Paramount Archer reopens after fire

PARAMOUNT Archer, a leading garments manufacturer, has reopened following a fire that engulfed the warehouse last month, destroying materials worth thousands of dollars.

City of Harare firefighters spent a week battling the fire, without success, due to a shortage of adequate supply of water but were then able to contain and extinguish the fire after Paramount hired bulk water suppliers to provide water to the fire engines.

In a statement this week, Paramount Archer said re-construction work on the warehouse started this Tuesday, to make the factory premises safe.

“As many of you know, our lives were recently turned upside down as we battled a massive fire at our premises in Southerton (Harare). Thankfully, there were no casualties. We would like to extend our gratitude to the brave men and women of the Harare Fire Department whose heroic efforts went a long way towards containing and minimising the effects of the fire.

“Our utmost gratitude also goes to the Government agencies, corporates, our staff, family and friends that came to our aid during our time of need. The compassion and generosity shown to us while the fire raged will not be forgotten.”

Paramount Archer said the logistics of replacement stock were well advanced and they hope to restart manufacturing in the middle of this month.

The firm’s GearUp shops reopened on Wednesday. “Like the phoenix, Paramount is rising through the ashes. Thank you for your continued, unwavering support,” reads the statement.

Paramount is one of the largest clothing manufacturing companies in Zimbabwe, which was established in 1941.

It specialises in the manufacture of protective clothing that include work suits, overalls, dust coats, maids’ uniforms, kitchen suits, casual and school wear.