JUTE FACTORY IS BACK

the administrative block under rehabilitation

At long last, the much talked about defunct GIHOC Fibre manufacturing Company popularly known as the Jute Factory, is to be back in operations very soon. 

Ashanti Today can confirm that work is feverishly ongoing towards the revival of the once golden sacks manufacturing company with the first production expected in the first quarter of next year. 

It is a public-private partnership with a wholly Ghanaian company, Jute Mills Ghana Limited being the operator and has already sunk about five million Ghana Cedis to revamp the company. 

The Jute Factory is located within the industrial area of Kaase.

 It has been on divestiture for about 20 years now with successive governments paying lip-service to revamp it.  

The old machinery at main factory to be replaced soon

 It is one project that is dear to the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu, who has used almost every opportunity with business people and investors who called on him to advocate for the re-opening of the factory since, according to him, it will be a major job creation avenue for particularly the youth of Ashanti. 

Its revamping is therefore expected to be a source of good news to the people of the region, especially Kumasi. 

A visit by Ashanti Today to the project site revealed that already more than one hundred youth, mainly artisans are employed with four different contractors engaged to undertake various aspects of the project.

 Already, the main administrative block is almost complete for use while re-roofing of the main factory is also completed. 

The Acting General Manager of Jute Mills Ghana Limited, Gariba Adem told our Correspondent that his company has budgeted to spend about 12 million Ghana Cedis in the entire revamping project adding that about 500 people will be eventually employed directly in the factory with most of them expected to be residents from the operational communities. 

According to Mr. Adem, the company plans to construct the road that links Kaasi and the main road at Ahinsan Bus Stop to serve as a By-pass for motorists during rush hours.

 In addition, the Clinic and canteen to be operated for the workers will as well be opened to the catchment communities as part of the company’s corporate social responsibilities.

 On his part, the Project Consultant, Frank Fosuhene said a plantation of kenaf, the raw material to feed the company is under cultivation at Nkoranza in the Brong Ahafo region for the sustainability of the company.

 The company, he said will also produce packaging materials for the Sheanut and cola industries.

 Its main focus however, will be the manufacture of jute sacks for the purchase of cocoa beans. 

Presently, license buying companies import the sacks from Singapore, India and neighbouring countries to procure the cocoa beans.

Some of the workers who spoke to our Correspondent expressed their appreciation for the employment opportunity given to them by the new company and promised to give off their best to meet the timeline for the completion of the works.