Bulawayo firm quadruples production
BULAWAYO-based company, Ref-Air, has quadrupled its production capacity after the installation of new equipment and machinery worth US$400 000 at its factory.
The company specialises in all large and small-scale refrigeration and air-conditioning supplies, repair and installations. Recently it bought and installed new equipment and machinery worth US$400 000, which comprises two automated de-coiler machines, one splitter and a bender.
In a recent interview factory works manager, Mr Nigel Clive Oxden-Willows, told Business Chronicle that the new equipment has enhanced production levels.
“With our old system, which was hand driven, it would de-coil 60 sheets a day but now we are possibly taking two hours for the same process,” he said.
“So, we have quadrupled our production units. Automation has also increased the accuracy of measurements done of the panels.”
The firm is part of several companies countrywide that are benefiting from the improved ease of doing business and facilitation brought about by the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa.
According to a detailed report by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the increased Government support and private-sector partnerships have stimulated renewed industrial investments in the last few years, mainly in the manufacturing sector where increased focus is on value addition and beneficiation.
The report presents huge strides registered by the resuscitated businesses, which include key companies from Bulawayo, the Midlands, Harare, and other parts of the country.
Drawn from different sectors of the economy, the revitalised firms are now beefing up their production capacity through retooling and technology absorption to supply both domestic and export markets, in the process substituting imports while creating more employment opportunities for locals.
Ref-Air manufacturing facility specialises in the design, manufacture, and installation of foam-injected polyurethane panels.
The panels provide insulation and energy saving and are used for the construction of Cold and Freezer Rooms, pre-fabricated housing and offices and insulated vehicle panel bodies.
President Mnangagwa
The firm has carried out high-profile projects such as water chill systems for PVC Blow Molding, banana and citrus curing rooms, vegetable fruit and flower pack sheds, large and small abattoirs, meat processing rooms, hotel refrigeration, and air conditioning, supermarket storage and display refrigeration, as well as glass door cold rooms.
Ref-Air has regional footprint as it has undertaken projects with Zambia Air force, Cold Storage Commission Beira, Cold and Freezer room Complex and Abattoir for NZT Mazabuka, Zambia and also in Tanzania where it took care of the Airport Fruit and Vegetable Cold Room facility.chronicle.co.zw
