NATIONAL NEWS - Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has commenced production of virtually all its models at its Prospecton plant in Durban following the suspension of production on 12 April due to significant damage caused by flooding in April.
TSAM President and CEO Andrew Kirby confirmed this on Thursday, at the official opening of a R365 million expansion to the company’s parts distribution warehouse in Boksburg.
Kirby said “it feels like an eternity” since production at the plant was suspended, adding that TSAM started up its:
- Catalytic converter export line and Hino truck production line in May;
- The Hilux, Fortuner and HiAce production line last week; and
- The Corolla Cross line this week.
“This is an important milestone and we will follow up with starting up the Corolla Quest production line next month,” he said.
“We are very anxious to accelerate our production volumes and, of course, are very aware that our customers have been waiting for quite a long time and we will do everything we can to try and address those back orders as fast as we can.”
Kirby said it is difficult to comment on the cost incurred due to the damage to the plant, but confirmed that it will be “in the billions”.
