Matsiloje Portland Cement Project
With a turnover of about P24 million, the project acquired through a National Development Bank auction sale in 2008 is undergoing an expansion that will see its turnover increasing to about P160 million upon completion.
The expansion which is still on the design stage is expected to be completed by June next year, thanks to a P20 million loan injection from the BDC.
MPC board chairperson, Mukesh Josh, is excited that the government’s investment has come in handy to assist in the expansion project by injecting a P20 million which is split in P16 million loan and a further P4 million in preferential shares.
Josh explained that the expansion will help the company to produce 500 tonnes per of cement per day compared to the current 100 tonnes per day.
Upon the expansion completion the company which currently employs 100 people will employ an additional 400people.
The company has recently received a Botswana Bureau of Standards certification and the move has put it in good stead to compete with acclaimed cement producers like PPC Cement.
The cement is made from silica that is sourced locally while the coke breeze is sourced from Zimbabwe.
Josh says there is abundant local market because of the boom in the construction industry.
While residents have decried pollution emanating from the plant, Josh maintains that they have employed modern technology following an environmental impact assessment to mitigate against the effects of pollution.
Northern Textile Mills (Francistown)
This textile manufacturing company has no doubt grown in leaps and bounds since its establishment in 1990 from a P2 million from BDC.
The company owned, by Mukesh Josh is the fastest growing end-to-end manufacturer of exquisitely designed towel products in southern Africa.
The company, employing more than 400 people, specializes in the manufacturing of terry towels, napkins, beach towels, athletic towels,, bathrobes and bathmats in an assortment of rich styles, textures and colours using 100 percent virgin, prima-quality cotton.
“Having captured significant market share in both domestic and regional markets, Nortex is targeting export markets in Asia, the European Union and the United States. Following a major asset expansion, Nortex is on track to becoming a leading supplier of top quality towel products,” boasts Josh.
Nortex boasts of the state of the art production line consisting of dobby looms and jacquered looms, dyeing machines, yarn and fabric dyeing machines, automatic embroidery machines and shearing machinery.
Water and effluent treatment plant is one of the steps towards providing an eco friendly environment. Periodic upgrades ensures that the company stays ahead of the market technology curve and production of the best quality towels in the market.
The company has made significant investments over the years to ensure that its production processes adhere to eco-friendly standards in its 11 000 square mere facility.
Nortex has applied ISO 14000 certification.
Toro Lodge in Kasane.
Toro Lodge was acquired by BDC as part of its property division expansion drive.
BDC spokesperson Boitshwarelo Lebang said the two-star facility was acquired from Mamase Investments and the corporation is in the process of upgrading it to a five star facility.
Built on the banks of the Chobe River in Kazungula, the lodge boasts of 10 river rooms, 15 standard chalets and 10 enclaves coupled with a camping site.
“We are the only one with a camping site with ablution facilities”, said lodge manager Moses Sinchembe. The facility has been outsourced by BDC.
The facility offers game drives and boat cruises along the Chobe River in addition to tours into the village of Kasane which is one of Botswana’s premier tourist destinations. The tours offered by the lodge extends to the village of Lesoma along the border with Zimbabwe.
