Project Overview
- Client: Mercedes-Benz South Africa
- Project Role: Program Manager: Facilities
- Project Value: EU 190m
- Timeframe: 2004 - 2007
Project Summary
Schindler Projects played a key role in the expansion and modernisation of the manufacturing facilities for the latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class, ensuring production capacity of 230 units per day across two 8-hour shifts.
The project involved the construction of a state-of-the-art 23,000m² Bodyshop and significant enhancements to the assembly line, effectively doubling its capacity while integrating advanced assembly techniques to improve efficiency and precision.
Our comprehensive project management services covered all major work packages, including:
- Bodyshop: Construction and commissioning of the new facility
- Assembly: Expansion and optimisation of production lines
- Paintshop: Process improvements and capacity enhancements
- Logistics: Streamlining supply chain and material handling
- Quality Assurance (QA): Implementation of rigorous quality control measures
- Production / Process: Integration of new manufacturing processes for improved output
Through meticulous planning and execution, Schindler Projects ensured the successful delivery of this high-performance manufacturing facility, supporting Mercedes-Benz in achieving world-class production standards.
Client Feedback
In April 2024, I retired from my position as Factory Planning Manager for the East London Manufacturing Plant of Mercedes-Benz South Africa after 35 years with the Company. In 2006 I was appointed to this position and had knowledge of the work and successful projects which Martin Schindler was involved in since 1999. This relationship continued when I was appointed as we moved through the years of model changes and upgrades at the East London Plant.
Martin has been a key part of the Mercedes-Benz team in delivering projects successfully for these past 25 years. I have personally had the pleasure in working with Martin on the W204 and W206 Projects in East London, in which he performed the role of Program Manager reporting to the overall project lead from Mercedes-Benz. For the W206 Project, Martin’s appointment was the first order placed for the project in 2016 for the duration of the project introduction and was with us until after Job 1 was completed in 2021. The project was a huge success and thank Martin for his valuable contribution.
Martin is highly organised, digitally astute and forward thinking, but above all, he is able to engage affably at all levels and conveys risk exposure with integrity and without camouflage. I would highly recommend Martin as a professional program and project manager for any project as his experience on large local and international projects is without question and the success of the projects are evidence of his skills.
– Cherry Santoro, Former Factory Planning Manager, East London Manufacturing Plant
Project Visuals
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