Fortress, on behalf of Suzuki Auto South Africa, has broken ground on a new state-of-the-art head office and distribution centre at Longlake Logistics Park in Sandton, Gauteng.
Strategically located just off Marlboro Drive with direct access to the N3 and N1 highways, the 24,507m² purpose-built facility will feature 2,900m² of modern office space and 19,100m² of warehousing.
Key design elements include a 15-metre clear height for increased vertical storage, generous yard space, and easy vehicular access.
The development will also include training rooms, boardrooms, a workshop, and a 100-seater canteen to support Suzuki’s operational and staffing needs. Completion is targeted for June 2026.
“At Fortress, we aim to create opportunities for future growth through innovative, client-focused solutions. This new development was designed with purpose and passion, to suit Suzuki, its people, its energy and its ambition for the future,” the listed developer said.
Fortress is a real estate investment company with a logistics portfolio valued at R20.3 billion across South Africa and Central and Eastern Europe, and a R10.7 billion retail portfolio located throughout South Africa.
Suzuki Auto SA record sales
The development comes as Suzuki Auto South Africa continues its stong growth trajectory, recording its second-highest sales month in April 2025 and surpassing 300,000 customers nationwide.
Demand remains strong for its popular, value-driven models such as the Swift, Fronx, Ertiga, Baleno, and Jimny.
According to Naamsa’s official sales report, Suzuki sold 5,977 new vehicles in April- 693 more than in March and just 422 units short of its January 2025 record.
This included 5,015 dealer sales (setting a new internal record by 481 units) and 962 fleet, rental, and government sales—securing Suzuki second place in total vehicle sales by manufacturer for the month.
The all-new fourth-generation Swift led the way with 2,053 units sold, making it South Africa’s top-selling passenger vehicle and second-best overall model.
The Fronx followed with 1,186 units, ahead of the Ertiga (778), Baleno (420), and Jimny (319).
“Since opening the doors of our first dealership in 2008, Suzuki Auto South Africa has handed over keys to 305,460 proud owners,” said enno Havenga, GM Auto Sales and Marketing at Suzuki Auto South Africa.
“We reached the 100,000 mark in February 2021 and the 200,000 mark in July 2023. To achieve this latest milestone just 22 months later shows how much enthusiasm and trust customers have in our product.”
Fortress recently announced that it is in a strong market position following its strategic shift away from a complex capital structure in February 2024.
Transitioning to a real estate investment company has delivered tangible benefits. Unlike real estate investment trusts (REITs), Fortress now qualifies for specific tax deductions related to development allowances, resulting in improved tax efficiency for both the company and its shareholders.
Investor interest has been strong, particularly in Fortress’s high-quality logistics developments. The company’s clear strategy-divesting non-core assets and focusing on the development of state-of-the-art logistics facilities in prime locations-has been a key driver of its robust operational performance.
Five years ago, Fortress made the decisive move to exit the office, industrial, and underperforming property segments.
This strategy generated approximately R8.5 billion from asset disposals, which the company reinvested into the development of its own logistics parks, significantly enhancing shareholder value.
“We have developed close to one million square metres in the last five years,” says Steven Brown, CEO of Fortress.
