Online Reporter
Hilmax Engineering, which has a remarkable 27-year history of serving Zimbabwe’s mining and industrial sectors, successfully emerged from corporate rescue recently. On July 30, 2025, the company concluded a fully approved and creditor-supported corporate rescue plan — receiving 100 percent approval from both shareholders and creditors. The engineering business is now under the stewardship of a new investor, Kushi Green Energy Technologies, and a new executive leadership team. Mr John Mkushi is now the executive chairperson, while Mr Shephard Kembo is the managing director, who last week took the opportunity to share insights on the future of the business.
**********************
Q: What exactly does this moment represent for Hilmax Engineering and the broader engineering sector in Zimbabwe?
A: This moment represents renewal, resilience and readiness. Hilmax Engineering is no longer a company in financial distress — it is now a restructured, fully capitalised and future-facing business. We are re-entering the market with stronger systems, fresh investment and a strategic vision that aligns with the industrialisation goals of Zimbabwe. It is a powerful signal that corporate rescue works when backed by smart legislation, committed stakeholders and competent execution.
Q: How was Hilmax able to secure 100 percent approval from both creditors and shareholders?
A: It was all about clarity, trust and alignment. The proposed Hilmax rescue plan was not just about balance sheet recovery — it was a blueprint for long-term value. With the guidance and direction of one of the seasoned corporate rescue practitioners, Mr Rueben Mukavhi, we engaged all stakeholders transparently. Backed by a solid equity investor in Kushi Green Energy Technologies, we successfully structured a plan that protected creditor interests while unlocking growth potential. The unanimous vote reflects confidence in both the new leadership and the company’s future.
Q: Tell us more about Kushi Green Energy Technologies and why they were the right investor for Hilmax Engineering?
A: Kushi Green Energy Technologies, a subsidiary of Globavel International, is a diversified investment firm with interests across engineering, energy and infrastructure. Their track record in revitalising technical businesses and driving long-term value through operational excellence made them the ideal strategic investor. They bring both capital and capacity, and, most importantly, a shared vision for industrial revival and local value creation.
Q: What does your new role as managing director entail, and what is your immediate focus?
A: With guidance and direction from my executive chairperson Mr John Mkushi, who has had illustrious corporate experience spanning over 50 years as a captain of industry, my role as a managing director is to lead this transformation with focus, integrity and innovation. Our immediate priorities are re-engaging our core clients in mining, construction and manufacturing; investing in people, systems and plant infrastructure; and repositioning Hilmax as a reliable, world-class engineering solutions partner. We are building a company that does not just recover but leads in shaping Zimbabwe’s industrial future.
Q: What services does Hilmax offer and how do these align with Zimbabwe’s economic priorities?
A: We specialise in mechanical engineering solutions, including conveyor systems, plant installations, equipment maintenance and custom fabrication. These services are crucial in mining, manufacturing, construction, the automotive industry, cement production and energy infrastructure — all sectors that underpin Zimbabwe’s economic growth. We are now positioned to support large-scale projects, enhance local content and deliver cost-effective, dependable engineering solutions to critical industries.
Q: What is new about the engineering company post-corporate rescue — structurally, culturally and strategically?
A: Structurally, we are now 100 percent owned by a dynamic, growth-focused investor. Culturally, we have embraced a high-performance mindset with clear accountability, agile execution and client-focused service delivery. Strategically, we have sharpened our focus on core markets, digitisation, quality assurance and expanding our presence nationally. It is a total shift — from survival to strategic scale.
Q: What role did the corporate rescue practitioner play in this transition?
A: Mr Rueben Mukavhi was instrumental. He brought structure, discipline and legal oversight to what could have been a chaotic process. His experience, along with his unwavering commitment to stakeholder balance, created the bridge between distress and opportunity. This success proves the effectiveness of Zimbabwe’s corporate rescue legislation when applied professionally. Hilmax Engineering company is back — stronger, leaner and built for the future. We understand local challenges, we deliver to global standards and we are ready to serve across Zimbabwe and the region. To our mining, industrial and construction partners, we say let us build together.
Q: What is your vision for the company over the next three to five years?
A: We are building a resilient, regionally competitive engineering powerhouse. Over the next five years, Hilmax Engineering will deepen its presence in mining and industrial projects, introduce tech-driven service models and scale operations into regional markets. Our aim is simple: to be the partner of choice for engineering excellence in Zimbabwe and beyond.
This is a national win. It shows that strategic partnerships, structured governance and local investor confidence can drive economic revival. We are proud to be part of Zimbabwe’s industrial renewal story — and we are here to contribute, collaborate and lead in building our economy.
Online Reporter