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The Minister of Industry and Commerce Mr Michael Bimha (second from left) flanked by (from left) his deputy Ms Chiratidzo Mabuwa, Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province Ms Miriam Chikukwa and Proplastics MD Mr Kudakwashe Chigiya at the launch of the company’s new $1 million 400mm High Density Polyethylene Pipe making plant in Harare yesterday

PROPLASTICS’ new $1 million 400mm high-density polyethylene pipe making plant will enhance the company’s production capacity by 30 percent per month. This will translate to about 200 tonnes per month which is enough to satisfy local demand.

The HDPE pipe and PVC piping systems, with a design life of over 50 years will give Proplastics more production life.

This will see new revenue of up to $3 million per annum from the new plant.

Proplastics is a subsidiary of Masimba Holdings.

Group chairman Mr Greg Sebborn said at the launch of the plant that cheap imports of substandard products are the real issues affecting local manufacturers.

“The plant commissioned today is the latest pipe making technology to have been brought into Zimbabwe,” said Mr Sebborn.

“For the first time in this country we will offer HDPE pipes of up to 400mm in diameter. The machine can also make a wide range of other pipes so it is a very versatile piece of machinery,” he said.

Proplastics will be able to meet local demand for pipes and enhance the company’s export business.

“The new machine will enhance the capacity of Proplastics by about 30 percent and has capacity to do over 200 tonnes of HDPE pipes any given month. It will satisfy local demand thereby reducing imports and at the same time increasing our exports into the region and enhancing the nation’s balance of payments,” said Mr Sebborn.

The Minister of Industry and Commerce Mr Michael Bimha hailed Masimba Holdings for the confidence in the country by investing more funds in their business.

“I am confident that in partnership with the private sector we will turnaround our economy and obtain sustainable growth.

“We therefore appreciate and acknowledge the resilience and uttermost commitment shown by Masimba Holdings who have displayed confidence and commitment to the development of this country,” said Minister Bimha.

The new plant will cover HDPE pipes ranging from 110mm, 160mm, 200, 315mm, 355mm and 400mm which are key for water reticulation.