+++ BMW Group Plant Rosslyn synergises logistics materials flow with new warehouse +++ The 5,200 m² warehouse is used for the storage of parts for the new BMW X3 PHEV manufactured at the plant +++ BMW Group South Africa continues to champion circularity +++
Rosslyn, Pretoria. On 9 October 2024, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn unveiled a newly built logistics warehouse on its premises. The building will primarily store various parts for the new BMW X3 plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) and ensure timely delivery of components to the assembly line for seamless production. As BMW Group Plant Rosslyn begins the start of production of the new model, the 5,200 m² logistics warehouse is uniquely designed and constructed to aid the process.
A modular approach was used to enable future expansions for efficient spaces and lean logistics in line with BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s long-term development plan. The building is equipped with translucent panels providing natural light into the building, individually dimmable smart LED lights, surveillance cameras with integrated artificial intelligence technology and weather resistant dock houses which maintain the integrity of parts delivered to the warehouse.
Sustainable building.
In cementing BMW Group South Africa’s commitment to zero-waste-to-landfill, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn partnered with Envirolite – an eco-friendly building supplier – to transform some of its waste into sustainable and eco-friendly building bricks. Envirolite bricks consist of over 70% recycled material, including polystyrene waste generated from the plant. As a reflection of BMW Group South Africa’s principles of a circular economy, a total of 7,700 Envirolite bricks were used for the construction of the logistics warehouse.
The Envirolite brick has higher thermal insulation properties compared to a standard clay brick. This plays a key role in making the building more energy-efficient by helping to reduce the energy required for heating or cooling. The daytime energy requirements are achieved through solar photovoltaic (PV) infrastructure. The combination of the solar PV, energy-efficient lighting and Envirolite bricks contributes to the warehouse being one of the most sustainable buildings at BMW Group South Africa.
BMW Group Plant Rosslyn Director Dr Niklas Fichtmüller commented, “Sustainability is at the core of our strategy, and we endeavour to build better futures as we build products of the future. This new warehouse reflects our vision for this state-of-the-art facility, especially as we gear up to produce the new BMW X3 PHEV.”
Sustainable community development.
BMW Group South Africa is committed to community engagement and development as demonstrated in the building process of the new warehouse at its production facility. A total of 42 Rosslyn community labourers worked on the construction site including plasterers, bricklayers, painters and tilers. As the workers had not used the Envirolite brick type before, they were upskilled in its unique installation.
Head of Real Estate Management South Africa at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, Reshard Sayed commented, “Green principles were considered in the conceptualisation of the building from inception. For the BMW Group, conscious use of primary materials plays a key role in building a circular economy. After five months of LEAN construction, excluding rain delays, we are excited to hand over a logistics facility that is pivotal to the launch of the new BMW X3 model at our Rosslyn plant.” BMW Group Plant Rosslyn also aims to extend its new warehouse, citing the current construction as phase one of three phases.