NEW: Multi-million-dollar cigarette manufacturing plant nearing completion

Online Reporter

CONSTRUCTION of a cigarette manufacturing plant by Cut Rag Processors in Lochinvar, Harare, is nearing completion following installation of key machinery.

Cut Rag Processors managing director Mr Nyasha Chinhara said the company plans to start production before year-end.

“Once operational, the new manufacturing facility is expected to triple the current capacity, with sufficient additional scope for increased capacity in the future,” he said.

“The project is about 85 percent complete, with construction work almost complete. Production machinery and ancillary services are now being installed.

“The company expects to start commercial production of cut rag tobacco at the new facility before the end of 2024.”

The plant processes cut rag tobacco and manufactures cigarettes for domestic and export markets.

“With this facility providing both cut rag processing and cigarette manufacturing, coupled with the increased installed production capacity, there shall be an increase in value addition of Zimbabwean tobacco products,” added Mr Chinhara.

“The sustainable growing, processing and manufacturing of tobacco products in Zimbabwe shall play a key role in Zimbabwean tobacco’s competitiveness in future.”