The ManicaPost
Ray Bande Senior Reporter
STATE-OWNED timber producing concern, Allied Timbers Zimbabwe (ATZ), hopes to rake in US$10 million every year after the installation of its state-of-the-art Cashel Sawmill in Chimanimani, the company’s board chairperson, Mr Itai Ndudzo has said.
The sawmill was acquired at a cost of US$6 million and is on its way from Germany.
It is expected to start operating before the end of this year.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony at the ATZ Cashel Estate last week on Thursday, Mr Ndudzo said the company plans to sell 40 000 cubic metres of kiln-dried timber every year at a cost of US$250 per cubic metre.
“Banks may be fighting each other for the US$10 million annual deposits once we start producing at that level,” said Mr Ndudzo.
He said the sawmill was financed from the company’s coffers.
“I am happy that we did not bother Treasury over the acquisition of this sawmill. We expect the plant to be operating before Christmas,” he said.
Addressing the same gathering, Environment, Climate Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu commended ATZ for the initiative.
“This is yet another confirmation that the national vision as enunciated by President Mnangagwa will be achieved if we all play our part without hesitation and with determination. I am happy that the country’s largest timber producing company has taken bold steps in modernising its operations,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu said the installation of the Cashel Sawmill will not mean cancellation of small-scale sawmill operators as Government also seeks to empower small-scale enterprises.
The sawmill will be located at the Cashel ATZ premises. Locals are expected to make up 95 percent of the labour force.
The sawmill will comprise a log sorting line that allows for automatic log tallying.
It will also promote value addition on site through a high speed moulder that can produce mouldings such as cornice, brandering and floor decking.
