Disco roars back to life: Steel giant resumes operations, scoops top awards

DINSON Iron and Steel Company (Disco) has fully resumed operations at its massive US$1,5 billion Manhize Steel Plant in Mvuma after completing a scheduled shutdown for maintenance and system upgrades.

The restart comes with a double celebration for the steel giant, which is also basking in a haul of prestigious industry awards, further cementing its position as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s industrial revival.

The temporary shutdown, which ran from September 11 to November 2, was a planned maintenance window to inspect, repair and replace critical equipment to ensure optimal performance and prevent unforeseen breakdowns in the future.

Disco group public relations manager Mr Joseph Shoko confirmed yesterday that operations were now in full swing.
“Operations at the Disco Manhize Steel Plant resumed on November 3 after a temporary closure designed to enhance production systems, reinforce safety protocols, and ensure long-term operational excellence,” he said.

Mr Shoko said all maintenance objectives were successfully achieved and employees had returned to work in good health and high spirits.

In a statement, Dinson Industrial Group expressed gratitude to its workforce for their patience, dedication and professionalism throughout the shutdown.

“Our employees are our strength and their dedication has ensured a smooth transition back to full operations,” the company said.

Adding to the good news, Disco announced that it has attained SABS ISO 9001 Certification and the SAZ Quality Management Certification. These globally recognised standards reaffirm the company’s commitment to quality, strong internal processes, customer satisfaction and adherence to international best practices.

Dinson Iron and Steel Company recently scooped several major industry awards, including Iron and Steel Industry Company of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to National Development and Social Impact, 2025 Exporter of the Year, Most Influential CEOs Award and the Inclusive Development of Sustainable Development Goals Award.

“These honours highlight the company’s role in driving industrial growth, advancing inclusive development, and contributing to the attainment of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” the company said.

CEO Mr Benson Xu received special recognition for his visionary leadership, which has championed inclusive development across the group and strengthened partnerships that deliver lasting social and economic benefits.

With systems upgraded, awards in hand and production back on track, Disco reaffirmed its mission to produce high-quality steel using innovative technologies, a highly skilled workforce and sustainable environmental practices. The company remains committed to powering Zimbabwe’s industrial transformation through job creation, support for local enterprises and responsible development.

The Manhize steel plant is one of Africa’s largest integrated steelworks. It is being built by Disco, one of three Zimbabwean subsidiaries of Tsingshan Holdings Group Limited, the global stainless steel powerhouse.

Tsingshan also operates Dinson Colliery in Hwange, Matabeleland North and Afrochine Smelting in Selous.

The Manhize investment positions Zimbabwe among emerging global steel hubs, with projections suggesting the country could become a significant player in the global steel and iron industry.

Disco is expected to produce 600 000 metric tonnes of steel products in Phase One, rising to 1,2 million tonnes in Phase Two, then 3,2 million tonnes in Phase Three, and ultimately reaching five million tonnes a year in the final phase.

This growth is anticipated to earn Zimbabwe hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign currency and boost national economic development.-herald

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