Online Reporter
Moffat Mungazi
Post Reporter
LEADING consumer household goods manufacturer, Willowton Group, is making quantum leaps in tightening its grip on the market by producing merchandise that improve the quality, nutrition and hygiene of its customers.
With these huge strides, the company is positioning itself to make a difference in consumers’ lives daily.
In an interview, Willowton Group human resources manager, Mr David Muzadzi, outlined that their vision is to ensure a better way of living for communities.
“At Willowton Group Zimbabwe, we are
committed to delivering quality and affordable products that cater to the everyday needs of consumers, while contributing to the national economic growth, local production and employment,” he said.
Open for business
Established locally in 2015, the giant corporate is situated in the Nyakamete Industrial area of Mutare where it operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that churns out a wide range of quality fast-moving consumer goods, whose product portfolio includes cooking oil, laundry and bath soap, fat spread and baker’s fat, among others.
“Willowton Group is proudly Zimbabwean and open for business. We pride ourselves as an astute entity that produces high quality goods such as D’Lite cooking oil, Brite Lite laundry bar, Sona beauty soap, Romi 40 percent spread and baker’s fat. All these are produced locally at our high-end plant in Mutare. We thrive on delivering excellence as our premium brands are available in every household and this sets us apart from other players in the industry,” said Mr Muzadzi.
To uphold the end product’s finest quality, Willowton Group runs tests on all materials at their on-site state-of-the-art laboratory at the plant before the entire production process starts.
New products alert
Mr Muzadzi revealed that they have
introduced new products to the market – Sungold cooking oil and Romi spread –
that also exude the same unmistakable and trademark quality that their other goods are known for.
“Our customers do not consume in arrears as their needs have to be met and satisfied always. This is one of the reasons why we have added new products to the already existing ones. Sungold cooking oil is ideal for use in cooking, baking, frying and salads, while Romi 40 percent fat spread is creamy and has a buttery taste that makes it suitable for spreading and use in sauces. It can also be kept out of the fridge. Storage for both products is simple. Sungold cooking oil has a shelf life of two years from the date of production when kept under cool conditions away from direct sunlight or heat source. Romi 40 percent fat spread has no allergens at all, and can be kept for up to one year from date of production,” he said.
Mr Muzadzi highlighted that the new two products have been well received on the market, with customer feedback giving the merchandise a thumps up.
That endorsement has emboldened the company to produce more volumes as it targets organic growth.
To galvanise its position as a market leader, the company remains open to adequately provide wholesalers and other suppliers with affordable and quality merchandise.
Packaged for convenience
To give consumers variety for choices, Willowton Group’s different products are packaged for convenience.
This, Mr Muzadzi said, makes purchasing their goods easy on the customers’ pocket. It provides value for money.
“Alive to customer preferences and our commitment to give them variety for choice, some of our goods like D’Lite cooking oil, Brite Lite laundry bar and Sona beauty soap come in different sizes. This creates affordability and convenience for our consumers,” he explained.
He added that all their products are competitively priced without compromising on their quality.
Employer of choice, responsible corporate citizen
As it continues on the growthtrajectory, Willowton Group is working closely with other stakeholders while also meeting Government and statutory compliances.
The company currently employs 250 people and is targeting gender parity.
“We are a responsible corporate citizen with 250 employees on a 65 percent to 35 percent gender ratio; the former being males and the latter females. Our catchment area of employment is the zone we are operating in, and this is our way of giving back to the community,” said Mr Muzadzi.
In pursuit of sustainability, Willowton Group highly values human capital development.
“For us, a healthy employee is a productive employee, and to maintain our high standards, we hold the health and wellness of all our employees in high regard, both on and off the production plant. As such we have been involved in various initiatives to achieve this end. On Sunday, we had some of our employees at the Zimpapers Ladies Summer Splash event in Vumba, and have also been involved in marathons in the past.
“Because charity begins at home, other corporate social responsibility initiatives have seen the company provide for the less privileged in society, while also giving to hospitals, clinics and orphanages.
Mr Muzadzi highlighted that as part of giving back to the community, Willowton Group offers apprenticeship at the production facility and internships in different departments.
This, he explained, equips students with the required expertise and necessary experience to prepare them for the world of work.
Mr Muzadzi said to push their products and increase brand visibility, they will continue participating at various expos and exhibitions events.
