forever be etched in our hearts and minds. We will continue to carry the mantel as we honour his legacy and carry forth the values he held dear.

Pictured above: EV chassis showing gigacasting technology

22 February 2024 – Tokyo, Japan

On 22 February 2024, Gareth Fismer, GM for SA Operations, and Dawid Dippenaar, GM for Commercial, embarked on a remarkable journey to Tokyo, Japan, to participate in the prestigious Global Toyota Suppliers Convention. This event was a monumental occasion as only two suppliers from South Africa were invited by Toyota, underscoring the significance of the partnership.

The convention kicked off with a captivating exhibition showcasing Toyota’s latest technologies. One of the highlights of this event was the exhibition of the highly anticipated Lexus Electric sports model, a testament to Toyota’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Pictured above: Gareth Fismer, GM for SA Operations, and Dawid Dippenaar in front of a hydrogen fuel cell display unit

The convention provided a unique opportunity for attendees to gain insights into the future direction of Toyota. Top global executives took the stage, sharing the company’s vision for the coming years. Toyota’s dedication to shaping the future of the automotive industry was evident in these informative and inspiring sessions.

Gareth and Dawid expressed their immense gratitude for being chosen as representatives on behalf of CRH-Africa and Adient-PPC from South Africa. The privilege of attending an event of this magnitude solidified their commitment to the partnership with Toyota. The convention offered a glimpse into the exciting journey ahead, and both representatives left Tokyo with a sense of pride and anticipation.

Gareth and Dawid met with Toyota South Africa key figures during their stay in Tokyo. Theo Govender, GM of Purchasing, and his Japanese colleague Kenichi Hirahashi engaged in valuable discussions, fostering a stronger connection between the global and regional arms of the company. These interactions emphasised the collaborative spirit that defines the Toyota family.

Pictured above from left to right: Katherine Tau, President Ramaphosa, Minister Patel and Kevin Pather

Friday, 3 November – Gqeberha

We’re on cloud nine as we welcome none other than President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister Ebrahim Patel, to our CRH-Africa and Adient-PPC stand as they meet with our executive director, Kevin Pather. Also joining the President and Minister Patel is Katherine Tau, the United States Trade representative responsible for negotiating the AGOA Agreement in Sub-Saharan Africa. It’s all happening right here at the 2023 AGOA Made in Africa Exhibition – a fantastic global showcase where we’re rubbing shoulders with the best and brightest.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act, affectionately known as AGOA, stands as a pivotal piece of legislation with far-reaching implications for trade between the United States and the vibrant, diverse region of sub-Saharan Africa. This visionary agreement, enacted in 2000, was crafted to create a bridge of opportunity and collaboration between the USA and the nations of Africa, south of the Sahara Desert.

Pictured above from left to right: President Ramaphosa, Minister Patel and Kevin Pather

AGOA’s role extends beyond simple economic gains. It’s a catalyst for social development, job creation, and poverty alleviation in the region. By boosting trade and investment, AGOA empowers African nations to diversify their economies and move towards sustainable growth. The agreement has played a significant role in fostering entrepreneurship, skills development, and technological advancement in sub-Saharan Africa.

The AGOA Made in Africa Exhibition is the epitome of global trade and collaboration and brings together visionaries and innovators from every corner of the world. Against this backdrop, our presence stands as a testament to South Africa’s automotive industry’s prowess and potential.

We are honored to be a part of this grand occasion, and we look forward to the exciting opportunities and collaborations that lie ahead. Together, we shape the future of South Africa’s automotive industry on this global stage.

Keep an eye on our social media channels for more exclusive updates.

Thursday, 2 November – Gqeberha

It can be easy to get wrapped up in our daily routines and forget the profound impact a simple act of kindness can have. The CRH-Africa and Adient-PPC staff recently came together to participate in the 25th Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer on Saturday, 28 October, and the experience was nothing short of heart-warming and inspiring.

The Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer is an annual community event that aims to raise funds and create awareness for cancer research and support services. It brings together people from all walks of life, uniting them in a common goal – to make a difference in the fight against cancer. This year, CRH-Africa and Adient-PPC staff together with Gareth Fismer, GM for SA Operations decided to participate and make a difference, no matter how small.

Despite the rain and cold weather, we formed a dedicated group, wearing matching t-shirts with the company logos, proudly displaying our commitment to the cause. The outpouring of support from colleagues, friends, and clients was astounding. The sense of unity and purpose was palpable as the team embarked on the 5km journey through Gqeberha’s seaside suburb, Summerstrand.

Friday, 6 October 2023 – Gqeberha

In automotive manufacturing, precision and efficiency are the cornerstones of success.

In an exciting new development, CRH-Africa recently received and commissioned two robotic welding cells. These cutting-edge installations will play a pivotal role in supporting the newly awarded VW270 localization, taking CRH-Africa’s capabilities to new heights.

The heart of these remarkable robotic welding cells lies in the Panasonic TAWERS Zi Tech Super Active Wire Process Welding Technology.

This advanced technology is poised to revolutionize CRH-Africa’s welding processes. The new welding torch and the Super-Active TAWERS process significantly enhance the welding quality while nearly eliminating spattering during the MIG/MAG welding process.

One standout feature of these cells is the air-cooled torch unit, meticulously designed for high performance. This design choice ensures the welding process remains stable under demanding conditions, contributing to consistent, top-tier welds.

Panasonic’s robots were carefully chosen for their ability to handle short welds with curved surfaces. Their predictable repeatability eliminates the need for continuous shifts and changes in the welding process, streamlining production and ensuring the highest levels of precision.

The reciprocating wire feeder is an integral part of these robotic welding cells. This enhancement significantly increases short circuit cycles by utilizing a wire feed servo motor directly connected to the feed rollers, ensuring optimal wire transportation. The result is an improvement in the weld pool, achieved by widening the arc and enabling periodic and proactive de-gassing of the zinc layer. This ground-breaking innovation substantially reduces spatter and porosity, thus contributing to a more robust final product.

Moreover, the welding jigs are designed with maintenance in mind.

Equipped with quick lock pin locators, they facilitate easy disconnect and reconnection of the jigs. This feature enhances efficiency and minimizes downtime, keeping production lines running smoothly.

Introducing these cutting-edge robotic welding cells signifies CRH-Africa’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in the automotive manufacturing industry. As we continue to evolve and embrace the latest technological advancements, the future looks promising for CRH-Africa, setting the stage for a new era of automotive manufacturing excellence.

Stay tuned for more exciting developments as CRH-Africa takes its next strides towards automotive manufacturing innovation.

Pictured above is Alfa Romeo, one of the brands in the Stellantis stable. One of Stellantis’ other brands is expected to produce a 1-ton LCV locally.

Monday, 18 September 2023 – Gqeberha

South Africa is witnessing a substantial surge in automotive investments worth billions, especially in the Eastern Cape.

On Wednesday, Stellantis, a multinational automotive conglomerate, announced its plans to inject R3 billion into South Africa. This significant investment aims to create a cutting-edge automotive manufacturing facility from the ground up in Coega, located in the Eastern Cape. Along with this development comes a much-needed boost in employment opportunities in the province. According to Coega Development Corporation (CDC) CEO Khwezi Tiya, the new Stellantis plant will create more than 1,800 jobs.

Stellantis emerged in 2021 following the merger between two prominent automotive entities: the French-based PSA Group and the Italian-American conglomerate Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Stellantis boasts a portfolio of nine vehicle brands, which includes well-known names such as Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Jeep, Opel, Peugeot, and Abarth.

Stellantis’ investment follows the 2023 NAACAM Show held last month, where a total of 16 automotive component manufacturers in South Africa, including CRH-Africa and Adient PPC, committed to inject R4.86 billion into the country’s economy by the end of December 2024.

CRH-Africa and Adient-PPC’s commitment to the local automotive industry is unwavering and ongoing. We firmly believe in supporting our local economy and fostering sustainable growth within the automotive sector. Strategic partnerships will help us continue to prioritize the region’s economic vitality with both current and future local suppliers. Our dedication to localization extends beyond mere business interests; it reflects our deep-rooted belief in community engagement and our vision for a thriving, interconnected automotive ecosystem in our region.

We are excited to witness and participate in exciting developments within the next few years.

Kevin Pather and Wellington Tanyanyiwa

Friday, 15 September – Gqeberha

The 2023 NAACAM Show proved to be an exhilarating and memorable experience for CRH-Africa and Adient-PPC, and we are excited to share some standout moments from this remarkable event.

Engaging with Industry Titans

Our time at the NAACAM Show saw interactions with industry titans and decision-makers, including key automotive Tier 1’s and OEMs such as VWSA, Stellantis, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, BMW, and others. Among the many highlights, one unforgettable moment was our meeting with Mr. Wellington Tanyanyiwa from the IDC. Welcoming a representative from such a prominent organization to our stand was a true honour, reaffirming the significance of our work in the industry.

Pictured above from left to right: Kevin Pather, Ebrahim Patel and Gareth Fismer

A Visit from Minister Ebrahim Patel

On Day 2 of the event, we had the privilege of hosting Minister Ebrahim Patel, responsible for Trade, Industry, and Competition. Minister Patel wields immense influence in advancing industry growth, investments, and competition. Minister Patel’s visit to our stand underscores our commitment to the industry’s technological and developmental advancement.

Commitment to Growth

A momentous occasion at the NAACAM Show was the announcement of a substantial investment pledge by our majority shareholder, Mr. Pather. This pledge solidifies our unwavering dedication to the growth and progress of South Africa’s automotive sector.

Looking Ahead

As the curtain falls on the 2023 NAACAM Show, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, policymakers, and fellow innovators. We eagerly anticipate our participation in the 2024 NAACAM Show as we continue to push the boundaries of technology and development within the automotive industry.

Stay tuned for more updates and innovations from CRH-Africa and Adient-PPC as we embark on an exciting journey toward shaping the future of the automotive sector in South Africa.