Online Reporter
Harmony Agere
Currency stability, improved ease of doing business and renewed demand for locally manufactured footwear have driven a significant increase in Bata Shoe Company’s production capacity, with the company now targeting even higher output.
The company’s capacity utilisation has increased from 27 percent to 42 percent, a development attributed to growing demand, particularly through bulk orders from Government institutions and private sector clients.
Bata is now projecting that capacity utilisation will rise further to 65 percent.
In a statement, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce said the stability of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency had played a key role in the company’s improved performance, alongside a favourable business environment and increased market demand.
Bata is also expanding its retail footprint, with plans already underway to open five additional stores.
“The stability of the ZiG has played a huge role,” reads the statement.
“Plans to open an additional five stores are in progress. Currently, the shoe manufacturer and retailer employs over 1 000 workers directly and over 400 workers indirectly.
“Bata has also partnered with SMEs in the leather value chain and is promoting employment creation, skills transfer and economic empowerment.”
The Ministry said Bata was positioning itself for further expansion as demand for locally manufactured footwear continues to grow.
