Rawkus Finds Feet In Aluminium Business
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Monday March 4, 2019 13:29
The business is located at the LEA Business Industrial Incubators at the Francistown Light Industrial area.
Mathambo said in an interview that their they manufacture aluminum windows, sliding doors and folding doors amongst others. According to the entrepreneur, the business is doing well even though many Batswana still shun aluminum products as they are relatively expensive.
However, he said aluminum products are stylish, durable and easy to maintain. Their biggest competitor in the market is Aluminum 2000, who are veterans in this type of industry.
Mathambo highlighted that they have managed to shrug of competition by providing tailor made aluminum products to their clients.
“We allow our customers to come up with their own preferred layout and designs for various aluminum products we offer and then we manufacture for them,” he said.
He added that the shortage for aluminum products in the northern part of country is amongst the reasons that prompted them to establish the business. “In 2016 I went to purchase aluminum windows for my sister in Gaborone because of their scarcity in Francistown. That is when I became interested in starting the business,” Mathambo explained.
“I then reached out to a friend who I knew was an expert in carpentry and craftsmanship and we decided to enter into a business partnership that led to the establishment of Rawkus Investments,” he said.
Mathambo said even though he had little knowledge about craftsmanship and carpentry, he had experience in procurement, which he has since incorporated into the running of the business.
Kenosi boast of a Trade C and D qualifications in Carpentry and Joinery from Palapye Development Trust.
Mathambo noted that they mostly purchase the material they use from PG Glass and also import some from South Africa when the quality they want is unavailable locally.
He said they used their combined personal savings amounting to P17, 000 as start up capital for their business.
The 40-year old bemoaned that established local private companies are still reluctant to support them.
“Majority of them still prefer to contract companies from the neighbouring South Africa to provide them with products we offer,” he bemoaned.
Mathambo said they have one employee who provides them with administration support and as “we as running marketing campaigns for the business through the use of the social media and distribution of flyers.”