As transport operators, municipalities and essential service providers place growing pressure on vehicle uptime, application-specific engineering and faster turnaround times, South Africa’s commercial vehicle body-building sector is becoming increasingly important to the broader economy. Driven by these market demands, KANU Commercial Body Construction has opened a new manufacturing facility in Gqeberha following a R25-million investment aimed at strengthening its fabrication capability and improving operational efficiency.

The access-friendly new facility is located adjacent to the Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) Vehicle Conversion and Distribution Centre in the Aloes Industrial Complex in Wells Estate.

KANU, a wholly owned subsidiary of Isuzu Motors South Africa since 2015, has become a key player in the development of specialised vehicle applications for both South African and African markets.

Its product portfolio includes mobile clinics, water tankers and mobile government service units designed to improve service delivery in remote and underserved communities.

Investment targets efficiency and product quality
The investment includes the relocation of the business into a new purpose-designed facility featuring upgraded fabrication technologies and expanded infrastructure.

According to KANU, the upgrades are intended to improve product quality, reduce delivery turnaround times and align manufacturing processes with global body-building standards.

New additions to the facility include two paint booths, a laser-cleaning system for improved surface preparation with lower environmental impact, additional gantry systems and new tooling and fixtures.

The project also incorporates upgraded employee facilities including a medical centre, improved ablution facilities and a canteen.

“This investment represents an important milestone for KANU as we continue building a stronger and more competitive fabrication business capable of supporting customer demand across South Africa and the broader African market,” says Ingo Epler-Brandenburg, CEO of KANU Commercial Body Construction.

“The new facility enhances our body application capabilities, provides a considerably improved working environment for our employees and improves operational efficiencies. This positions us well for long-term growth while contributing to local economic development and job creation.”

Local manufacturing focus remains strategic
The location of the facility alongside Isuzu’s Vehicle Conversion and Distribution Centre is expected to streamline operational processes while supporting future expansion into African export markets.

“KANU has been an important part of the Isuzu business in South Africa for many years and this investment reflects our confidence in the region’s manufacturing potential and future growth opportunities across Africa,” says Billy Tom, President of Isuzu Motors South Africa and Chairman of KANU.

“Strengthening local manufacturing capability remains critical to building a more resilient automotive industry, deepening localisation and supporting broader industrial development in South Africa.”

The facility has been designed to accommodate higher production volumes while maintaining the technical precision required for diverse market applications and complex cross-border operating conditions.

Tom adds that the investment will also strengthen KANU’s ability to support new opportunities emerging across the continent.

“The opening of this new facility marks an important milestone in KANU’s growth journey and reflects the strong partnership between KANU and Isuzu Motors South Africa,” Tom notes.

Editor’s Comment: South Africa’s truck manufacturing and body-building ecosystem remains one of the country’s most strategically important industrial assets, particularly as African logistics, infrastructure and public service delivery requirements continue to evolve. KANU’s expansion not only strengthens local capability but also reinforces the country’s role as a regional hub for specialised commercial vehicle solutions. For operators increasingly seeking application-specific reliability, local engineering support and faster turnaround times, facilities like KANU’s new Gqeberha operation are becoming central to the future of transport across the continent.

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