Staff Reporter
Nestlé Zimbabwe is set to commission a fourth roller dryer at its manufacturing plant, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing expansion drive aimed at enhancing production capacity and supporting Zimbabwe’s industrial growth agenda.
The commissioning ceremony, to be officiated by the Minister of Industry and Commerce,Mangaliso Ndhlovu, comes on the back of a US$7 million investment by the cereal and beverage manufacturing giant. This latest addition complements the three existing roller dryers already in operation at the plant.
A roller dryer is an industrial machine that uses heated, rotating rollers to remove moisture from paste-like or liquid materials, a technology widely used in food processing. In Nestlé’s case, it plays a critical role in the production of popular breakfast cereals like Cerevita, one of the country’s leading cereal brands.
Speaking ahead of the event, Nestlé Zimbabwe Corporate Communications Officer, Tavia Matikiti, said the new roller dryer will significantly increase the company’s manufacturing capacity.
“This investment will enable Nestlé Zimbabwe to meet growing local demand while supporting exports into the region and beyond. With the new dryer, our cereal production capacity is expected to grow by over 35 percent,” said Matikiti.
Currently, the company’s monthly cereal output averages 730 tonnes. The new equipment is expected to boost that figure substantially, allowing the company to respond more swiftly to market demands and streamline its supply chain operations.
Matikiti emphasised that the investment is in line with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 of becoming an upper-middle income economy, and it aligns with the Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan spearheaded by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
“This expansion supports key national objectives, such as food security, employment creation, and skills development. The impact extends beyond our factory floor—it positively affects the entire value chain, from local farmers and transporters to packaging and maintenance suppliers,” she noted.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has actively partnered with private sector players like Nestlé in pushing Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda. Through strategic engagements and signed MoUs under the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan, the Ministry continues to foster inclusive and sustainable economic development.
Nestlé’s latest move is a clear demonstration of corporate confidence in Zimbabwe’s economy and its commitment to long-term investment and innovation in local manufacturing.
