[MEDIA RELEASE] - Launch of eNtsa's Engagement and Innovation Facilities

Friday 15 March 2024, marked a significant milestone in the Eastern Cape’s automotive manufacturing and marine industries as eNtsa an Engagement Institute within Nelson Mandela University unveils its engagement and innovation facility at Nelson Mandela University. This new facility is set to provide product and material testing to the automotive and marine manufacturing industries with funding support creating access to subsidised cost, bringing innovation and precision to the forefront of product localisation.

Located at Mandela University’s Ocean Sciences campus, the new facility will host advanced testing equipment such as environmental testing, corrosion testing chambers, a collaborative robot test bed, 3D scanning and the capacity to host new expansions to support future industry needs, such as testing for structural integrity, hydrogen infrastructure, additively manufactured products and many more.

This initiative was successfully carried out by two collaborating parties, with the valuable support of multiple stakeholders. The Automotive Industry Development Centre - Eastern Cape (AIDC – EC) provided initial funding for the establishment of a facility aimed at being a central hub for testing and training in the automotive sector of the province, further backed by Mr. Mlungisi Mvoko, the Eastern Cape Member of Executive Council for Finance & Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, and Tourism.

Furthermore, the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) supported this impactful project through funding towards the expanded facilities for technical support and training opportunities to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa's marine manufacturing sector. The facility will be equipped with technologies and projects co-funded through the national Technology Station Programme, a collaborative effort involving key partners like the Technology Innovation Agency and the Department of Science and Innovation.

This new facility will complement and enhance eNtsa's current testing laboratories located on Nelson Mandela University North Campus, which have been supporting South Africa's automotive, petrochemical, and manufacturing industries for more than two decades. Through industry-specific projects conducted within this establishment, university researchers, student interns, and graduate trainees will have the chance to participate in valuable hands-on experience within diverse teams and projects. This new facility will be utilised to support small, micro and medium-sized enterprises that requires testing of their products in order to access contracts with automotive sector OEM’s in the country.

The launch of this new facility underscores eNtsa's commitment to innovation and excellence in the automotive and marine industry. By investing in cutting-edge technology and infrastructure, eNtsa is paving the way for the future of South African automotive and marine development.

For more information about eNtsa's new testing facility:

Contact: 041 504 3723 or [email protected]

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