BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MATSAPHA – The newly established Eswatini Kellogg Tolaram operation promises to be in the country for a very long time. This was very explicitly expressed by the Managing Director (MD) of Kellog Tolaram Africa, Gerald Mahinda.
Mahinda was speaking during the official inauguration of the Sibebe Kellogg Tolaram factory in Matsapha today. “Our investment in the kingdom of Eswatini gives us better market access, and will accelerate noodles market pernetration in the Africa – as the Kingdom is strategically positioned as a member of two very effective and large free trade zones. This facility represents a critical milestone in our ambitious journey of expanding our portfolio, as well as growing within the Africa continent,” said Mahinda.
The MD also highlighted that their operation in the Kingdom has been met with great cooperation – beyond the government’s financial partnership in the project. Mahinda explained that they had received great support from the government as well as the people of Eswatini they have been working with. He expressed that they are therefore very happy to be contributing to the Kingdom of Eswatini in the various ways that they will as the Sibebe Kellogg Tolaram factory continues its operations.
“The project benefits go beyond the commercial agenda, spanning the development of local suppliers, enterprises, skills development and capability, as well as improvements in the community in the future. To-date, we have created over 221 in Eswatini, and we are committed to continue to secure raw materials and services locally in order to support the economy,” the MD said during his speech.
Kellogg Tolaram currently makes noodles which are sold within the country as well as exported. According to Mahinda, the Sibebe Kellogg Tolaram factory is a big part of their strategy to expand in Southern Africa. In concluding his remarks, Mahinda promised that “We are here to stay, and we are here for the long haul!”
