BUILDING materials manufacturer Turnall Holdings plans to upgrade its Bulawayo sheeting plant to expand production capacity, improve operational efficiencies ahead of export sales resumption.
The planned upgrade comes as the company accelerates investment in its manufacturing facilities to strengthen its position in domestic and regional markets amid growing demand for construction materials.
Turnall chairman Mr Kenneth Schofield said the Bulawayo project would complement the group’s ongoing fibre-cement expansion programme and unlock new growth opportunities.
“We expect to commission the new fibre-cement sheeting plant during the 2026 financial year and this marks a new growth chapter for the group. We are also targeting the upgrade of the Bulawayo sheeting plant, which will pave the way for the resumption of export sales,” he noted.
The company views export market recovery as a key component of its growth strategy as it seeks to diversify revenue streams and expand its regional footprint.
The planned investment follows an improvement in the group’s operating performance during the year, with revenue rising five percent to US$12,6 million against the previous year, while sales volumes increased seven percent to 33 861 tonnes from 31 530 tonnes.
According to the company, investments in production facilities are expected to improve product quality, expand product offerings and enhance competitiveness in the building materials sector.
Mr Schofield said the group’s expansion initiatives would support revenue growth and improve operational efficiencies.
“These efforts will go a long way in improving our product offer to the market, growing revenue and improving production efficiencies. These initiatives, coupled with the current cost containment initiatives, will enhance the profitability of the group and ensure sustainable growth prospects.
“Turnall will also evaluate opportunities in the operating environment and where appropriate look to maximise its position in the market,” said the chairman.
The Bulawayo plant upgrade forms part of a wider capital investment programme that includes the near-complete installation of a new fibre-cement sheeting manufacturing plant in Harare.
The company said the Harare facility is undergoing final testing and is expected to be commissioned during the 2026 financial year.
“A defining milestone of the year was the near-completion of the installation of the new fibre cement sheeting plant in Harare. The plant is currently undergoing final testing and is expected to be commissioned in the 2026 financial year.
“This project is expected to significantly increase production capacity, enhance production efficiencies, enrich our product offering and strengthen the Group’s competitiveness within the building materials construction sector.”
Turnall said the combined impact of the Harare expansion project and the planned Bulawayo upgrade would significantly increase production capacity while supporting long-term growth and regional market penetration.
The company also highlighted the role played by shareholders in funding its transformation programme through a rights issue.
Part of the capital raised had initially been earmarked for the acquisition of a Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) manufacturing plant, but the board subsequently redirected the funds towards the fibre-cement expansion project following a strategic review.
“Following a strategic review of the Group’s capital investment priorities, the funds were redirected towards the civil and installation costs of the new fibre-cement sheeting manufacturing facility in Harare.
“The Board believes that this decision represents the most effective deployment of the shareholders’ capital at this stage of the Group’s transformation, given the anticipated benefits arising from this investment.”
Looking ahead, Turnall said it remains focused on driving profitability through strategic investments, production efficiencies and disciplined cost management.
However, the company cautioned that geopolitical developments, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, could create challenges for businesses through higher energy costs and disruptions to global supply chains.
“Recently, the conflict in the Middle East has sent shockwaves in the global energy and financial markets, with fuel price increases already having been affected locally.
“The overall effect is uncertain and will be greater the longer the conflict persists. There is also a risk that supply chain dynamics could be adversely affected, which would have a negative bearing on international trade. The Group will continue to be proactive in mitigating these risks.”
Despite the uncertain global environment, Turnall remains optimistic that increased production capacity from the new Harare plant and the planned upgrade of the Bulawayo facility will strengthen competitiveness, support sustainable growth and facilitate the resumption of export sales.-herald
