Paarl in the Western Cape is fast becoming a nerve centre for next-generation fruit packing. Through a strategic partnership between MAF RODA AGROBOTIC and South Africa’s MAINTECH, the newly established MAFTECH facility is redefining how packhouse equipment is built, assembled, and serviced locally — delivering the country’s first end-to-end fruit-packing plant under one roof.
MAFTECH, with MAF RODA holding a 60% stake and local owners 40%, harnesses MAINTECH’s 16 years of regional expertise to produce peripherals and assemble complete lines alongside MAF RODA’s advanced robotics.
The initiative targets South Africa’s fruit juggernaut, which produces over 4.7 million tonnes annually in a R145 billion market projected to grow to R190 billion by 2030, by cutting import costs, speeding up timelines, and delivering swift local service.
Food For Mzansi spoke to Olivier Jaubert, operations manager at MAF RODA SA, about how this Paarl-based venture is boosting efficiency, skills transfer, and exports to neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, Botswana, and Namibia.
Lisakanya Venna: How do you expect local manufacturing of complete fruit-packing lines, from in-feed to palletising, to change the cost structure and operational efficiency for South African packhouses over the next few seasons?
Olivier Jaubert: MAFTECH South Africa is part of an international group, but we remain committed to maintaining a strong South African identity. With the group’s global experience, we will be improving standards, manufacturing processes and the sourcing of raw materials.
We believe stainless-steel equipment is essential in our industry, especially when working with fresh produce, and we aim to make this level of quality competitive and accessible to the end user.
By being based locally, we want to stay close, available and responsive to our customer and to the needs of a fast-evolving market. Our goal is to combine international expertise with the well-known South African spirit of “making a plan” and ensuring MAFTECH South Africa delivers practical, efficient solutions.
What specific reductions in lead times or shipping-related delays can fruit producers expect now that machinery, components, and spare parts will be sourced and assembled locally rather than imported?
The biggest improvements will come from the reduction in transport costs and shipping time. As we all know, international shipping has become unpredictable. Vessel availability, port delays and rising costs all affect delivery timelines. By manufacturing and assembling locally, we remove these challenges and significantly shorten lead times.
Additionally, with the investments already completed and currently underway, we have more than doubled our production capacity in terms of physical space, now exceeding 3 400 m². This increased capacity will help us supply equipment and spare parts much faster.
How will improved access to advanced packhouse technology help South African growers remain competitive in global fruit markets, especially with increasing pressure on quality, traceability, and production costs?
Being part of MAF RODA GROUP, a unique company offering full turnkey solutions worldwide and investing in R&D, gives South African growers access to the latest advancements in automation, quality management, and traceability systems.
Do you foresee South Africa becoming a manufacturing hub for packhouse technology in Southern Africa, and what potential is there for exporting MAFTECH equipment into neighbouring fruit-growing countries?
We are making long-term investments because we believe strongly in South Africa’s role as a regional hub. Our aim is to supply MAFTECH equipment to many pack-houses, without borders limiting our reach.
Through our partnership with the MAF RODA Group, we already export equipment to Europe via our headquarters, and we recently delivered the only citrus pack-house in Botswana. So yes, the potential for exporting into neighbouring countries is significant, and it is already happening.
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As MAFTECH brings high-tech engineering and automation to Paarl, what new skills, training, and long-term employment opportunities will this introduce for the Western Cape’s agri-processing sector?
As MAFTECH grows, our internal skill will need to grow with it. Our industry requires a wide range of competencies, from artisans and technicians to highly qualified engineers. Right now, we are focused on completing the major building and infrastructure investments. We are taking it step by step, ensuring the foundation is solid before expanding further.
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