Business Reporter
Heavy-duty trucks and spare parts dealer Zimapan is planning to expand its operations into the region in a bid to grow its market share and boost margins.
Zimapan general manager Mrs Linience Charuma said a growing demand for the company’s products in the region and on the local market presented the company with an opportunity to stretch its market base.

“The idea is for us to continue spreading our wings and that includes opening new branches on the local market and across the borders. We need to increase our stock and market share because the more branches we open, the more business we attract,” she said.
For the regional expansion programme, the company is targeting to open sales offices in four countries.

Said Mrs Charuma: “Presently, we have a wide option of markets to operate in, and we are still to make the final decision. But one thing for certain is that four offices are going to be opened in the region.”
The company, which first started operating in Chitungwiza in 2002, has since opened sales offices in Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare due to increasing demand for its services and products.

“We used to have some customers travelling from as far as Matabeleland, Manicaland and the Midlands to our offices in Harare for our services and products. This led to the opening up of new branches in the areas that we believed were central,” said Mrs Charuma.
She added that more offices were also going to be opened on the local market to complement existing ones.

Managing director of Zimapan Mr Itayi Charuma indicated that the high quality of their products has resulted in increased demand.
“The quality of our products is unquestionable. We have suppliers from the United States, Europe and Turkey. Ever since opening our doors for business, we have been working towards improving the standard of our service,” he said, adding, “Our customers are confident of the products we supply.”

Meanwhile, Mrs Charuma urged local banks to continue supporting indigenous businesses so as to promote sustainable growth.
“Local indigenous banks have been supportive. Much of our success is attributed to them since we have easily secured loans unlike in the case with foreign-owned banks,” she said.

Banks had to carefully assess all proposals submitted and assist operators, particularly those starting, to come up with better business plans, she added.
“It is unfortunate that most of these banks do not take time to look at these proposals. It is crucial that they first analyse the potential of a business, the trends of the market it wishes to operate in and how it intends to achieve its objectives,” explained the general manager.

The main truck models that the company deals in include Freightliner, International, ERF, Peterbilt, Kenworth and equipment powered with Cummins, Detroit and Caterpillar engines.

It also trades in oils, lubricants and car care products.
It is also involved in panelbeating and offers auto services.
The company is the official distributor of the Sea Horse, products manufactured in Turkey.