Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Business Hub
DELTA Corporation says the expansion of its Bulawayo production capacity remains firmly on course, although slightly behind schedule, as the brewer seeks to add a new brewhouse and a packaging line to meet growing demand.
The brewhouse and packaging line are expected to be commissioned before the end of the year.
Zimbabwe’s largest beverage group has two beer production plants in Bulawayo, the Chibuku Super plant in Fairbridge and the Lager Brewery in Belmont.
It has invested a combined US$38 million in the projects at the Belmont lager brewery: US$22 million in the packaging line and US$16 million in the brewhouse.
Briefing delegates on Wednesday during a tour of the projects by Special Advisor to the President,
Dr Joram Gumbo, Delta Corporation Belmont plant engineer, Engineer Bryn Ndemela said significant progress has been made at the new brewhouse.
“So, in general, we have two projects that we are currently running here at Delta Belmont. The first project is the new brewhouse and the second one is the packaging line.
“The existing brewhouse that we have here was installed in 1983; literally, it means it is now 43 years old. Secondly, in terms of capacity, the existing brewhouse was running out of capacity and we were no longer able to meet the demand from the market,” he said.
“Also, as equipment ages, several issues normally arise. The existing brewhouse has a number of quality issues that we need to address.
“Much progress has been made on the new brewhouse and despite some delays, we expect President Mnangagwa to cut the ribbon to commission (the equipment) sometime before the end of the year,” he said.
Overall progress is now at 91 percent.
Eng Ndemela said the roofing beamwork is done, roof sheet installation is ongoing, while sorghum silos erection and water testing have been completed.
“Electrical installation is ongoing, with the motor control centre (MCC) panels in place and malt section mechanical equipment installation at 85 percent. A few touch-ups are being made and our plan for the next 100 days is to ensure completion of the installation side, mechanical side and electricals.”
He said the delay in completing the project was caused by the late delivery of the stainless steel material that was imported from South Africa.
Eng Ndemela said they started the project in November and when they placed their orders, the South African companies had closed for the festive season.
“So, they did not process their orders in January, which then resulted in the late delivery of some of the equipment. Yes, we are behind schedule, but to recover, we actually engaged an additional shift and we are working 24 hours. We now have a day shift and a night shift.”
He said major civil works on the packaging line have substantially progressed, with wet-end plinth concrete pouring and curing completed, while drainage works on both sections of the plant are being advanced toward completion.
“The current progress is at 75 percent. Site establishment and mobilisation completed, site hoarding and preparatory works completed as well as concrete cutting, slab removal, excavation and scarifying works completed.”
Eng Ndemela said drainage works were 95 percent complete.
Delta is targeting the pre-commissioning phase and first saleable product for 750ml packs by January 2027.
The project will create 43 jobs, increase capacity to meet product demand, expand production capacity for all glass packs and brands and bring newer and more energy-efficient technology that will improve infrastructure.
Delta Corporation Belmont plant packaging manager, Mr Mthulisi Nyoni, said process automation will increase efficiency, which will prompt the group to engage three extra shifts at the new packaging line, promoting job creation.
“Downstream, there will be huge opportunities for people to sell, to open up and increase their businesses. Considering where we are in this century, where there is a lot of automation, it pushes speed and efficiency where human intervention will slow down the process.”
Dr Gumbo commended Delta’s investments in capacity expansion and community upliftment across Zimbabwe through the corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework that focuses on education, health and environmental sustainability
“We have heard here that there are a lot of CSR activities that they undertake across the country, in schools and so forth, so it has been very fruitful. One can only say that the massive development that we see under the Second Republic is really an indication that the Government is really concerned about the lives of the people of Zimbabwe.
“It covers several areas and that’s really what the mantra of President Mnangagwa is all about, leaving no place and no community behind,” Dr Gumbo said.
He said the developments speak to Bulawayo regaining its industrial hub status and the Government is happy about it, while calling on more companies and industries to come into Bulawayo to drive resuscitation of industries.
