MAF RODA AGROBOTIC has entered into a strategic partnership with South African engineering company MAINTECH to form a new joint venture, MAFTECH, marking a significant milestone for the local fruit packing industry.
The collaboration establishes a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Paarl, Western Cape, focused on the local production and assembly of peripheral packhouse equipment for the Southern African market. The initiative positions MAFTECH as South Africa’s first fully integrated manufacturing operation for packing equipment, covering processes from infeed to palletising.
By localising manufacturing and final assembly, MAFTECH aims to shorten production timelines, reduce reliance on imported components, and improve responsiveness to customer needs. The local facility will also enable faster spare-parts production and after-sales support, while aligning costs more closely with local economic conditions.
While MAF RODA’s European teams will continue supplying advanced robotics and core grading technology, MAFTECH will focus on peripheral equipment production and full line assembly, supporting skills development and technical knowledge transfer within the South African workforce.
The establishment of MAFTECH is intended to strengthen service delivery to fruit producers and support the growth of MAF RODA RSA in the region. The expanded facilities are expected to be fully operational within 12 months, delivering immediate benefits to the Southern African fruit and vegetable sectors.
