PLASCO EXPANDS OPERATIONS - LAUNCHES THE FIRST STATE OF THE ART PIPE FACTORY IN EAST AND CENTRAL AFRICA USING ‘WEHOLITE’ TECHNOLOGY

Minister of Industry and Trade, Innocent Bashungwa launching Plasco Ltd extension factory that uses Weholite technology which is the first in Tanzania, East and Central Africa to produce plastic pipes in Dar es Salaam recently. Third left is Plasco Limited Chief Operating Officer, Alimiya Osman and Finland Ambassador for Tanzania, Ambassador Riitta Swan (right).

Minister of Industry and Trade, Innocent Bashungwa commending the technology and the quality of pipes produced by Plasco Limited during the launching ceremony of an extension factory that uses Weholite technology which is the first in Tanzania, East and Central Africa to produce plastic pipes in Dar es Salaam recently. Right is Plasco Ltd Chief Operating Officer, Alimiya Osman.

Minister of Industry and Trade, Innocent Bashungwa addresses invited guests during the event.

24 July, 2019 – Plasco Limited in Tanzania is the largest manufacturer of plastic pipes for water supply and sanitation in the country has launched a USD 4 million factory expansion using ‘Weholite’ technology, the first of its kind in East and Central Africa used to produce Structured Wall High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes for Sewerage and Drainage, Manholes and Tanks for storm water retention and drinking/potable water. The company aims to provide modern water storage and sanitation solutions to the region through the use of this new technology that is now available in Tanzania and East Africa as a whole. The factory was inaugurated in Temeke, Dar es Salaam by the Minister of Industry and Trade, Innocent Bashungwa; other government official in attendance included the Deputy Permanent Minister of Water, Emmanuel Kolobelo.

Speaking during the event, Hon. Bashungwa remarked on the company’s use of innovative technology to accelerate the progress of the pipe manufacturing industry in Tanzania. “The ministry applauds such innovations which directly contribute to catalysing industrial development and increases the competitiveness of our industries, locally and internationally. The factory expansion and its use of cutting-edge technology is a significant milestone in the revival of the industrial economy,” said Bashungwa.

He added that the new technology will attract more investment and boost the economy of the country through exports. Bashungwa urged other industries to invest in innovative technology to boost the quality of their products to international standards.

Speaking on behalf of the company, Alimiya Osman, the Chief Operating Officer, disclosed that the country will no longer need to import plastic pipes as the investment in new equipment meets the growing demand and aligns with local content policy. He added that the use of HDPE materials ensures that the pipes do not rust or corrode and adheres to international standards.

“Since the start of the company’s operations in 1993, we remain committed to manufacturing and supplying quality, robust and leak proof plastic piping systems to our customers in Tanzania and neighbouring countries. The investment in new equipment supports the government’s efforts to develop critical infrastructure to improve water supply and sanitation systems that will improve the lives of Tanzanians throughout the country,” concluded Alimiya.

As the country’s leading pipe manufacturer, Plasco Limited employs over 100 Tanzanians and supports the country’s industrialization drive and ambitions to become a middle-income economy by 2025.