Online Reporter
Business Writer
HILMAX ENGINEERING (PVT) LTD, which has been synonymous with Zimbabwe’s mining and industrial engineering landscape for the past 27 years, has successfully emerged from corporate rescue with fresh capital, a strategic new investor and dynamic leadership that is already repositioning the business for growth.
The company’s turnaround was officially sealed on July 30, 2025, after the rescue plan was unanimously approved by both creditors and shareholders. This reflects strong stakeholder confidence in Hilmax’s transformation plan, spearheaded by a new shareholder — Kushi Green Energy Technologies, a wholly-owned subsidiary of diversified investment holding firm Globavel International Pvt Ltd.
Today, Hilmax is now positioned to deliver engineering solutions that power Zimbabwe’s mining, construction, cement, manufacturing and energy sectors.
The company’s new managing director, Mr Shephard Kembo, shared insights on the company’s rebirth, its renewed direction, and its role in Zimbabwe’s industrial development.
“This is more than a turnaround — it is a declaration of readiness,” he said. “Hilmax Engineering is no longer a company in financial distress.
“We are now a fully capitalised, strategically restructured business ready to lead in Zimbabwe’s industrial economy. This journey proves that with sound policy, committed stakeholders, and the right strategic investor, distressed companies can bounce back stronger.”
He commended the 100 percent approval vote as a rare show of unified confidence from all stakeholders, noting that the clarity of the rescue plan, its equity-based recapitalisation structure and the credibility of its leadership team were key to securing this outcome.
New investors, new era
The company is now 100 percent owned by Kushi Green Energy Technologies, an engineering and infrastructure-focused subsidiary of Globavel International. With regional operations and an entrepreneurial investment approach, Kushi Green Energy brings both capital strength and sector-specific expertise.
“They were not just looking to invest — they wanted to build. That is why they are the right fit. Their experience in turning around technical operations and their long-term commitment to value creation align perfectly with Hilmax’s legacy and future,” added Mr Kembo.
Hilmax’s new executive leadership includes executive chairman Mr John P. Mkushi, a seasoned industrialist and corporate leader with over five decades of boardroom experience; and Mr Shephard Kembo, a strategy-driven business executive known for leading successful organisational transformations, as managing director.
“Under the chairman’s visionary guidance, my role is to implement a clear roadmap focused on client re-engagement, system and infrastructure upgrades, and positioning Hilmax as a trusted engineering partner,” Mr Kembo said.
Powering the economy
Hilmax Engineering offers a suite of mechanical engineering services, including: conveyor systems; plant installations and maintenance; heavy equipment engineering; industrial fabrication. (These are vital to mining, manufacturing, construction, cement production and energy — the backbone sectors of the Zimbabwean economy).
“We deliver reliable, localised and cost-effective engineering solutions. Our services directly support national economic targets and local content strategies,” said Kembo.
Post-rescue, Hilmax is strategically reborn. The company has embraced a high-performance culture, digital innovation and strict quality assurance protocols. With renewed focus on operational agility and market relevance, the company aims to be a national asset in Zimbabwe’s industrialisation journey.
Mr Kembo credits the corporate rescue practitioner Mr Rueben Mukavhi for ensuring a professional and orderly transition.
“Mr Mukavhi played a stabilising, key guiding role in aligning the legal, financial and operational dynamics. His leadership gave the process legitimacy and coherence.”
Hilmax is now actively re-engaging former clients in the mining sector, such as Zimplats and other key mining houses, while also onboarding new projects in infrastructure and manufacturing.
“To our current and future clients — Hilmax is back. Stronger. Faster. More focused. We are ready to serve the mining, construction and industrial sectors with world-class engineering solutions designed for Zimbabwe,” Kembo said.
“We are building a home for skilled engineers, local suppliers and forward-thinking innovators. This is not just a business comeback — it is a platform for enterprise development.”
Looking ahead, Hilmax aims to deepen its presence in Zimbabwe and expand regionally. Its five-year vision includes scaling plant capacity, digitising service delivery and forming regional and international partnerships. — Advertorial
