Bulawayo, (New Ziana)-Local industries should invest in automation and advanced technologies to boost productivity and efficiency, a Cabinet Minister said on Thursday.
Industry and Commerce Minister, Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu said this after touring the US$11 million state of the art Profeeds plant in Bulawayo, which employs advanced technologies and automation to enhance its manufacturing capabilities.
“I was impressed by this plant’s state-of-the-art machinery. Human interaction is only required at the packaging stage deliberately retained to add a human touch and maintain staff employment. The plant employs over 150 workers operating in three shifts for 24-hour production. They have successfully balanced technological advancement with the need to preserve jobs,” he said.
Ndlovu said his tour proved that local companies should embrace technology to become productive and efficient.
“But we are seeing this everywhere whether we like it or not, to be more productive and efficient, you must embrace technology. This means our education system must focus on future jobs, producing graduates who remain relevant in the approaching or current age. I think Profeeds excelled here by adopting this technology. They explained that this plant outperforms their Harare branch due to its technological advancement,” he said.
He said such investment is key to driving the re-industrialisation agenda, ensuring Bulawayo reclaims its position as the industrial hub of the country.
“Competitors are also reducing their prices, which shows there is healthy competition. I am also happy that we have been able to support duty free imports of equipment under the facilities that we support our private sector with.”
Ndlovu said the government is also implementing comprehensive measures to ensure local companies become profitable, create employment, offer more affordable products domestically, and boost exports.
“I am sure you are aware of the government’s specific actions to address this issue. In fact, the last cabinet meeting focused on stockfeed manufacturing, examining regulations for the sector. We are also reviewing the dairy and livestock sectors. Significant measures are being taken to ensure these companies become profitable, create more jobs, reduce production costs, and boost exports,” he said.
New Ziana
