MANN + HUMMEL has donated a whopping R100 000 to Food and Trees for Africa, a non-profit organisation that focuses on food security, urban greening and environmental sustainability.
The donation was made on the sidelines of the recent Automechanika Johannesburg show, where the company hosted a large display of its range of South African made filtration products. It also had a range of imported filtration products on show, designed to showcase its wide range of products on offer to the automotive market.
MANN + HUMMEL opened its first South African production facility in Kempton Park in March this year. The facility is designed to manufacture a wide range of air filtration products in short or large production runs.
“Our range of products have grown every month since we started. The design of the facility is such that it allows us to quickly add products based on customer demand,” says Cedric Dackam MANN+HUMMEL President and General Manager Automotive Aftermarket.
At present, the MANN+HUMMEL factory manufactures filters for passenger and commercial vehicles, most notably for aftermarket suppliers, but soon also for original vehicle manufacturers (OEMs).
Dackam says that the company is looking at expansion opportunities for its South African factory in off-highway applications, like large mining vehicles that would require frequent cabin and engine filter replacements. It also sees South Africa as a springboard for expansion to Sub-Saharan Africa.
Returning to the donation, Food and Trees for Africa will use the funding for several greening projects at schools and industrial facilities, including the MANN+HUMMEL facility in Kempton Park. The latter will be done with the support of the MANN+HUMMEL team.
From left: Cavin Hearne: Managing Director of MANN+HUMMEL Southern Africa,
Onur Ozyapici, Vice President MANN+HUMMEL Automotive Aftermarket ISMEA,
Cedric Dackam MANN+HUMMEL President and General Manager Automotive Aftermarket, Christopher Wild: Executive Director at Food and Trees for Africa and Minenhle Sikosana, Programme Manager at Food and Trees for Africa.
“In this day and age, it simply isn’t enough for a multinational such as ours to set facilities up in a new country. We have to ensure that we are socially and environmentally responsible. We want to lead the way in sustainable filtration by not only delivering performance but by building solutions that protect the environment, reduce waste and support inclusive, long-term progress in every region we serve. I am, therefore, proud to announce this donation to Food & Trees for Africa that resonates with MANN+HUMMEL’s sustainable production ethos and commitment for a greener Africa,” said Onur Ozyapici, Vice President MANN+HUMMEL Automotive Aftermarket ISMEA during the handover.
Adding to this statement, Ozyapici said that the Kempton Park plant was on track to reach carbon neutrality within ten years. The company is working towards supplying all of its electricity with solar energy and using water-efficient manufacturing. It will also transition to biodegradable packaging and start with waste separation at source.
Says Christopher Wild, Executive Director of Food and Trees for Africa: "We commend MANN+HUMMEL for demonstrating that industrial success can, and must, go hand-in-hand with a deep commitment to investing in the environment. This strategic contribution to nature restoration and food security is vital, and it reinforces a fundamental truth: dedicated funding to non-profit organisations like Food and Trees for Africa is essential to translate corporate vision into tangible, lasting impact on the ground."
