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Bethel Communications, which manufactures Astro mobile phone, is planning to set up a US$5 million manufacturing plant for its all technological devices in the country next year.Chief executive Mr Munyaradzi Gwatidzo said they were planning to set up the plant in Chitungwiza and were in the process of acquiring 15 000 square metres of land for the project.
“We intend to set up the plant in May next year and it will have an initial production capacity of 50 000 units which will rise to 500 000 units over time.
“We also hope to recruit about 500 people under the first phase and the number will increase as we ramp up production,” he said. He added that the company was working with a Hong Kong company to assist them in the procurement of the equipment required for the plant and the training of workers.
Mr Gwatidzo said the equipment will help them manufacture various chips that are key in the manufacturing and assembling of various electronic gadgets such as smartphones, tablets and televisions.
“We will also be working closely with local companies such as Mega Pak and other plastic products manufacturers,” he said.
The company’s immediate vision, Mr Gwatidzo said, was to set up to set up branches in Gweru, Mutare and Masvingo and thereafter expand into regional countries such as Zambia and South Africa using the money they have realised so far from selling their products on the local market.
“To date we have sold over 100 000 units and we want to use US$2 million for our regional forays. We have seen that there are a lot of opportunities there,” he said.
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