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Eastern Cape Economic Development MEC, Mcebisi Jonas, has opened a R4m manufacturing project in Stutterheim.
The Ikusasa Green Manufacturing project will deliver durable, green cooler boxes using the "roto moulding manufacturing process", to Massmart.
According to a statement, the initial order is worth R610 000 will see Ikusasa providing Massmart with 700 units.
Total investment funding came from the Department of Economic Development's Local and Regional Economic Development Fund with additional assistance from the Massmart supplier development fund.
"The plant will initially create 20 new, sustainable jobs in the Stutterheim area, and an additional 10 -15 permanent jobs will be created within the first two months of operation."
Jonas said the launch indicated the support that the provincial department has given to the SMME sector in finding linkages with big business to address challenges associated with growing the SMME sector to enable job creation.
"The manufacturing landscape has had challenges across the country with a lot of jobs lost in the province even before the recession. This factory signals the stride to turn this tide through building an indigenous manufacturing sector. It is seeks to reignite the manufacturing sector as industrialisation works perfectly if it is locally entrenched.
Mkululi Pakade, Director of Ikusasa Green said the deal "marks a significant economic landmark for the Amahlati Municipal and surrounding areas.
"Firstly, it enhances the brand profile of Amahlati as Ikusasa will be trading with a company that has a national and international footprint, Massmart and Wallmart. Through this network our product will be available for sale throughout the world.
Moshisi Lehlongwane, Supplier Development Manager of Massmart said the partnership was a reaffirmation of the company's commitment to buy from small and medium suppliers from anywhere in the country.
"They had the right product with innovation and not only will we list their roto-moulded cooler boxes in our stores, but we are putting them under one of our trusted brands, Camp Master.
Ribbon cutting presided over by Eastern Cape MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism Mcebisi Jonas. From left are Moshisi Lehlongwane of Massmart, MEC Mcebisi Jonas, Mayor of Amahlati Municipality and a representative of the Community Trust.
