Green shoots are emerging in the South African manufacturing sector.

Engineering News reports that sustainable building materials producer Saint-Gobain Africa has invested more than ZAR500 million into setting up a fibre cement manufacturing plant in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

Fibre cement is a sustainable, durable composite building material valued for its strength, as well as its fire- and moisture-resistance.

Saint-Gobain Africa, whose parent company is based in France, said the investment reflects the company’s commitment to the continent and in line with its stated regional goal – Make it in Africa to Build Africa.

‘This factory enables us to bring the right solutions at the right time for the right market. But beyond the solutions, this factory significantly strengthens our overall offer in South Africa,’ said Saint-Gobain Africa CEO Aymeric d’Ydewalle

‘This factory is not the end of a journey, it is the foundation for the next phase of growth – a growth that is sustainable, a growth that is inclusive and a growth that is deeply rooted in South Africa’s development,’ he said.

His words were echoed by Thierry Bernard, Saint-Gobain CEO for Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa and Saint-Gobain France. ‘The opening of this factory is not an end point. Of course, it is a signal. It is a signal of confidence in South Africa, a signal of confidence in Africa, and a signal of Saint-Gobain’s determination to continue investing, building and growing in this region.’

3 February 2026
Image: Freepik