- New facility in Johannesburg will meet the growing demand for local service solutions
- Training up to 150 engineers per year
Rolls-Royce has officially opened a new headquarters and training facility in Johannesburg, South Africa, to support its Power Systems division. The new facility is further evidence of the company’s long-term commitment to Africa and will support the growing fleet of Power Systems’ mtu mobile and stationary power solutions across critical sectors such as energy, technology, mining, transportation, and oil & gas.
Located in a specially adapted facility spanning approximately 6,000m², the new site consolidates core customer-facing functions into a central hub, including service coordination, spare parts storage, logistics, and technical training. It complements Rolls-Royce’s existing footprint in South Africa, with mtu engine rebuild capability, and finance and logistics functions located in Cape Town.
The training centre is designed to support between 100 and 150 trainees annually with a wide range of training engines, including mtu 2000 and 4000 series, used for power generation, mining and rail applications. Trainees will benefit from access to advanced tooling and use simulation equipment for electronic training. The centre will deliver certified practical and theoretical training, equipping customers and partners from across Africa with the knowledge and hands-on experience required to support a wide range of applications and industries.
The new facility, operated by Rolls-Royce Solutions Africa, features dedicated capacity for the engineering and assembly of repower modules, enabling the replacement of engines in mining haul trucks and excavators with more suitable mtu power solutions. This allows customers to select upgrade options tailored to their specific operational needs. Fitting mtu engines delivers clear commercial benefits, including lower Total Cost of Ownership through improved fuel efficiency, increased equipment availability, and reduced maintenance costs. With a strong focus on system resilience, the regional subsidiary Rolls-Royce Solutions Africa is committed to delivering robust, fit-for-purpose solutions designed to perform in the demanding and often harsh operating environments across the continent.
Cobus Van Schalkwyk, Director Global Mining and Managing Director, Rolls-Royce Solutions 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.
“By bringing support services, technical training, and parts availability together under one roof, we’re building the capabilities that matter most to our partners across the continent. This investment also supports our strategy to further localise operations, reduce lead times, and strengthen supply chain resilience — critical advantages for customers operating in remote or fast-paced environments.”
Africa Fact: Africans were the first to organise fishing expeditions 90,000 years ago. At Katanda, a region in northeastern Zaïre (now Congo), was recovered a finely wrought series of harpoon points, all elaborately polished and barbed. Also uncovered was a tool, equally well crafted, believed to be a dagger. The discoveries suggested the existence of an early aquatic or fishing based culture.
Dream Killer
US$ reserves: When it comes to holding the glorified US$, South Africa ranks 32nd out of 165 countries in terms of the size of its US$ reserves. South Africa is ranked ahead of Australia, Sweden and Chile. The USA ranks 17th, the UK 23rd, China is ranked 1. The size of a country’s US$ reserves is a reflection of its export market. South Africa clearly has a favourable export market. Again, a good market to be in for any start-up.