Nemaire told The Zimbabwean that the world-class machinery was being shipped from Italy and Germany and was scheduled to be commissioned in June.
He said the acquisition of the plant was in line with the companies’ resuscitation drive expected to boost its production.
Tanganda has been recording an annual average production output of 9,700 tonnes. A quarter of the total production is being consumed by the local market, while the rest is exported to foreign markets.
Tanganda’s workforce of nearly 8,000 fell to under 4,000 just after the hyper-inflationary era, but its fortunes seem to be turning around. With the new machinery in place, Tanganda is expected to boost employment and production levels.
Nemaire said the new machinery would replace old equipment installed in 1980.
This will translate into lowed operational costs as the machinery consumes less energy compared to the old plant. It will be installed at Tanganda’s Mutare industrial site, which will package tea harvested from the company’s estates in Chipinge district.
Tanganda produces several tea brands, including Five Roses, Stella, Tanganda, Silver, Joko, Special Blend Teabags, Tanganda Tips, Classic Gifts, Fresh Leaves and Rooibos.
The tea is harvested from six estates with a combined yield of 10,000 tonnes a year.
Post published in: Business