MW Packaging resumes business after disastrous fire
MW Packaging has resumed its business operations after three days without seeking help from any financial institution.
The packaging and spices solution company which comprise of offices, warehouse and a shop based in Phakalane caught fire on Monday morning last week.
Speaking to Botswana Guardian, MW Packaging Operations Officer, Mustafa Tabassum said investigations are still ongoing and relevant authorities are still conducting assessments but the business will not stop. “We have been operating for over 25 years and we have built strong relationships with our suppliers and customers. We decided that we are continuing with our operations and we are coming back strong”.
The company has 110 employees with 95 percent being Batswana. Tabbassum said all employees have been protected and there would be no job losses.
The business is temporarily accommodated by Mushtaq Plastics while still looking for a permanent place. Although he could not provide the value of stock and assets lost in the incident, he said the business will not seek financial help from banks or any local financial institution and it was neither insured because loans and insurance are against Islamic believes “We have never taken a loan throughout all our 25 years of existence because we don’t believe in interest that is being charged by banks. This business is a family business and has managed to grow because of the support from the family and we are continuing like that.”
Suppliers of the company are mainly in Botswana and South Africa. MW Packaging supplies almost all the retail shops in Botswana and it range of goods includes, spices, sauces, drinks, ice pops and many other packaging materials including plastics and foam packs. The cause of the fire is not yet known but investigations are still ongoing.