Maxion Wheels, a leading producer and supplier of wheels for passenger and commercial vehicles, and Terra Firma, a South African commercial and industrial solar and storage solutions provider, have announced a significant 2.9MWp solar project powering Maxion’s manufacturing plant in Johannesburg. The energisation was celebrated at Maxion Wheels South Africa’s 60th anniversary event.
The comprehensive carport and ground mount solar installation will supply approximately 20% of the facility’s annual energy needs, substantially reducing Maxion’s reliance on the national grid whilst providing essential protection against energy related tariff increases. The installation represents a major step towards operational sustainability and cost management.
Environmental benefits prove equally impressive, with the system reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 5 100 tonnes annually. A second phase featuring additional rooftop solar capacity is scheduled for completion in Q1 2026, with possibilities for integrating a Battery Energy Storage System for energy arbitrage and backup power capabilities.
South Africa’s automotive industry contributes 5.3% of GDP and supports over 500 000 jobs across the value chain. However, the sector faces increasing pressure from global trade barriers, growing competition and decarbonisation requirements, making energy management critical for sustained competitiveness.
As the world’s leading manufacturer of steel and aluminium wheels, Maxion Wheels produces approximately 50 million wheels annually across 31 locations on five continents. The Johannesburg facility specialises in high precision aluminium wheels for major automotive OEM customers throughout South Africa.
Given the plant’s intensive industrial processes, continuous uptime remains mission critical. The facility relies on extensive machinery, including various robots, integrated foundry systems and automated conveyor networks operating around the clock.
Under a comprehensive multiyear Power Purchase Agreement, Terra Firma developed, designed, engineered and installed the project whilst managing lifetime maintenance. This delivery model provides solar power’s cost and emission reduction benefits without capital expenditures or ownership risks.
"Integrating renewable energy into our operations marks a significant milestone in our Roadmap Zero strategy towards net zero emissions by 2040 and reinforces our position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing," states Despotovic.
"We thank Maxion Wheels for entrusting Terra Firma as their energy partner to bring this project to life," says Grant Berndsen, CEO, Terra Firma. "Together, we’re demonstrating how solar power helps to enable long term sustainability, resilience and global competitiveness for South Africa’s automotive manufacturing sector."
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the automotive industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the South African motor sector forward.
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