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Motor company Duly Holdings Limited (Duly’s) is ready to supply farmers with equipment for the new agriculture season under their brand, New Holland, general manager Mr Elliot Shoniwa said yesterday.

The firm also specialises in the retailing of Ford vehicles, UD trucks and a range of Mazda vehicles assembled in the country.

“The company is ready for the agriculture season. We have tractors in various configurations and farmers should know that all their tractor requirements are readily available,” he said.

Speaking on the sidelines of a clean-up campaign undertaken by the company in line with the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry’s call for a nationwide clean-up campaign, Mr Shoniwa said his company stands ready to support local vehicle manufacturers when they come into play.

“As Duly’s we have no problems in supporting local industries but as you might be aware, currently there is limited production. The decision by Government to request duty to be paid in foreign currency should have been made after a local vehicle manufacturing company has been put in place, then protect it. At the moment there is nothing to protect,” he said.

He added that Duly’s cannot set up a local manufacturing company since the local market is too small to sustain and support such a facility, hence it would be a better option to go into toll manufacturing or manufacturing vehicles for the Sadc or Comesa markets which would mean cheaper vehicles.

Despite the challenges, Mr Shoniwa said the company will not be retrenching as it has put in place strategies to cope with the difficult operating environment.

“Like any business that is operating in the country, yes there have been challenges and the macro environment is not conducive for good business, however, as Duly’s we have been in the game for a very long time and we know survival strategies, we are keeping our heads above water,” said Mr Shoniwa.

“The current economic crisis has not really affected the company’s performance as we have been a long time player in the market, we anticipated the crisis and are weathering the crisis.

“We are proud to say despite the challenges happening we are not downsizing or retrenching workers and we are working together as a team and facing the future with confidence.”

Commenting on the clean-up campaign, Mr Shoniwa said it is an opportunity for the company to play its national role in assisting the Government and local authorities towards achieving a clean environment.

The Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry is spearheading a nationwide clean-up campaign with the official launch being held yesterday December 5, 2018.

Duly’s decided to support this worthy cause by cleaning areas surrounding its premises nationwide.

The company’s head of marketing, Mrs Hope Kemadjou said: “This clean-up is not only for today (Wednesday), but will be a continuous effort on our part in the communities we are based.”

Five of its branches, namely, Duly’s Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare  and Duly Trucks in Workington participated.