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Tinashe Makichi Business Reporter
Paint manufacturer Astra Industries has re-opened its Chiredzi distillery, NCP Distillers, but the project faces challenges as competition from imports continues to escalate.

Astra Industries managing director Mr Mackenzie Mazimbe told The Herald Business that the distillery is now functional but is operating at a subdued capacity due to stiff competition for the market by imports.

“I can confirm that the distillery is now functional but since re-opening we have faced a lot of challenges. Most of the local customers are currently importing portable alcohol from South Africa and this is affecting our market. We are unable to compete against the prices.

“I think we should lobby Government to ban imports in this industry just like what they did with the cooking oil industry so that local industries can be revived,” said Mr Mazimbe.

Astra controls 51 percent of NCP Distillers, an alcohol joint venture with Hippo Valley Estates.

The company’s steel and engineering supplies subsidiary, Astra Steel, was closed in 2011.

Astra Industries operates two divisions, Astra Paints, which is the largest paint company in the country, and Astra Chemicals, which markets and distributes a diversified range of chemical products to industry.