BMW recently made a massive investment into its Rosslyn plant to produce the latest generation X3.  Click here to read our launch report. That, of course, is on top of similar investments made by the likes of Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, et al, that all have manufacturing facilities within our borders. The latest multinational to join that list is Mann+Hummel. The German-based firm is one of the leading manufacturers in the filtration industry. The opening of such a facility is good news as it shows that leading international firms still view SA as a stable economy with potential for growth.

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Long Standing

Mann+Hummel has a long history, that stretches back over eighty years. Coincidentally, the company is also represented in 80 locations globally. From a mobility perspective, the company has offerings for automotive manufacturing, railway, maritime, e-mobility, and airplanes. Further offerings include filtration solutions for water, agriculture, mining, medical, food and beverage as well as healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Safe to say, they have a filter for just about any requirement you can think of. From an automotive perspective, the brand will manufacture Mann Filters locally. These are well known in the aftermarket industry and are usually found at major retailers and OEM replacement spares shops.

Local Roots

South Africa was identified as a suitable location to lay down roots in Africa. The company has been represented by a local sales office and distribution centre since 2016. However, March 2025 marked the opening of a fully fledged manufacturing facility in Kempton Park, just a few kilometres away from OR Tambo International Airport. This facility will be responsible for producing high-performance filters for commercial vehicles, passenger cars and off-highway and industrial vehicles.

“This plant in South Africa is a key milestone in Mann+Hummel Africa’s business growth strategy and this investment shows our clear commitment to supporting our customers in this market” said Kurk Wilks, president & CEO of Mann+Hummel, at the opening ceremony. “Aligned with our ‘in the region, for the region’ approach, regional production of our products offers our customers more competitive and responsive choices offering more value to their customers”.

Cavin Hearne, managing director of Mann+Hummel Southern Africa added, “We place a high-level of importance on our South African clients and our ability to serve them efficiently. This facility, and this team is committed to putting the customer first in all we do. From this facility we can provide quicker response times as well as better service to our clients in South and Southern Africa.”

African Expansion

The choice of Johannesburg and, in particular, in the industrialised airport area is a strategic one. M+H sees SA as a jumping off point to further expansion into Africa. It’s long-term vision outlined by Dr. Rostislav Khyr, COO/group vice president global operations transportation, who said:

“The opening of our new production plant in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a giant leap for our local African team. We aim to deliver innovative and reliable solutions tailored to local markets. Our flexible and responsive manufacturing process allows us to meet the specific needs of our independent aftermarket customers in the SADC region. We are confident that this new chapter will bring growth and prosperity to the local community.”