UTi sets its focus on textiles

KEVIN MAYHEW WITH THE operations of UTi globally now segmented into different focus areas of expertise, the company’s Botswana operation has become a timely beneficiary by securing a major contract with a Chinese textile manufacturer. According to managing director in Gaborone, Brett Halford, the Caratex textile company contract requires that it imports product for manufacturing into its Gaborone factory and then ships the completed material to South Africa and overseas. Textiles is one of the areas worldwide where the multi-national is focusing for its future. “The successful focus on textiles in Botswana was undertaken alongside dedicated sales drives to other local private enterprise – traditionally a distant second to approaches for government contracts – to secure business,” Halford explained. He said even the smaller business elements of UTi in Botswana were performing well.