Pomona: The Future of Industrial Excellence in Kempton Park

Contents

1. Introduction: Why Pomona Is Becoming South Africa’s Go-To Industrial Hub. 1
2. Why More Businesses Are Choosing Pomona for Their Industrial Operations. 1
3. A Look Back: How Pomona Became Gauteng’s Industrial Powerhouse. 1
4. Industrial Hotspots: Where Pomona’s Power Is Concentrated. 2
5. Who’s Building Pomona: Key Developers and Industrial Parks. 2
6. Infrastructure That Moves Business Forward. 3
7. Travel Times That Make a Difference. 3
8. Nearby Amenities That Keep Things Running Smoothly. 3
9. How Pomona Stacks Up Against Spartan. 4
10. Real Businesses, Real Momentum: Who’s Already in Pomona. 4
11. FAQs: What to Know Before You Lease in Pomona. 4
12. Why You Shouldn’t Navigate This Alone. 5
13. Final Thoughts: Pomona Is Built for More Than Business—It’s Built for Momentum.. 5

1. Introduction: Why Pomona Is Becoming South Africa’s Go-To Industrial Hub

In the world of logistics and warehousing, location is more than just a pin on a map—it’s a critical business decision. And right now, Pomona, a fast-growing node in Kempton Park, is capturing the attention of serious operators across South Africa. With its strategic position next to major highways and OR Tambo International Airport, plus a wave of modern industrial developments, Pomona offers something increasingly rare: space to grow, infrastructure that works, and the kind of access that shaves hours—not just minutes—off turnaround times.

Businesses looking to scale, streamline, or shift their operations are starting to treat Pomona not just as an option, but as the place to be. It’s not hype—it’s logistics logic. When you look at how it’s built, what’s nearby, and who’s already operating here, the case becomes obvious. Pomona is no longer “emerging”—it’s arrived.

2. Why More Businesses Are Choosing Pomona for Their Industrial Operations

Let’s start with the basics: Pomona sits practically on the doorstep of OR Tambo International Airport, which happens to be the busiest air freight hub on the continent. For companies working with global timelines, imported goods, or tight distribution windows, that proximity alone can cut significant lag out of the supply chain.

But there’s more to the story than just being close to an airport. Pomona connects directly to the R21 highway and offers quick access to the R24 and N12—arteries that feed into Johannesburg, Pretoria, and major national freight corridors. That level of accessibility means goods can move faster and staff can commute without chaos. For transport-heavy industries, that kind of predictability is priceless.

What makes Pomona truly stand out, though, is the quality of its ecosystem. The area isn’t just filling up with any warehouses—it’s attracting some of the biggest and most forward-thinking names in logistics, e-commerce, and manufacturing. These aren’t legacy facilities patched together over decades; most developments here are purpose-built with today’s needs in mind. We’re talking modular designs, energy-efficient systems, fibre internet, 24/7 security, and yards that are built to handle superlink trucks with ease. It’s industrial real estate designed not just for today’s needs, but for the demands you haven’t even hit yet.

3. A Look Back: How Pomona Became Gauteng’s Industrial Powerhouse

Pomona wasn’t always a hot topic in logistics circles. Decades ago, it was considered fringe—more farmland than freight node. But like many parts of Kempton Park, its fortunes changed with the rise of OR Tambo in the mid-20th century. As the airport’s footprint and influence grew, the surrounding areas started to evolve, slowly pulling industrial interest away from older, more congested zones.

Over the last two decades, that shift has accelerated. While areas like Isando and Spartan have struggled with ageing infrastructure and limited expansion space, Pomona has offered a clean slate. Developers seized the chance to do things differently—wider roads, better layouts, more secure parks, and facilities built with the future in mind.

Geographically, Pomona is in that rare sweet spot between Johannesburg and Pretoria. That means a company operating out of here can easily serve both regions while staying minutes from international trade routes. Combine that with local government support and ongoing investment into surrounding infrastructure, and it’s no surprise Pomona’s become the new heart of Gauteng’s logistics scene.

4. Industrial Hotspots: Where Pomona’s Power Is Concentrated

One of Pomona’s biggest strengths is the diversity within its industrial footprint. It’s not a one-size-fits-all type of area—each pocket has its own flavour, advantages, and pace, depending on what a business needs.

Take Maple Road, for example. It’s one of the more established strips in Pomona, well-regarded for its freestanding and multi-tenanted warehouse options. These are modern, functional spaces that offer the kind of reliability mid-sized operators value—solid infrastructure, accessible locations, and just enough flexibility to grow without getting bogged down in oversized leases or complex setups.

Then there’s the Riverfields Precinct—arguably Pomona’s boldest and most forward-thinking development. This is more than just another industrial park. It’s a master-planned mix of commercial, industrial, residential, and green spaces—designed to not just house businesses but to build a community around them. With over 255,000 square metres currently under construction and close to double that planned, Riverfields isn’t tweaking the industrial model—it’s reimagining it.

And if you’re looking for variety and scalability in one spot, Pomona Junction deserves a look. Developed by Shaik Property Holdings, it offers modular warehousing options that suit everything from startups to high-volume logistics players. Superlink access, fibre internet, tight security—it’s all there. It’s practical, well-located, and future-ready, which is exactly what a growing operation needs.

5. Who’s Building Pomona: Key Developers and Industrial Parks

Pomona’s rise hasn’t happened by accident. Behind it is a lineup of experienced developers who understand that industrial space needs to do more than just hold stock—it needs to enable movement, scale with demand, and support performance. Here’s a look at a few of the heavy hitters driving Pomona’s growth.

KLD Development has become a go-to name in Pomona. Their focus on flexible modular warehousing means tenants aren’t boxed in—they can start small and scale up without having to uproot. Projects like Powerade Park and Logistics Park already house brands like Brenntag, Jungheinrich, and Timken. Their newest development, Extension 97, continues that trend. Situated just behind the DSV Distribution Centre on the R21 Expressway, it offers eight modular units ranging from 1,100 m² to 3,700 m², rolling out in two phases through mid-2025. The spaces come fibre-ready, built for heavy freight traffic, and include integrated office zones and secure yards. Net rental sits at around R89/m²—good value for the build quality and access you’re getting.

Then there’s Equites Property Fund, the driving force behind several high-tech builds within Riverfields. These facilities feature everything from FM2 flooring to 15.5 m eave heights, and they don’t skimp on eco-conscious features either. Here’s how their current pipeline is shaping up:

• Riverfields 1: Available July 2025 – 24,050 m² warehouse with 800 m² of office space
• Riverfields 3A, 3B, 3C: Various sizes in development—perfect for future-forward tenants that want scale and modern logistics fit-outs

JT Ross is another major player in the area. They’re developing both at Plumbago and in the Riverfields node. Projects like 26 Pomona Road (8,290 m²) and Plumbago 5 (11,100 m²) show a consistent focus on premium exposure and layout versatility. Whether you’re a national player or a focused regional distributor, they’ve got space that fits.

Finally, Feenstra Group is adding a different angle with Noka Park. This project leans into sustainability and long-term performance. It’s located just off Mulder Road, spans over 103,000 m², and caters to large logistics and manufacturing users looking for scale and resilience. The warehouses—ranging from 9,500 m² to over 30,000 m²—include solar infrastructure, massive yard space, and thoughtful ESG design built into everything from fencing to fire systems. Completion is expected by November 2025, with estimated rental rates at R92/m². For companies looking at Pomona with a 10-year lens, this is the kind of development that makes sense.

6. Infrastructure That Moves Business Forward

If you strip away all the logos, site plans, and big names, success in industrial real estate often comes down to something simple: can this location support growth, or will it get in the way of it?

Pomona clears that bar—by a wide margin. The infrastructure here isn’t patched together around outdated zoning. It’s purpose-built for businesses that rely on speed, reliability, and constant movement.

High-speed fibre is widely available, which means whether you’re running complex ERP systems, live vehicle tracking, or cloud-based inventory control, your digital backbone is solid. Three-phase power is standard in most facilities, keeping things running smoothly whether you're lighting up massive warehouses or powering serious manufacturing kit.

On the ground, roads are built wide enough to handle high truck volumes, with turning radii that accommodate superlinks and loading docks designed for real-world fleet movement. It’s not just about specs on a brochure—it’s about the everyday flow of goods and vehicles being frictionless.

Most importantly, Pomona sits right on the R21 Expressway, minutes from OR Tambo, and a short hop to the N12, R24, and N3. These are Gauteng’s freight arteries, and being this close means faster response times, lower logistics costs, and fewer operational headaches.

7. Travel Times That Make a Difference

In logistics, time is money. And Pomona’s travel times speak for themselves.

OR Tambo? Just 5 minutes away. That makes air freight, import/export coordination, and last-mile delivery a breeze. Need to reach Midrand? You’re looking at a 25-minute trip, which puts you squarely in range of Gauteng’s tech and commercial zones. The Johannesburg CBD is half an hour out, and Pretoria is 40 minutes via smooth freeway links.

What that means in practice is that you’re never far from the places that matter—whether you’re dealing with head offices, client sites, or distribution targets. When your base of operations is this well-connected, your business moves faster. Period.

8. Nearby Amenities That Keep Things Running Smoothly

Pomona may wear its industrial badge proudly, but it hasn’t forgotten the people behind the operations. The area is well-supported with retail, food, and commuter infrastructure that makes life easier for everyone on site—from drivers and warehouse teams to management.

Retail options like Glen Ballad Mall, Glen Acres, and the newer Harvest Place centre bring everything into reach—groceries, banking, takeaways, and service stores. Whether it’s grabbing lunch on the go or picking up essentials after a shift, convenience is baked into daily operations here.

And when it comes to transport, Pomona’s not isolated. Established taxi routes serve the area, and nearby train stations—Van Riebeeck Park and the Rhodesfield Gautrain station—make commuting viable from all over Johannesburg and Pretoria. That’s a big plus when attracting and retaining staff.

It’s small things like this—day-to-day convenience—that often tip the scale when businesses choose a new base. Pomona isn’t just operationally efficient—it’s liveable, too.

9. How Pomona Stacks Up Against Spartan

When you’re choosing an industrial base, it helps to see how areas actually compare—not just in terms of cost, but in performance, potential, and what they offer long-term. Spartan’s been a reliable player for years, but the game has changed. And Pomona? It’s playing on a different level.

Here’s a side-by-side look at how they really measure up:

While Spartan still works for certain types of businesses, Pomona’s long-term value is hard to ignore. It's designed for scale, built for speed, and surrounded by companies looking forward—not back. If you’re planning for more than just today, Pomona’s the safer bet.

10. Real Businesses, Real Momentum: Who’s Already in Pomona

If you're wondering who’s actually moving into Pomona, it’s not just the usual suspects. This isn’t speculative development waiting for tenants—it’s a high-functioning industrial community that’s already up and running.

DSV, the international logistics powerhouse, saw the value early and set up a major regional facility here. The proximity to OR Tambo, combined with the quick highway access, made it a no-brainer for a brand that runs on precision and time sensitivity.

DHL followed suit, choosing Pomona to sharpen its import/export edge, while Takealot, South Africa’s leading e-commerce platform, uses the area as a critical warehousing and dispatch hub. Their presence alone speaks volumes about Pomona’s ability to handle scale, speed, and fulfilment complexity.

You’ll also find names like Emit, Onelogix, and Tranzaction operating here—businesses where fleet logistics and road access are deal-breakers. And in the mining and construction space, companies like Andru Mining and Wirtgen benefit from the secure, expansive warehousing that Pomona delivers.

These aren’t just businesses renting space—they’re shaping an ecosystem. And every new tenant adds to the value of being here.

11. FAQs: What to Know Before You Lease in Pomona

What should I look for when choosing an industrial property?
Start with fundamentals: Is the location accessible? Are the roads designed for freight? Does it have three-phase power? Is the zoning aligned with your operation—whether it's logistics, light manufacturing, or something more niche? Then go deeper: check the scalability, yard space, security, and amenities that will support your team day-to-day.

What lease terms are typical in Pomona?
You’ll mostly find leases ranging from 2 to 5 years. Longer commitments can sometimes come with added perks—like allowances for tenant improvements or more favourable annual escalations. If you're thinking long-term, it's worth negotiating up front.

What does the rental usually include?
The base rental often covers the space itself, but operational costs—like security, utilities, and municipal rates—are usually billed separately. Always clarify what’s included so you're not caught off guard.

What are standard escalation rates?
Most leases will escalate by 6–10% annually, depending on the market and lease length. It’s important to model this over your lease period to understand your total commitment.

Who handles maintenance?
Landlords typically take care of external structures, while tenants are responsible for interior upkeep—lighting, fixtures, and any internal customisations.

Can I exit my lease early?
Technically, yes—but it’ll usually come with a cost. Most contracts include a cancellation clause requiring either a negotiated settlement or payment of the lease balance. Make sure you’re clear on those terms before you sign.

Are there restrictions on what I can use the space for?
Absolutely. Zoning regulations are strict, and they exist for a reason. Make sure the property is zoned correctly for your intended use—whether it’s cold storage, distribution, or assembly.

12. Why You Shouldn’t Navigate This Alone

If you’re not working with a seasoned broker in a market like Pomona, you’re likely missing opportunities. A good commercial broker doesn’t just help you find space—they help you find the right space, negotiate better terms, and avoid the red flags that don’t show up on the brochure.

Whether it’s unlisted properties, insider knowledge on upcoming developments, or guidance on zoning and lease clauses, brokers are your buffer and your secret weapon. They know which developers are flexible, which landlords are responsive, and which properties will support—not restrict—your growth.

In a high-demand, fast-moving area like Pomona, having that edge isn’t optional. It’s essential.

13. Final Thoughts: Pomona Is Built for More Than Business—It’s Built for Momentum

There are plenty of industrial areas in Gauteng, but few are built the way Pomona is—modern from the ground up, strategically located, and packed with infrastructure that makes things move faster, smoother, and smarter.

Here, you’re not just leasing a building. You’re joining a network. You’re plugging into a zone that’s been shaped by some of the best minds in logistics, warehousing, and development. Every warehouse, every road, every fibre line—it’s all been designed with performance in mind.

Whether you’re moving goods across borders, expanding your e-commerce footprint, or consolidating your operations for the next growth phase, Pomona gives you the flexibility, reliability, and access to do it.

But perhaps most importantly, Pomona delivers community. A space where brands work side-by-side, suppliers meet clients without delay, and companies don’t just operate—they evolve. That’s the difference.

The growth is happening now. The opportunities are already being seized. The only question is—will your business be here to take advantage?