Story by Tamuka Charakupa
KADOMA-based firm, David Whitehead Textiles says it is now competitively in business, following its revitalisation drive that started last year.
The firm says it is close to reaching its full production capacity following the capital injection of US$20 million last year by the Agri Value Chain Zimbabwe (AVCZ) towards the resuscitation of its Kadoma and Chegutu operations.
Now operating at about 60 percent capacity, the installation of high-tech fabric manufacturing equipment has not only increased efficiency but also created employment opportunities for hundreds from the local community.
David Whitehead Textiles Managing Director, Mr Rodreck Musiyiwa said the two plants are producing at least 400 tonnes of yarn and two million fabric per month.
“We are close to meeting the local market since we are averaging around 400 tonnes of yarn and over two million fabric per month. In terms of employment, we have over 300 employees but the number is set to increase when we complete the revitalisation exercise.
“We appreciate government support, especially in promoting local investments and value addition. The major focus is to supply raw materials to the local clothing companies and create jobs,” Mr Musiyiwa said.
The Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, Honourable Vangelis Haritatos said the government’s focus is now on promoting value addition.
“I am here on a fact-finding mission to assess the gaps and opportunities around this multi-million dollar plant. The government formed a Deputy Ministers Forum which is made up of three ministries, the Ministry of Lands, the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Finance where we are mandated to create linkages that promote trade, production and funding models.
“I am impressed with production levels and with the fact that the company is back on its feet which means cotton is now being value-added and appreciation of local supply of fabric increasing as well.”
Meanwhile, the revival of David Whitehead Textiles is a welcome development for the country, amid government measures introduced to promote value addition and import substitution for goods that can be locally produced.
