Zambia: Kapiri Glass set to open
By Nawa Mutumweno – Kapiri Glass Products is scheduled to resume operations in July this year after the successful recapitalisation of the company.
The glass factory, which will operate under a new name called Kapiri Glass Manufacturing (KGM) Limited, is expected to create over 200 jobs for the locals once fully operational.
According to KGM general manager Sunil Malik, the firm is currently installing equipment at the plant to replace obsolete ones. The new equipment will enable the company produce over 75 tonnes of glass per day.
‘’We will be producing about 21 000 tonnes of glass and 20 million bottles per annum. There is huge demand for the bottles and glass products locally and internationally. We have already received business deals to supply bottles to Zambian Breweries, Pepsi (Varun Beverages) and SAB Miller of South Africa,’’ Mr. Malik elaborated in a press statement issued in Lusaka recently.
The construction project was scheduled to take 16 months to complete, but due to logistical challenges, the project could delay a bit.
The revival of the defunct Kapiri Glass factory was first announced in August 2012.
Previous estimates indicate that the plant would cost in excess of $22 million. Funding has been sourced from PTA Bank, Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) and Chimsoro Group of Companies (owned by prominent Zambian businessman Costain Chilala).
