03 Sep 100% black owned company aims to become SA’s automotive supplier of choice
VM Automotive (VMA) is 100% privately owned by Vexovision (Pty) Ltd, which is owned by black industrialists, Mr. Gibson Njenje, Mr. Tony Yaka and Mr. Litha Mcwabeni. VMA is one of the largest coil-processing companies in the South African motor industry. Established in 2012 to take advantage of opportunities in the localisation of vehicle components production, the company has grown and now manufactures aluminium and steel blanks to BMW and Mercedes Benz South Africa, from its production plant in Rosslyn, north of Tshwane.
In 2018, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) approved a funding of R112 million for VMA to acquire 100% of the Rosslyn blanking facilities from previous owner. The funding was also used to support the operating expenses, working capital, and further upgrades and capital expenses. As part of this transaction, VMA also took over all staff, which provided them with a skilled labour force that had the necessary expertise and acumen to ensure continued high quality service delivery.
Prior to the COVID19 lockdown, the company was engaged in expanding its labour force in preparation for expected new business. It currently employs 27 employees in its operational belt, and five people in management. “We have commenced with the process of negotiating for new blanking work with other original equipment manufacturers, including Ford, Nissan and Volkswagen, among others” said Mr. Njenje. The company aspires to manufacture automotive components at competitive costs and be a stable and transformed supplier to the South African automotive industry.
“Our safe and stable equipment with built-in flexibility means we are able to supply almost any customer requirement, as well as the most demanding, specialised qualities and non-standard sizes,” the management said. The company plans to open a manufacturing facility in East London, which is expected to create 62 total new jobs (27 indirect construction jobs and 35 direct manufacturing jobs) by 2022.
VMA aspires to be a transformed automotive supplier of choice for the South African automotive industry, and sees itself as a 100% black empowered company that will play a significant role in the automotive industrial value chain.
