Vice President General Chiwenga (Retired) commissions the Splash Paints and Plastics factory and machinery in Harare recently

Published: 23 May 2018

SPLASH Paints and Plastics has invested in a state of art machinery valued at $3,5 million in line with the country's economic revival strategy, President Mnangagwa has said.

Reading the speech on behalf of the President during the commissioning of new machines at Splash Paints and Plastics recently, Vice President General Constantino Chiwenga (Retired) said this plant prioritises the modernisation and expansion of all sectors of the economy.

"I applaud the Splash Paints and Plastics for contributing to employment creation in the country directly and across the value chain.

"All players in the industry must produce quality products, increase capacity utilisation, think outside the box, innovate and use technology as well as appropriate solutions to reduce productivity costs and enhance product competitiveness," he said.

He urged the company to manufacture products that have a long life span.

"It is commendable that you continue to strive to guarantee that your products have a span that exceeds 10 years, which is a testimony to your company places in the quality of your products you manufacture.

"I am informed that plans are at an advanced stage to ensure that your whole range of products attain International Standards Certificate, this initiative together with the state of art machinery will indeed go a long way in improving the quality and competitiveness of your product in both local and international markets.

"The company has embraced latest production technology by installing these new machines which are more efficient and have a bigger production capacity which will undoubtedly increase your ability to adequately supply both domestic and foreign markets," he added.

He also challenged sectors of the economy to contribute to foreign currency.

"I challenge all sectors of the economy to be active contributors to foreign currency generation as opposed to being mere recipients of forex generated by others.

"Business must no longer be developed in silo or isolation but now must be alive to broader national aspirations as well as the associated synergies and linkages.

"Industry must think in context of the bigger national vision and dovetail their business model accordingly," he said.

Managing director for Splash Paints and Plastics, Anis Patel said they are expecting to create more employment opportunities.

"We have successfully commissioned the first phase of the $3,5 million plant and we are expecting more employment opportunities when we complete the whole phase.

"As of now, we have 300 employees of which 170 are permanent workers," said Patel.
- theherald