PressClub South Africa · Article.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura in Covid-19 compliance visit at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn
Wed May 20 15:17:54 CEST 2020 Press Kit
+++ Production of BMW X3s restarted at Plant Rosslyn this week after Covid-19 closure. +++ Premier Makhura was joined by two MECs to inspect Covid-19 screening procedures. +++ The Premier visited BMW X3 assembly line to assess conditions. +++
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Alexander Parker
BMW Group
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Rosslyn, Tshwane – Gauteng Premier David Makhura visited BMW Plant Rosslyn on Wednesday to assess the company’s compliance with Covid-19 emergency regulations.
Under Level Four restrictions automotive production can take place under strict health and safety conditions. The party was welcomed by BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa CEO Tim Abbott, and Director BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, Johan Mouton.
Joined by MEC for Health, Dr Bandile Masuku, MEC for Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural development, Ms. Morakane Mosupyoe, as well as City of Tshwane Administrator: Compliance and Law Enforcement, Ms Lebogang Mahaye, the Premier inspected screening and isolations procedures established at the gate to the plant.
The party then visited the assembly line, where the Premier was able to assess working conditions.
Focus on Health and Safety.
BMW Group South Africa has made the health and safety of its associates its primary concern. Strict measures to protect returning staff have been put in place, including mandatory daily screening, the supply of four masks a day, the appointment of dedicated Coronavirus compliance officers and health services personnel at each of its sites. All associates have undergo compulsory training, and sanitiser is widely available across the company’s facilities.
BMW X3s already on their way to overseas customers.
Production at Plant Rosslyn restarted this week in alignment with national regulations and with the rest of the BMW Group production network according to global demand. Since the restart, cars have already reached the port of Durban for export.
Premier Makhura happy with Plant Rosslyn compliance.
Speaking during his visit to Plant Rosslyn, Premier Makhura said he was “pleased to see that at BMW not only are they continuing to build a high-quality product, but they are also doing so in a responsible manner”.
“They have taken big steps to look after workers’ health and safety during this time, and we applaud them for it,” he said.
A collaborative effort
“We’ve been working hard to make sure Plant Rosslyn is ready for a safe return to production,” Mr Abbott said. “We welcome the Premier’s visit. I’m pleased we’re able to show that we can build cars here in a safe and compliant way.”
“It’s exciting to see X3s rolling off our line again for customers around the world. It just goes to show that with togetherness and resilience we will get through this difficult time.”
“Our operation here is a joint project. Our success here is thanks to many people, not least our employees and their families. But I want to thank our suppliers and the government for coming together at this time of crisis to work for solutions. That is why we are able to build cars at Rosslyn again today,” Mr. Abbott concluded.
A helping hand in a time of need.
BMW Group South Africa’s contribution to the fight against the spread of Covid-19 grew last week as the company loaned 17 BMWs to the South African Red Cross Society.
The Red Cross asked for help to assist it reach marginalised and poor communities that have been impacted by the lockdown regulations required to mitigate against the uncontrolled spread of the virus.
The cars, the majority of which are Plant Rosslyn-built BMW X3s, are being used by the Red Cross to support these communities with the provision of contact tracing, screening, hot meals and food parcels, the dissemination of information in six local languages, as well as the provision of psycho-social support to volunteers and emergency personnel engaged in anti-Covid-19 operations.
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If you have any queries regarding this press release, please contact:
BMW South Africa Group Communications:
Mr Alexander Parker
BMW South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Manager: Business Communications
Mail: alexander.pa.parker@bmw.co.za
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2019, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million passenger vehicles and more than 175,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2019 was € 7.118 billion on revenues amounting to € 104.210 billion. As of 31 December 2019, the BMW Group had a workforce of 133,778 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
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