BDC coughs P36m for Kromberg & Schubert expansion
Pauline Dikuelo | Friday May 12, 2017 11:31
Western Industrial Estates is a 100% subsidiary of the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), which financed the expansion of the plant.
The factory, which is said to be amongst the biggest in the country, now covers about 26,100m2 from the initial 22,000m2 of the factory’s built up area.
Speaking during the official opening of the factory the Minister of Investment Trade and Industry, Vincent Seretse said this development has resulted in increasing staff complement from 2,000 to 2,500.
Out of the 2,500 employees, about 67% of them are women.
It prides itself on the fact that it operates almost 24 hours and that it has about two shifts with some departments having more than that.
“The factory has contributed significantly to government’s objectives of wealth creation, employment creation and poverty eradication. This will go a long way towards contributing to the industrial development agenda of this country,” Seretse said.
He added that a decision by BDC is a sign of confidence on Kromberg & Schubert, noting that his ministry will continue in its quest to facilitate the company to gain more market access locally, regionally and globally with their trading partners.
He further urged the company to consult government entities and contribute to the process to improve the business environment, adding that their contribution is valuable for the success of the industry.
“I am aware of the challenges like quality issues as well as some impediments to the local business environment. It is in realisation of these challenges that my ministry is overseeing implementation of the ‘doing business reforms’ and implementation of the industrial development policy,” Seretse said.
According to the minister, these reforms include drafting business facilitation law and reviewing the Trade Act, all of which are expected to be considered by Parliament this year.
In addition, he mentioned that the government would start implementation of the Regulatory Impact Assessment, noting that all these initiatives are aimed at addressing the shortcomings in the business environment.
He also recognised the role that BDC plays towards the government’s objective of economic diversification, export promotion and employment creation amongst others.
Kromberg & Schubert is an international player that focuses on the development and production of complex wiring systems for the automotive industry.
Currently the factory, which produces wire harness for the German cars such as VW and BMW, exports their products to the whole world with South Africa being their biggest market.