The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa Business Correspondent —
ZIMBABWEANS should support the Buy Zimbabwe campaign since it is meant to support the local industry, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene has said.
She made the remarks while touring the recently opened Willowton plant situated in Mutare’s Nyakamete industrial area last Friday.
Cde Chimene said the buying of local products and services would improve the country’s economic fortunes and create jobs for locals.
“When you buy local, you play your part in helping alleviate poverty in the country. Everyone has a duty to help in the resuscitation of the economy.
“I believe that Willowton will play its part in turning around the economic fortunes of Manicaland and Zimbabwe at large. The importation of cooking oil will soon be a thing of the past. Let us all support this company,” said Cde Chimene.
She warned smugglers against the illegal trade, saying those found on the wrong side of the law would be dealt with decisively.
“Do not be caught on the wrong side of the law smuggling goods into the country. We now have our own cooking oil plant and I wonder why somebody will opt to smuggle goods that are readily available in the country. Let us help revive our industry and economy. We should support Willowton as well as the Buy Zimbabwe campaign.”
Willowton Plant has since created employment for more than 100 people from Mutare.
“Most of our employees are locals expect for a few experts whom we recruited from across the country,” said the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bruce Henderson.
He said the company would soon be embarking on contract farming with locals so that they would supply the raw materials.
Besides creating employment for over 100 locals, the plant has also brought countless business opportunities to the City of Mutare since it started operating in October.
Willowton Zimbabwe Private Limited is a subsidiary of South Africa-based Willowton Group.
The group manufactures a wide range of products which include edible 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 already producing close to half a million litres of edible oils per day.
