Yesterday saw the launch by Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, of a R600-million Unilever Ice Cream factory in Midrand. The factory has been supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) to the tune of R350 million through its 12i Tax Allowance Incentive Scheme.
Minister Davies said he saw the opening of the factory as a vote of confidence by multinational manufacturers in the South African economy.
“The factory will give opportunities to smaller vendors in the value chain and will see local farmers producing most of the products. It will also create more local demand for most of the ingredients and suppliers,” said Davies.
“The investment is due to the market development opportunities that exist for the sector in South Africa and the rest of Africa,” said Unilever executive vice president for Africa, Bruno Witvoet. “Close to 150 direct and 200 indirect jobs have been created since the start of the factory. A further 2 500 jobs will be created by the end of 2015 through our Ola Vendor Programme,” he said.
The Ola Vendor Programme empowers micro-entrepreneurs by giving them the equipment needed to start an ice-cream vending business. It offers continuous development and support opportunities.
Multinational opens R600m factory in Midrand
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