by Bernard Mutambudzi
Art Corporation’s battery manufacturing subsidiary, Chloride Zimbabwe is now operating at 80 per cent capacity following increased volumes after restrictions introduced by Government on imported batteries under Statutory Instrument 20 of 2016 two years back.
SI20 of 2016 removed from open general import licence certain batteries, candles, floor polishes and tobacco twine.
Speaking at the Customer Interaction and Winter Promo Prize Presentation Cocktail held at one of its branches in Graniteside last Friday, Operations Manager, Mr Martin Makhaza, said capacity had increased to 80 percent from 65 percent.
“We approached the Ministry of Industry and Commerce seeking an incubation period to enable us to catch up with the rest of the world in terms of technology. Our plant has the capacity to supply the Zimbabwean market.
“We are grateful that the ministry included batteries under SI20 and as a result of this, we are now running at full capacity. On our part, we pledged that we are going to invest in new equipment to enable us to compete with imported products,” said Mr Makhaza
Chloride Zimbabwe commissioned a $3 million battery making equipment sourced from South Korea through a three year finance facility arranged by the major shareholder, Taesung Chemical Limited.
The investment has seen an increase in production to 360 000 batteries per annum from 240 000 previously and the branches have increased to 25 during the last four years.
“We are happy the Government heeded our call for capital injection and waived duty on some the products we use for battery manufacturing,” said Makhaza.
He added that the investment has resulted in reduced costs of production, better quality and a wide range of products including the Exide solar battery. This new technology has enabled the company to manufacture maintenance free batteries, a first in Zimbabwe.
Industry, Commerce and Enterprise Development Director, Elizabeth Makombe giving a key note address highlighted that Government was impressed with the commitment shown by Art Corporation in driving the value addition and beneficiation agenda forward.
She said Government was working with renewed vigor to accelerate the country’s industrial management.
Founder and President of Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers, Mr Denford Mutashu thanked the Government for promoting Buy Zimbabwe.
“We are really grateful to the Government for its effort in making sure local industries are capacitated, as a result, over 60 per cent of products in shops are locally produced as result of Buy Zimbabwe initiative,” he said.
The event was attended by merchants, customers who won various prizes ranging from batteries, solar equipment from worth from $1 000 to $2 500.
