ULTRAMAFIC ENTERS THE MASK MANUFACTURING MARKET
Newly established local company, Ultramafic (Pty) Ltd, aims to tap into the lucrative Covid-19 market by manufacturing disposable 3 ply protective masks, which are currently imported from China.
Ultramafic Director, Tshepho Sejoe said they started the company in April this year after being funded by government. “We realised that all the 3-ply disposable masks are imported, so we wanted to reduce the import bill and provide locally manufactured products.”
They started the first production beginning of June. The factory is based at Local Enterprises Authority (LEA) leather incubation centre in Gaborone.
Sejoe said they manufacture about 50 masks in a minute and can manufacture about 50 000 masks in an hour. “We have enough capacity to supply all the customers in the country because we are using high speed machinery. Although we are still starting we will increase production when our client base increases. Currently, we are competing with international suppliers.”
The company has four employees and plans to employ more as production rate increases.
Touring the project on Monday, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry said government is expecting a lot from this new business as it will reduce imports from China.
“Government came up with a good initiative of Small business laws and established institutions that support these SMMEs. These masks have been coming from outside the country but now that we have the local manufacturer and supplier we are happy for this business venture.”
Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness, Setlhomo Lelatisitswe said as the ministry, they are happy for this company and government will now buy locally manufactured masks. “I have called all government procurement departments and told them about this company. They have visited the factory and are satisfied with the product quality.”