Co Design

Rolls-Royce Opens New Headquarters in Gauteng

Fast Company|Published

Rolls-Royce has officially opened a new headquarters and training facility in Johannesburg, South Africa, to support its Power Systems division.

Image: Rolls Royce

In a significant move aimed at enhancing its operational capabilities in Africa, Rolls-Royce has officially inaugurated a new headquarters and training facility in Johannesburg.

This cutting-edge establishment will primarily support the company’s Power Systems division, showcasing Rolls-Royce's long-term commitment to the continent amidst growing opportunities in various critical sectors such as energy, mining, and transportation.

The new facility spans approximately 6,000 square metres and has been specially adapted to consolidate essential customer-facing services into a single hub.

This includes service coordination, spare parts storage, logistics, and technical training. This marks a major upgrade in support for the fleet of mtu mobile and stationary power solutions deployed across Africa.

“As we approach our 25th year in South Africa, this new facility is a clear signal of our confidence in Africa’s growth and our commitment to being closer to our customers,” stated Cobus Van Schalkwyk, Director Global Mining and Managing Director at Rolls-Royce Solutions Africa. The facility not only enhances support services but also enables a strategic focus on localised operations, significantly reducing lead times and improving supply chain resilience in regions often defined by their remote nature.

In addition to improving logistics, the new training centre at the facility is expected to accommodate between 100 and 150 trainees each year. With a diverse array of training engines from the mtu 2000 and 4000 series, the facility is set to provide a comprehensive education for professionals involved in power generation and mining operations. Trainees will benefit from advanced tooling and simulation equipment for electronic training, ensuring they gain both theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience that is crucial in today’s demanding industrial landscape.

The facility also includes dedicated capacity for the engineering and assembly of repower modules. This initiative allows the replacement of engines in mining haul trucks and excavators with mtu power solutions that are tailored to meet specific operational needs. The advantages are clear: upgrading equipment with mtu engines can lead to lower total ownership costs by improving fuel efficiency and equipment availability while reducing maintenance expenses.

Rolls-Royce Solutions Africa illustrates a strong commitment to delivering robust solutions tailored for the often harsh conditions across the continent. With a focus on system resilience and performance, the new Johannesburg facility is not just an investment in infrastructure but a pledge to empower African industries with the tools necessary for sustainable growth and efficiency in critical operations.

FAST COMPANY