New look ‘Lafarge’ eyes increased production
Hosia Mviringi
Lafarge Cement, the flagship former French-owned producer, has sealed a historic evolution into a truly local entity after finalising a rebranding exercise in Harare.
The rebranding comes as the cherry on top of a sweet deal that saw a local consortium acquiring a controlling stake in the firm, effectively bringing this entity of 70 years on Zimbabwean soil, squarely into the hands of local shareholders .
The Obey Chimuka-owned Fossil Mines (Pvt) Ltd made a big move towards the end of last year, swooping on the company’s shareholding which was up for grabs.
The company has changed its name to reflect this reality by adopting an indigenous name Khayah Cement. Loosely translated, Khayah Cement means Home grown Cement.
Khaya means home.
As the country stares at prospects of rapid economic growth and development, the cement manufacturing industry can only come at the core of that envisaged economic growth, as the construction industry is expected to anchor the economic boom.
The cement manufacturing sector, on its own the backbone of the built industry, is poised for exponential transformation as it enters a new phase characterised by greater ownership for the sole means of production for the industry.
The Cement industry, therefore, eyes increased output to satisfy the growing national appetite for building materials to, which cement lies at the centre of the demand.
The brand new journey, which commenced at the company’s Head Offices in Harare last Thursday, saw the newly installed Chief Executive Officer of the company, Innocent Chikwata, outlining the company’s vision for transforming the industry going into the future.
“We are now on a new trajectory and we have refocused our business operations since the new owners have taken a robust business plan whereby we are looking at increasing production to 40000 tonnes of Cement from the current 20000 tonnes per month,” said Mr Chikwata.
Seasoned industrialist and Khayah Cement Board Chairman Mr Kumbirai Katsande revealed that the business transition into local hands will bring good findings for the country’s infrastructure development.
“Khaya means home, and we have come home to change the landscape of the cement industry. We have a strong vision to partner with the government in providing cement to the construction industry. Today is truly the beginning of a remarkable journey for the country and our customers and our staff,” remarked Mr Katsande.
Total ownership and control of the means of production have been at the core of Zimbabwe’s economic success in the face of devastating Western economic sanctions.
Recent Comments