The ManicaPost
Abel Zhakata : Senior Reporter
THE $40 million Willowton Zimbabwe cooking oil processing plant which is under construction in Mutare’s Nyakamete Industrial Area will go on line in October, employing more than 100 workers directly and creating more opportunities downstream.The project manager, Mr Bruce Henderson, revealed on Tuesday that production will start in October as they are putting final touches to the plant that is set to liven up industry in the eastern border city.
“I am not going to divulge much about this project before we start operations. What I can safely say is that we will start production in October. If you are a boxer and you are preparing for a fight, you wouldn’t want your opponents to spy on how you are preparing for the it,” he said.
Mr Henderson, however, hinted that when production begins, the plant will in the initial stages import crude oil which will be processed to come up with their trademark D’lite cooking oil as well as soap.
“We are extracting the oil from soya beans. Presently we don’t have enough supply of soya beans here and we are going to import crude oil.
“In the long run we foresee a situation whereby our local farmers will be able to provide raw materials that are needed to run this plant.”
An official from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, who requested anonymity, said the cooking oil processing plant would bring business opportunities to the city when it starts operating.
He said from transporters, wholesalers, retailers and the consumers, the production of cooking oil and soap at the Nyakamete plant would bring economic sense.
“In terms of employment, we are talking about more than 100 workers who will be directly employed there. More jobs will be created downstream. This project was granted the National Project Status because of the immense contribution it will have in improving the country’s economy. This is the second project in the Manicaland together with Greenfuel in Chisumbanje to be accorded that status.
What it means is that Willowton is importing capital equipment duty free and is also enjoying an array of exemptions in setting up the plant,” said the official.
Willowton Zimbabwe Private Limited is a subsidiary of South Africa-based Willowton Group. The group manufactures a wide range of products which include dibble oils, margarines and spreads, toiletries, laundry and bathing soaps, candles, chocolates, baking and industrial fats.
Willowton acquired former Karina Textiles premises to house its oil plant that is expected to produce close to half a million litres of edible oils per day.
