Matsiloje cement plant eyes reopening :: Mmegi Online

FRANCISTOWN: Matsiloje Portland Cement (MPC), one of only two homegrown cement producers in the country, is eyeing a return to production by the end of the year following its closure in 2018. Managing director Rachit Josh told BusinessWeek the company was 'very optimistic' it could resume operations and was currently in talks with a reputable investor with a view of entering into a partnership to re-open the plant. “I cannot comment on what the exact situation is regarding the plant but at this stage we are closed,” he said in an interview this week. “However, we are actively seeking an investor and once this is done then we hope to restart the plant by end of this year.”

He added: “Once restarted, the plant will create 50 direct jobs,” while stressing that for confidentiality reasons he could not share the finer details relating to the reopening of the cement plant.

The plant, which is owned by Nortex Textiles, closed in January 2018 due to competition from South African imports with 150 people losing their jobs. For years before its closure, MPC had recorded a string of losses.

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