Brief
Hisense celebrates 30 years of local manufacturing at Atlantis plant
The visit showcased a plant that can output up to one million TVs and 500,000 refrigerators annually while employing over 1,000 locals.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Hisense invited media to its Atlantis facility on 7 October 2026 to mark three decades of local manufacturing in South Africa, according to bizcommunity.com.
What happened
The tour revealed a high‑tech operation that can produce up to one million televisions and 500,000 refrigerators each year. More than 1,000 staff are directly employed at the plant, many drawn from the surrounding Atlantis community.
What the reports add
Bizcommunity noted that long‑serving employees are publicly recognised throughout the factory, with staff members, teams and leaders highlighted for their contributions. The article also describes a skills‑transfer programme that pairs Chinese engineers with local workers to build technical expertise.
What was said
The outlet quoted an unnamed employee who said his perspective on refrigerators shifted from “something that keeps food cold” to an appreciation of the individual components, technology and engineering involved. No other external quotations were provided.
How it came about
Hisense’s investment in South Africa began 30 years ago, and the company has since emphasized localisation beyond output numbers. The article cites examples of career progression, such as Hugh Stephens, who moved from the production line to a mainboard repair technician role after joining in 2013, and Marlon Jacob, who advanced from a general worker to a refrigeration team leader. Some employees have leveraged the technical skills acquired at Hisense to launch their own businesses, illustrating the firm’s broader impact on the local economy.
Key facts
- Hisense's Atlantis factory can produce up to one million televisions annually. (bizcommunity.com)
- The plant can also manufacture 500,000 refrigerators per year. (bizcommunity.com)
- More than 1,000 people are directly employed at the Atlantis facility. (bizcommunity.com)
- Hisense runs a skills‑transfer programme pairing Chinese engineers with South African staff. (bizcommunity.com)
Sources
- [1] bizcommunity.com — originally reported as “Inside Hisense’s Atlantis factory: 30 years of building with purpose”
