NEWS & VIEWS
Bringing it home
The Ekurhuleni plant brings Saint-Gobain Africa’ s Make it in Africa to Build Africa( MABA) commitment to life, demonstrating its focus on local production alongside skills development, community empowerment and the strengthening of regional value chains.
“ Through this MABA commitment, we are focused on producing locally, developing people and contributing meaningfully to the communities in which we operate,” d’ Ydewalle added.“ This new plant is designed to support job creation, supplier development and skills transfer, while contributing to the revitalisation of South Africa’ s manufacturing sector,” says d’ Ydewalle.
About the plant
The new manufacturing facility represents a significant investment in South Africa’ s local construction ecosystem. Designed to support growing demand for highperformance building solutions, the plant strengthens local manufacturing capacity while reducing reliance on imported materials.
The facility was developed in line with internationally recognised quality, safety, and environmental management frameworks, supporting consistent, reliable production for the local market.
Responsible and sustainable
The plant incorporates modern manufacturing principles focused on:
• Efficient resource use, including responsible water management.
• Reduced waste through internal reuse and recycling where feasible.
• Operational efficiencies that support lower environmental impact.
• Durable products designed for long service life, reducing the need for frequent replacement.
These principles support more resilient buildings and align with the evolving needs of sustainable construction, the company advises.
Generic fibre cement product.
Fibre cement is a durable composite building material valued for its strength and resistance to fire and moisture.
What is fibre cement?
Fibre cement is a durable building material widely used in modern construction for applications that demand strength, moisture resistance, and fire performance. It is commonly specified in areas exposed to humidity, weather, or higher wear, both indoors and outdoors.
Engineered for long-term durability, fibre cement is valued for its stability, resilience, and versatility across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. Fibre cement is used across a range of construction applications such as:
• External cladding and façades;
• Ceilings, eaves, and soffits;
• Internal partitioning in moisture-prone areas;
• Roofline elements such as fascias and barge boards; and
• Flooring and permanent shuttering systems.
This inherent adaptability makes it suitable for diverse climatic conditions and building types.
www. tobuild. co. za | autumn 2026 11