Isando, A Robust Industrial Node Set for Transformation

Isando, situated 22km east of Johannesburg, is a well established industrial town in Gauteng. It is located in the vibrant region of Kempton Park in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and has developed a strong industrial property market that is strategically located and affordably priced. 

Over the past two decades, Isando has witnessed a surge in the demand for warehouse space among distribution and logistics companies. Furthermore, it has attracted the likes of multinational and blue-chip companies such as Tiger Brands, Premier Foods, PepsiCo, MAN Truck & Bus (SA), GUD Filters, DSM Nutritional Products South Africa.

The success of Isando’s industrial market is built on meeting diverse business requirements through well-maintained road infrastructure, transport hubs and property options.

Road Infrastructure

Isando is situated close to three main freeways that facilitate easy commute and connectivity to key points of interest. It has access to the R21, N12 and R24, which seamlessly connect to various regions within Kempton Park, Gauteng, and the wider South Africa. This is the lifeblood of the industrial sector as it enables businesses to transport goods to various locations around the province and country. 

Transport Hubs

The O.R Tambo International Airport

Africa’s busiest airport, The O.R Tambo International Airport lies next to Isando, just a 6 minute (3,1km) drive away. The airport’s cargo terminals are a valuable resource for businesses exporting and/or importing goods, and there are already plans to upgrade this service to increase capacity in the long-term. Some of the cargo service providers found here include Globeflight, Airlink Cargo, DHL Express and SAA Cargo. Additionally, with the airport located on the doorstep to Isando, local and international business trips to and from the town are made convenient.

Rhodesfield Gautrain Station

One of the 10 Gautrain stations lies just 9 minutes away from the town in Rhodesfield. Many employees use this rapid rail network to travel to and from work as this is a faster and more affordable option. This station connects to the O.R Tambo International Airport and various locations around Johannesburg including the CBD, Sandton, Midrand, Rosebank, Centurion and Hatfield. 

Property Options

Warehouses in Isando appeal to small and big businesses in both the logistics and manufacturing industries. These properties are well-equipped, affordable and secure with common features such as ample power supply, good height to eaves for stacking capabilities, ablution facilities, 24hr security, and reception, office and kitchen areas. An example of a property here is a 6 263sqm warehouse complete with high-end features perfect for a large factory. These features include a running crane, a neat office component with air conditioning, separate ablutions for male and female, and multiple roller shutter doors and entrances.

Looking Ahead 

The long-term plans for Ekurhuleni are set to increase the desirability and value of property in the entire region. This is because the municipality has recently approved the 30-year Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis Master Plan, which will transform the region into an airport city. 

The term aerotropolis was coined by Professor John D. Kasarda and refers to a metropolitan subregion where the core is an airport and all neighbouring development supports this. The government has pegged the plan as a game-changer as it will carry-out spatial, economic and social transformation. Once this happens, it will reposition the regional economy as a chosen destination for trade, investment and tourism.

This is expected to heighten the demand and development for warehouses in towns such as Isando as more businesses will relocate or expand here to be part of and benefit from the aerotropolis. 

As more developers and investors capitalise on the favourable conditions in Ekurhuleni, we can expect to see the widespread development of multi-million rand business precincts such as the Plumbago Business Park. Catering for logistics, freight forwarding, and light industrial corporate companies, it is a great example of the type of precincts that will arise as a result of the aerotropolis. 

Isando is situated in a near-ideal location for industrial businesses to succeed and this will be bolstered by the establishment of the Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis Master Plan.