MANN+HUMMEL expands African footprint

April 16, 2025

German filtration specialist MANN+HUMMEL has officially opened a new 3,200-m² manufacturing facility in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, marking a significant milestone in its African expansion strategy. COLIN WINDELL attended the opening ceremony.

Operations at the plant commenced in March 2025, with the facility producing high-performance filters for commercial vehicles, passenger cars, and off-highway and industrial machinery. The new site is set to play a key role in serving South Africa’s automotive aftermarket, as well as neighbouring regions across sub-Saharan Africa.

This investment is the latest step in a long-term strategy that began in 2016, when MANN+HUMMEL first entered the South African market with a sales office and an aftermarket distribution centre. Now, with the establishment of local manufacturing, the company aims to improve supply chain efficiency, reduce lead times, and offer more responsive service to customers across the region.

Kurk Wilks, president and CEO of MANN+HUMMEL, underlined the importance of this new plant during the opening ceremony. “This facility is a key milestone in our growth strategy and reaffirms our commitment to Africa. By producing in the region, for the region, we can deliver more competitive and tailored solutions to our customers,” he said. The plant will initially create numerous skilled jobs, with workforce numbers expected to grow as production scales up to a full three-shift model.

Dr Rostislav Khyr, chief operating officer and group vice president global operations – transportation, praised the adaptive manufacturing processes implemented at the site. “Our Johannesburg team is ready to deliver innovative, locally-relevant filtration solutions. This plant allows us to respond flexibly to the specific needs of independent aftermarket customers in the SADC region. We believe this development will foster both industrial growth and community development,” he noted.

In line with MANN+HUMMEL’s global sustainability goals, the new facility incorporates solar energy in its daily operations and adheres to the company’s “reduce, reuse, recycle” principles. These initiatives aim to minimise the plant’s environmental footprint while maintaining production efficiency. The focus on eco-friendly operations reflects the group’s broader environmental commitments across its more than 80 global production sites.

Cedric Dackam, president and general manager of the automotive aftermarket division, cited Africa’s long-term potential as a major factor behind the investment. “Africa is the world’s fastest-growing continent in terms of population, with an average age of just 20 years. Its GDP growth over the next two decades is projected to be among the highest globally. As filtration experts, we are committed to supporting this growth sustainably,” he said. “This plant is just the beginning – we’re actively exploring additional opportunities elsewhere on the continent.”

Cedric Dackam

Kurk Wilks

Cavin Hearne, managing director of MANN+HUMMEL Southern Africa, highlighted the practical benefits of local production. “Being close to our customers enables us to respond faster and provide better service throughout South and Southern Africa. This facility embodies our customer-first ethos and strengthens our ability to support our partners effectively.”

Founded in 1941, MANN+HUMMEL employs over 21,000 people worldwide and operates 30 research and development centres. The company delivers advanced filtration solutions across a wide range of sectors, from automotive and mobility to water purification, agriculture, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. In 2024, the group reported a turnover of €4.5 billion and now produces over 30 filters per second globally. The Johannesburg facility will contribute to this global output while bolstering the brand’s local and regional presence.

With this launch, MANN+HUMMEL has laid a strong foundation for future African growth. By blending German engineering with local insight, the firm aims to meet rising demand in a sustainable, efficient, and customer-focused manner, solidifying its position as a key player in Africa’s evolving automotive and industrial landscape.