South African home appliances and white goods manufacturer Defy is investing ZA500 million in its local operation over the next five years.

The 120-year-old company, whose first products were made of cast iron, was bought by the Turkish Arçelik group in 2011, giving it access to global expertise and resources.

According to Engineering News, the new investment will enable the company to expand and make technology upgrades in local production, particularly in energy efficiency and renewable power.

The company has already installed a 1 MW solar rooftop system at its Jacobs facility in Durban, which now supplies up to 13% of the factory’s energy needs.

CEO Mustafa Soylu said the company plans to install similar systems at other sites, particularly where Defy leases property. It is also exploring other energy-efficient technology improvements.

‘We’ve replaced our enamelling systems with highly efficient alternatives, which help us survive and stay competitive,’ said Soylu.

29 July 2025
Image: Freepik