When one thinks about Mercedes-Benz, images of class, power, prestige and the well-known and loved brand immediately come to mind. Prof Chris van Schoor, project manager and industrial engineering consultant, was the project lead overseeing a significant construction and infrastructure update at the Mercedes-Benz automative assembly plant in East London, South Africa.

On Thursday, 16 May, Prof Van Schoor presented an engaging guest lecture that was attended by several Engineering staff members, faculty alumni, industry partners and Engineering students on the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU).

The lecture covered the modernisation of the Mercedes-Benz facility in East London, and Prof Van Schoor also shared his insights into leading a project of this magnitude. According to Prof Van Schoor, the lecture aimed at aiding Engineering students with their complicated projects by discussing facilities design and project management techniques.

Prof Van Schoor outlined the planning, building and equipment installation processes for the new automative assembly. The difficulties he faced during the planning and implementation phase of the project included many land acquisitions and relocations. Challenging timelines and coordinating the collaboration between local and external project offices, including Mercedes-Benz South Africa planners, were among the other challenges that the project lead faced.

The project began in 2017 and was completed in 2021, amounting to about R4 billion in value. It involved massive new facilities and upgrades to accommodate innovative technology and increased production volumes for the new W206 Mercedes-Benz C-class model. The upgrades included the following facilities:

- New multi-level body shop (45 000 m3 )

- Paint shop building extension

- Assembly hall upgrade and logistics building extension with a new conveyor system

- New sorter-conveyor, providing automated storage of 360 units and a retrieval system linking the body shop, paint shop and final assembly

- Two new logistics warehouses (22 000 m3 and 16 000 m3)

Other upgrades included new compressed air, chilled water and electric installations, new water tank farms, new gatehouse complexes and parking areas.

Mrs Willemien Kruger, a lecturer at the School for Industrial Engineering, said it was an honour hearing from Prof Van Schoor, who was her lecturer more than 30 years ago.

“We learnt a lot about the complexities of managing projects on such a large scale, and what I take from this lecture is that the key to a successful project lies in respecting people and building relationships. It was valuable for my Facilities Design class to hear from somebody with practical experience in the field.”

Prof Van Schoor, with his vast experience in engineering and practical expertise in managing small and high-profile projects, inspired the students to begin practising engineering and not be afraid to become practical problem-solvers in the industry.

Prof Chris van Schoor during his guest lecture.