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News / NationalBata workforce hits 1,326by Staff reporter2 hrs ago |141ViewsBata Shoe Company has commended the Government’s ongoing anti-smuggling campaign, saying it has helped revitalise operations and boost employment, with the company’s workforce increasing to about 1 350 employees, up from 1 200 last year.The remarks came during a visit to the Gweru factory by Ministry of Industry and Commerce Permanent Secretary, Dr Thomas Utete Wushe, held on the sidelines of the Ministry’s Strategic Planning Workshop.Bata country manager Simon Mutisya told The Herald Finance and Business that the clampdown on smuggling had created a fairer market environment, allowing the local manufacturer to increase production and profitability.”We employ 1 000 workers directly and 350 indirectly,” said Mutisya.
“Last year, we had 900 directly and around 300 indirectly.”He credited the company’s growth to supportive government policies, particularly the Local Content Strategy, which encourages domestic procurement and industrial recovery.”Several institutions, including those in the security sector, are now purchasing footwear in bulk from Bata,” he noted.Launched last year, the anti-smuggling campaign — led by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce’s Taskforce on Business Malpractices — aims to curb illegal imports that undercut local manufacturers.
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