This business unit focuses on the needs of clients that are involved in manufacturing, both start ups and existing operations. Loan products in this category are Land and Fixed Improvements; Equipment finance and Working Capital loans, empowerment equity loans, invoice discounting.

South Africa has developed an established, diversified manufacturing which albeit having suffered heavily as a result of recession has shown resilience and potential to compete in the global economy over the years.

The manufacturing sector provides a locus for stimulating the growth of other activities, such as services, and achieving specific outcomes, such as employment creation and economic empowerment. This platform of manufacturing presents an opportunity to significantly accelerate the country's growth and development.

The KZN’s manufacturing base is strong and nearly a third of South Africa's manufactured exports originate in this province. The KZN had 16.4% of GDP second to Gauteng Province in 2008. The KZN manufacturing sector has contributed 24%, the highest to the KZN GDP. Significant sub-sectors include aluminium, mineral processing, motor vehicle manufacturing, pulp and paper products, the chemicals and petrochemical sub-sector and food and beverages. Food procession generates subcontractors and there are allied industries such as printing, publishing, packaging and plastic supplies.

Whilst the mix of manufacturing may change in the future, the pool of industrial skills in the Province, its infrastructure and locational advantages will ensure that manufacturing remains the economic centre-piece. There is a good skills base for the metal products sector and this has been built up around the sugar, aluminium, pulp and paper industries, motor components and motor assembly, chemicals and pharmaceuticals industries. Major players in the region include international giants Unilever, Alusaf, Bell Equipment, Smith & Nephew, and car manufacturer, Toyota South Africa. Approximately 20% of provincial employment is created in the manufacturing sector. This SBU is expected to make meaningful contribution in this sector and sub-sectors.