2 000 employed at Manhize, number set to grow

THE Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco) plant in Manhize in the Midlands Province has experienced a notable increase in its workforce, currently employing about 2 000 with the number expected to rise steadily as the company continues to expand its operations.

The surge in employment at the Disco plant highlights the growing industrial activity in the region and reflects the company’s commitment to boosting local employment and contributing to the provincial economy. The Disco plant’s expansion is part of a broader initiative to enhance Zimbabwe’s steel production capabilities and reduce reliance on imported steel.

The plant’s expansion is anticipated to have a ripple effect, stimulating growth in related sectors such as transport, housing, and local businesses.

As the workforce at the Disco plant continues to grow, the company is expected to play a pivotal role in the economic development of the province, providing employment opportunities and fostering industrial growth in the region. The company is poised to make a substantial impact on Zimbabwe’s job market, with expectations to create an impressive 10 000 employment opportunities at peak production.

A major milestone was achieved last month when the blast furnace at the Manhize plant was ignited, marking the beginning of pig iron production after successful test runs.

The milestone development has ignited a spark of hope for the country’s industrial revival drive, affirming the Second Republic’s commitment to transforming the economy in line with Vision 2030 aimed at transforming the country into a prosperous upper middle-income status.

Pig iron, the initial product of the blast furnace, serves as the foundation for further steel production with Disco aiming to commence steel billet production soon, a vital raw material for various industrial applications.

In an interview, Disco’s public relations manager, Mr Joseph Shoko, said everything is progressing smoothly as planned.

“We have commenced pig iron production, initially targeting 1 200 tonnes per day, with the potential to scale up to 2 000 tonnes daily. Our annual goal is to produce 600 000 tonnes of steel. The next phase of production, billet manufacturing, is slated to begin by the end of July, with final preparations currently underway,” he said.

“On the power front, our 50-megawatt plant is now operational, and presently generating 30 megawatts, which is sufficient for our current needs. Our workforce has grown to nearly 2 000 employees, with numbers increasing progressively.”

Mr Shoko said the test runs are going on seamlessly with no issues encountered so far.

He said they are gradually increasing pig iron production.

“We are steadily ramping up our pig iron production, having already achieved an increase of over six percent. We expect to reach full capacity of 100 percent once we commence billet production,” said Mr Shoko.

Furthermore, he said the upcoming Sadc Industrialisation Week is perfectly timed, offering the steel giant an ideal opportunity to connect with regional industrialists, showcase products, and forge strategic partnerships.

“Collaboration is crucial for us, particularly given our landlocked location, and we look forward to participating in this significant event to explore synergies with neighbouring countries,” said Mr Shoko.

Given the proposal to widen the rail system, between Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana, he said, the move is a welcome development as it will have a positive impact on the operations of Disco in terms of exporting products to the region and global market.

“The railway will significantly reduce costs by shortening the distance by 400km, compared to using the Bulawayo-Harare railway. Our strategy is to utilise the Beira corridor and Maputo route, enabling us to tap into all potential overseas markets and expand our reach,” said Mr Shoko.

The colossal Manhize steel plant, spearheaded by Disco, a subsidiary of Tsingshan Holdings Group Limited, is poised to transform Zimbabwe into a continental steel giant.

The company already owns Dinson Colliery, which produces coal, and Afrochine Smelting Limited, which produces ferrochrome, solidifying its grip on the steel production chain. The integrated approach positions Zimbabwe to compete with global leaders in steel manufacturing.

The initial phase of production promises an impressive 600 000 metric tonnes of steel products annually. This number is projected to skyrocket to a staggering five million tonnes per year in the final phase, generating significant foreign currency for the country.

A crucial partnership between the Government and Disco will see the refurbishment and construction of a 1 000km dedicated railway line linking the steel plant with export markets. This vital infrastructure will ensure efficient transportation of Disco’s products for both local and export markets.

The project will see the creation of road and rail networks, alongside a dam to provide water for various purposes, aligning with the Government’s vision of stimulating production across all sectors and propelling Zimbabwe towards an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.