Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimpapers Business Hub
LISTED fibre-cement products manufacturer, Turnall Holdings Limited, is positioning itself for a strong rebound in regional exports by 2026 following the ongoing upgrade of its Bulawayo sheeting plant, a move expected to improve production capacity and product mix.
The company believes the modernisation of its facilities will be pivotal in restoring profitability and unlocking new markets.
“Resumption of export sales is also expected in 2026 after the planned upgrade of the Bulawayo sheeting plant,” said Turnall’s board chairman , Mr Grenville Hampshire in the 2024 annual report.
The sheeting plant upgrade is part of a broader capital expenditure programme which saw Turnall spend US$3,2 million during the year under review, a significant rise from the US$567. 927.00 invested in 2023.
The funds have been channelled mainly towards the new fibre-cement plant and templates for the Bulawayo facility.
The Bulawayo factory is being converted to produce non-asbestos cement (non-AC) products, aligning with changing customer preferences and regional market requirements.
Upon completion, the Bulawayo machine will exclusively produce non-AC products while a new plant under construction in Harare, which has double the current Bulawayo output at 210 tonnes per day, will focus on AC production.
Civil works in Harare are underway, with commissioning expected at the beginning of the third quarter of this year, the report notes.
“The new sheeting plant is expected to be commissioned in the 3rd quarter of 2025,” said the group.
Turnall is engaged in the production of building and construction materials comprising corrugated sheeting, flat sheets, pan tiles, pressure pipes, sewer pipes, concrete roofing tiles and related accessories.
It also produces products that include garden decor, partition boards, barges, fascia, pantiles, slate and endurites, Ravenna concrete tile, Nutech non-asbestos sheets and Turnall Spanish pavers.
The company operates through segments, which include Building Products, Piping Products and Concrete Tiles.
Turnall reported a four percent decline in revenue to US$12,04 million from US$12,56 million in 2023, weighed down by liquidity constraints and the El Niño-induced drought, which suppressed demand.
