Development PFNonwovens Textile Production Plant

PFNonwovens and its subsidiaries are one of the leading producers of spunmelt nonwovens in the EMEA region. The Group currently operates nine production lines in the Czech Republic and one production line in Egypt which commenced its commercial operation in 2013. The total production capacity is currently up to 100 thousand tonnes of nonwoven fabric per annum in the Czech Republic and up to 20 thousand tonnes in Egypt.

At the end of 2017, Group employed 590 people.

The Atlantis facility is an investment of at least R1.3 billion into the Western Cape, and the creation of 200 direct jobs.

Atlantis is envisioned as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to support manufacturing mainly for the renewable energy sector and, in particular, independent power producers in the government's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Programme (REIPPP).

SERVICES AND OUTCOME
Initially Key Projects were appointed as the Principal Agent to manage a design and build contract. Negotiations between the parties broke down and unable to reach an acceptable construction cost. Our advice and restructuring of the procurement and contracting approach was key to reducing construction costs from R220 million to R145 million whilst delivering the scope within PFNonwovens budget.

We have further facilitated a highly constructive project steering committee with the local leaders in an around Atlantis. This has promoted job opportunities for local people and most importantly women entering the construction industry. Skills have been developed and the local community benefitting tremendously from the PFNonwovens investment.

Social responsibility projects have been enabled by the significant output of packaging materials for the production plant that is supplied from Germany. The valuable timber has been distributed to local community people in need who have built shelters with the materials.