Innovation drives local bag manufacturer
LOCAL bag manufacturer Sky Bag’s dedication to the highest level of craftsmanship and communication coupled by the adoption of long-term strategies that incorporate potential growth avenues have helped the company to keep its head above water.
The start-up company, with a staff compliment of six workers, specialises in manufacturing bags made out of leather, nylon, canvas as well as other materials.
It is the brainchild of brothers Kudakwashe and Forget Chinya.
Kudakwashe, who is the director, told this publication that being innovative has helped them explore new markets and expand their customer base.
“There are lots of small-to-medium enterprises to compete with in the business hence the need for one to be innovative to keep your head above the water,” he said.
“Our sector is flooded with imported goods, so you need to come up with ways that builds new revenue streams.
“At Sky Bag we have also introduced innovative ways like customised bags and we have built a strong social media presence.
Sky Bag won a small-to-medium enterprise award in 2016 courtesy of CBZ Bank and Kudakwashe believes the accolade motivated him to soldier on despite the adversities they faced.
“We have come along a number of challenges in the business, but the award I got in 2016 has been my inspiration,” he said.
“The biggest challenge had been financing of the business, from sourcing raw materials to payment of workers.
“Most banks don’t release money to SMEs easily, for those that offer loans, the money is too little to expand your business.
“We need financial support so that we inject in the business and grow.”
Kudakwashe, whose company was registered in 2016, said they have put all systems in place for the new year and years to come.
“We want Sky Bag to build a corporate footprint, say by 2030,” he said.
“To achieve this, we have employed a qualified accountant and a qualified marketer.
“These guys have chipped in with their expertise and we have embraced their ideas.”
He said his company, whose large chunk of raw materials are imported from China and South Africa, has spread tentacles with even hopes of exporting products.
“We work with a number of organisations, especially schools and churches,” Kudakwashe said.
“We are hoping to spread our reach and engage other organisations in the near future.
“Our hope is to make sure that every school-going child in Zimbabwe has a bag.
“We want to even reach out to the marginalised child in the rural area.”
He said despite facing competition from imported products, Sky Bag has always provided the perfect product on the market.