In a remarkable celebration of automotive history and international collaboration, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has rolled off its 800,000th Completely Knocked Down (CKD) unit from the Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) assembly plant in East London. This landmark event, which took place on 12 August 2024, underscores the enduring partnership between Mercedes-Benz’s Woerth Plant in Germany and DTSA, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s global manufacturing journey.
The 800,000th CKD unit, a Mercedes-Benz Actros 2645LS/33, was unveiled in a ceremony that also honored the achievements of two esteemed clients: Sesfigile Logistics and Safety One Logistics. Both companies, owned by Nelen Gounder, were celebrating their respective 20th and 10th anniversaries. The delivery of this milestone truck was not just a commemoration of DTSA’s assembly prowess but also a tribute to the longstanding relationships that have fueled its success.
A Legacy of Excellence: The Woerth Plant
Mercedes-Benz’s Woerth Plant in Germany, established in 1963, is a cornerstone of the brand’s truck manufacturing. Spanning nearly three million square meters, this facility is one of the largest truck assembly plants in the world. It is home to the production of the Actros, Arocs, and Atego model series, as well as special trucks like the Econic, Unimog, and Zetros.
The plant is also at the forefront of Mercedes-Benz’s electric vehicle initiatives, having begun production of the battery-electric eActros 300/400 and the eEconic. With approximately 10,000 employees, the Woerth plant is a major employer and a hub for innovation in the truck manufacturing sector.
Olaf Petersen, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, praised the plant’s contribution to Mercedes-Benz’s success: “The Woerth plant is an integral partner contributing to our company’s success due to their high reliability, flexibility, and quality standards. Being able to produce our products from CKD-Kits instead of importing Fully Built Units (FBUs) has a major cost advantage for our customers and allows DTSA to remain competitive within the market. I would like to congratulate Sesfigile Logistics and Safety One Logistics for taking delivery of the 800,000th CKD truck. This unit, in particular, was built by our highly capable staff with the most amazing, proudly South African, spirit and pride.”
DTSA: A Pillar of the South African Automotive Industry
DTSA’s assembly plant in East London has been a pivotal player in the South African automotive industry for over 60 years. Since the first Mercedes-Benz Truck, the L-type, rolled off the assembly line in 1962, the East London plant has been instrumental in delivering high-quality trucks and buses. The plant, which employs around 300 people, is a significant employer in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and is recognized as one of the largest CKD plants for Daimler Truck outside of Europe.
Gladstone Mtyoko, Vice President for Manufacturing, highlighted the significance of this milestone: “Our plant operates in a very complex production environment, as products from four different source plants are assembled on a single production line. Despite this complexity, we consistently deliver the highest quality products for our customers. The assembly of the 800,000th CKD unit is a massive milestone for the Woerth plant, as well as our local assembly plant. Being selected to assemble this unit was a great honor for our employees and motivates the team to continue delivering each unit on the assembly line with the same passion and dedication.”
Celebrating Partnerships and Progress
The 800,000th CKD Mercedes-Benz Actros unit was presented to Sesfigile Logistics and Safety One Logistics, marking a milestone in their growth and success. Nelen Gounder, CEO of both companies, expressed his appreciation for the partnership: “We believe in keeping up with the latest truck technology to remain competitive, hence forging a strong partnership with the Mercedes-Benz Trucks brand and NMI Commercial Vehicles Durban. The safety features of Mercedes-Benz Trucks are unparalleled and paramount to our service offering. Taking delivery of the 800,000th CKD truck holds special significance for us, as this year, Sesfigile Logistics is celebrating its 20-year anniversary and Safety One Logistics its 10-year anniversary. This unit not only represents our amazing history but also a start of a new decade for both companies, rejuvenating their brand identities and values.”
Looking Ahead
The milestone of the 800,000th CKD unit is more than a numerical achievement; it signifies the strength and resilience of Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ global operations and the importance of its local partnerships. As Mercedes-Benz continues to innovate and expand its manufacturing capabilities, the successful assembly of this landmark unit highlights the brand’s commitment to excellence and its enduring impact on the global trucking industry.
