Business / Local
Local flea market to start manufacturing its own clothing merchandise
13 Dec 2011 at 22:51hrs | Views
ONE of Bulawayo's flea markets, Fort Eleven, which intends to start manufacturing its own clothing merchandise, has secured 10 sewing machines worth about $2 500.
Fort Eleven Flea Market public relations manager Mr Ndumiso Dube said the operators at the flea market pooled resources together to buy the sewing machines in South Africa.
Mr Dube said there were five heavy duty sewing machines, three heavy duty over-locking machines, steam irons, cutting boards and tables, domestic machines and a button making machine.
"We have realised that for us to survive in this clothing business we have to make our own merchandise which we can sell cheaper compared to imported clothes," he said.
Mr Dube said by venturing into clothes manufacturing, the operators were contributing to the revival of Bulawayo industries and also helping to create employment.
"We want to manufacture clothing ranging from school uniforms to those that meet the fashion trends but this will depend on the orders that we will be getting from our customers since we are also targeting big retail shops," he said.
Mr Dube said they already have a building that they will convert into a factory at their flea market.
"Our target is to commence production early next year and we are seeking at least $20 000 working capital to fund purchasing of raw materials as well as meet other costs," he said.
Mr Dube said in order to cater for a wide range of clients, they intend to use both locally produced and imported fabric.
"The local material is cheaper but we have customers who prefer imported fabric which will be a little expensive," he said.
Mr Dube said in their effort to raise working capital, they were seeking cheaper loans and they hoped to benefit from the proposed Government Fund meant to assist distressed companies.
Early this year, the Government appointed an eight-member inter-ministerial taskforce chaired by Industry and Commerce Minister Professor Welshman Ncube to conduct investigations into the de-industrialisation of Bulawayo and come up with recommendations on the way forward.
The committee has since recommended that $50 million should be allocated to revive industries in the city but Government has indicated that it will release $40 million.
Fort Eleven Flea Market public relations manager Mr Ndumiso Dube said the operators at the flea market pooled resources together to buy the sewing machines in South Africa.
Mr Dube said there were five heavy duty sewing machines, three heavy duty over-locking machines, steam irons, cutting boards and tables, domestic machines and a button making machine.
"We have realised that for us to survive in this clothing business we have to make our own merchandise which we can sell cheaper compared to imported clothes," he said.
Mr Dube said by venturing into clothes manufacturing, the operators were contributing to the revival of Bulawayo industries and also helping to create employment.
"We want to manufacture clothing ranging from school uniforms to those that meet the fashion trends but this will depend on the orders that we will be getting from our customers since we are also targeting big retail shops," he said.
Mr Dube said they already have a building that they will convert into a factory at their flea market.
"Our target is to commence production early next year and we are seeking at least $20 000 working capital to fund purchasing of raw materials as well as meet other costs," he said.
Mr Dube said in order to cater for a wide range of clients, they intend to use both locally produced and imported fabric.
"The local material is cheaper but we have customers who prefer imported fabric which will be a little expensive," he said.
Mr Dube said in their effort to raise working capital, they were seeking cheaper loans and they hoped to benefit from the proposed Government Fund meant to assist distressed companies.
Early this year, the Government appointed an eight-member inter-ministerial taskforce chaired by Industry and Commerce Minister Professor Welshman Ncube to conduct investigations into the de-industrialisation of Bulawayo and come up with recommendations on the way forward.
The committee has since recommended that $50 million should be allocated to revive industries in the city but Government has indicated that it will release $40 million.
Source - Chronicle
