Nqobile Bhebhe,Zimpapers Business Hub
BREAD maker, Baker’s Inn, and clothing retailer Edgars’ manufacturing division, Carousel, are leading industrial revival in Bulawayo following significant investments in cutting-edge technology and modern production systems.
The two firms are not only enhancing production efficiencies but are also playing a pivotal role in accelerating Zimbabwe’s re-industrialisation agenda under the Second Republic.
Baker’s Inn, a division of Victoria Falls Stock Exchange-listed Innscor Africa, has invested close to US$27 million in a second plant at its Belmont factory, as part of its ambitious expansion programme.
The state-of-the-art facility is now churning out over 200 000 loaves of bread per day, significantly ramping up supply to meet growing demand.
The new plant is powered by advanced automation, including robotics and precision machinery that streamline key processes such as mixing, cutting, moulding, and packaging, reducing human error and improving hygiene and consistency.
“From the new factory, on average, we produce 160 000 loaves a day. We have the capacity to produce 245 000 loaves of bread per day with additional volumes from the old plant, which is now under care and maintenance,” said Mr Frecious Mpofu, Baker’s Inn managing director for the southern region.
“At the new factory, we are using the latest high-tech in the world, and it is probably the only such production line in Southern Africa outside South Africa. Robots are now part of the process from dough handling to slicing and packaging, which ensures speed, precision and efficiency,” he said.
Meanwhile, Carousel is undergoing a robust retooling transformation with a target to produce 100 000 clothing units per month.
The company has already invested over US$1 million since 2024, with a marked improvement in production capacity, employment and operational efficiency.
Managing director Mr Menfree Tanyanyiwa said the positive momentum was being fuelled by strategic equipment upgrades, increased orders and skills training.
“We are on a massive retooling exercise and we have invested in a lot of machinery. We have a team that is now in Italy undergoing training because we are acquiring cutting machinery that will enhance productivity,” he said.
Source: The Herald
Source: The Herald
