Swiss company launches operation in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. The Switzerland-based concrete admixtures plant, Sika, has launched its operations in Tanzania.

The launch took place in Dar es Salaam on Thursday with the Deputy Secretary of the ministry of Industries, Trade and Investment, Mr Ludovic James reading a speech on behalf of the minister, Dr Charles Mwijage.

In his speech, Dr Mwijage said the launch of the new industry in the country was laudable and that it was in line with the government’s ambitious goal of turning the country’s economy into an industrial one.

Dr Mwijage said the government’s vision 2025 focuses on an economy that is diversified with industries contributing substantially following implementation of the second five-year development plan (2FYDP).

According to him, Sika has come at the right time and assured the company that the government will cooperate with them in order to achieve their goals.

“The plant has come at the right time. It is in line with the government’s initiatives to attain a middle income country status by 2020 through industrialization,” he said.

The minister added: “We promise to support domestic manufacturing facilities so that they can grow and increase their production capacities. This move will obviously increase government revenues, reduce requirements for huge storage facilities, reduce the use of foreign exchange and create direct employment opportunities.

“Sika’s initiative is also perfectly aligned with President John Magufuli’s Vision of Tanzania’s industrialisation and infrastructure development. The Tanzanian construction sector will grow over eight per cent in the coming years,” said Dr Mwijage.

Speaking at the inauguration, Sika Tanzania General Manager Alfonso Paradinas said his industry will create new unique products made locally to enhance the Tanzanian construction industry.

Mr Paradinas said the company is looking to establish and strengthen the local chain supply, in particular, in the construction industry.

The inauguration was also attended by Sika AG Regional Manager (Europe, Middle East and Africa), Ivo Schaedler and Sika Africa Manager, Jean des Martres.

Mr Schaedler emphasized: “Sika is convinced of the great potential of the Tanzanian market and therefore we are fully committed to grow and to employ many more local people. In 2018 already, we foresee to invest in a mortar plant. With current 19 national subsidiaries and 17 factories, we have established a comprehensive presence in Africa.”

He said the company is currently employing 16 full time local staff. It is anticipating that with the inauguration of the new plant, it will increase its workforce to 30 and will be able to serve clients in Tanzania and the surrounding regions.