Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira in BULAWAYO
Bulawayo has the potential to become the hub of the country’s manufacturing sector, given the potential it has shown so far, President Mnangagwa said yesterday.
He said this after touring Edgars Stores’ Carousel Clothing manufacturing plant, which is expected to increase production in terms of economic output and employment creation.
The President’s visit preceded the launch of the National Competition Commission’s inaugural Summit that he later officiated at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Exhibition Centre.
The Edgars manufacturing plant produces a range of clothes for its retail divisions dotted around the country and other outlets, a development set to increase its market share.
Edgars invested in new sewing equipment among other machines to boost its competitiveness.
In an interview after the tour, President Mnangagwa said he was happy with the production work at the company, particularly considering that the bulk of their workforce was made up of women.
“I am very impressed. I have never been here before. It is my first visit to this place, so I am impressed that we have such facilities in our country, so vast and providing employment, especially to women.
“It shows that when you say Bulawayo is a hub of manufacturing, I realised that it is true,” said President Mnangagwa.
The newly-installed equipment include sewing machines, garment printing press, sand dusting and reaping machines, and pocket inserting machines, amongst other accessories.
The company’s manufacturing division has increased the number of workers from 35 in 2022 to about 700 this year.
The Edgars Group runs Edgars Stores, Jet, Carousel and Club-Plus and the business units have registered steady growth over the years.
President Mnangagwa was accompanied by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya and other senior Government officials.
