R33-million has been invested into a facility in East London, which will be able to produce 300 000 flat-panel solar water heaters, as well as more affordable vacuum-based systems per year. R20-million of this total investment will come from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC).

The facility has been set up in the East London Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), and the first manufactured item is expected to be produced before the end of June.

ECDC holds 15% of the equity in the company, Matla 53% and Ming Yang, of Taiwan, 32%.
Matla chief investment officer, Chia Chao Wu, says that the new plant should have a cost advantage over imported products, even those produced in countries such as China.

The company expects to create at least 100 skilled manufacturing jobs within the IDZ, and from 50 jobs to 100 jobs in distribution and consumer support.