Namibia Plastics moves ahead with N$95 million plastic manufacturing plant

WINDHOEK, Mar. 7 – A state-of-the-art plastic manufacturing plant is set to create over 200 jobs in Namibia, after the official groundbreaking was held yesterday night at Brakwater. The plant will be complete before year-end, and will conclusively half the gap of an estimated 50% of plastic that is currently imported.

Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Namibia Plastics, Johan Struwig said that the 2660 square metre plant will feature the latest technology offered in the plastics-manufacturing industry, which could place it in a position to effectively supply regional clients due to its modern facilities.

The ceremony was attended by various industry captains, with Keynote Speaker, Minister of Industrialisation, Trade, and SME, Tjekero Tweya stressing the importance of partnership between government, communities and civil society.

He said it was important to foster “Partnership between different branches of government, with the private sector, non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations and the international community, as well as partnership between urban and rural societies and, ultimately between all members of the Namibian society as key to the achievement of dynamic, efficient and sustainable development.” He also emphasized the current global economic pressure and water sustainability following the severe drought as detrimental effects on the local economy.

Tweya added, “We need to adopt a culture of camaraderie that enables levels of affinity and cooperation amongst Public Private Partnerships to take the Namibian House to heights unimaginable. We need to take hands not only during difficult times but more so when celebrating our successes. Allow me therefore to commend Namibia Plastics – under the leadership of Johan Struwig together with his dynamic team – for not only dreaming but ultimately bringing that dream to fruition by being committed to and contributing to the growth and development of the Namibian house.”

Executive Chairman of the O&L Group and president of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NCCI), Sven Thieme served as endorser of the ground-breaking ceremony.

“One would think that it is common sense that we add as much value locally as possible, and realise that an investment at home is an investment in creating jobs locally. We should never limit ourselves to what we have. Surely manufacturing locally and procuring from home supports growth at home. Yet, we still find that some of us are happy to save a dollar by procuring an imported product that may be a little cheaper (whether it is because the country of origin has economies of scale, provides subsidies, or has some competitive advantage – this doesn’t matter.),” he said.

Thieme stressed the need to understand the multiplier effect of the opportunity cost of not supporting local – on future jobs, on our ability to develop skills, on our ability to become economically independent, on poverty eradication, – and how children will pay this price.

Construction of Namibia Plastics’ N$95 million manufacturing plant is already underway, having created more than 14 jobs, indirectly benefiting the job-owners families as well

“Therefore, I would like to sincerely appeal to the rest of Business Namibia, the Government and the public at large, to support Namibia Plastics and other local companies in their endeavours to build our nation and make a positive impact on the lives of Namibians. Can you imagine if everyone has an understanding that every time I buy a local product, I contribute to the eradication of poverty and address income inequality? Can you imagine the power and pride of holding in your hand a product that states ‘Made in Namibia’?”

Struwig highlighted the importance of valuing employees saying “The real heroes of Namibia Plastics are our people. Guided by our company values, we recognize that without talented and committed people who own, support and drive the strategy of the company as enshrined in our 5th value, “Value People” – success will not be possible.” – Musa Zimunya