MAN opens Bus and Truck outlet in Bulawayo

EUROPEAN giant commercial transport firm, MAN Group of Trucks and Buses, has opened an outlet in Bulawayo in a move set to boost investor confidence on the backdrop of company closures bedeviling the city.

Small to Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development Minister, Sithembiso Nyoni on Friday witnessed the official launch of the new commercial vehicle company, Matabeleland Truck and Bus (MTB) at Belmont.

MTB got a contract to operate in Zimbabwe under the supervision of MAN Group of Trucks and Buses, a leading international supplier of commercial vehicles and transport solutions.

The company's products and services range from haulage trucks through city and intercity buses and coaches (entire buses and chassis), right up to support and financial services covering all operating aspects of MAN vehicles.

It also offers diesel and natural gas engines for on-road and off-road applications and generates an annual revenue of $1.5 billion with about 53,500 workers worldwide.

MTB began operations in the City of Kings two months ago and specialises in servicing of trucks and buses, selling new and second hand vehicles and spare parts.

Speaking at the launch Minister Nyoni said linkages would be created between SMEs and Matabeleland Truck and Bus.

"We have a number of SMEs that we would like to get into partnerships with such dynamic and efficient companies.

"A lot of SMEs are in need of good transportation as they conduct their businesses, which now thanks to MTB can be provided by fostering good relations," she said.

Minister Nyoni hailed the opening up of the new firm, which she said was expected to create more jobs for the city's inhabitants.

"At the moment you have a staff of nine people but we anticipate that as you expand you will employ more people especially students from universities like the National University of Science and Technology who studied engineering," she said.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Andrew Langa said the awarding of a contract to MTB shows willingness of foreign investors to operate in the country.

"The contract is an achievement which I commend. The MAN Group is a recognised brand worldwide. It's a sign that the world outside Zimbabwean borders wants to invest and grow within Zimbabwe," said Minister Langa.

MTB managing director Peter Buckle said the company was geared for quick expansion although admitting it was at its infancy.

"Since we are under MAN Truck and Bus we've an outlook of quick expansion as we have in our midst experts from Germany and South Africa who are going to assist the company to greater heights," he said.

Buckle also said a lot of accidents were happening on the roads due to lack of servicing of vehicles.

He added: "It's very essential for vehicles to be constantly serviced. A lot of money and precious lives are lost daily in the roads. We are here to provide services that could assist reduce such occurrences."

Once the leading industrial capital, Bulawayo has in the last decade witnessed unprecedented company closures and loss of jobs as firms struggle to remain afloat citing the negative macro-economic environment.

Liquidity shortage, obsolete equipment, cheap imports and lack of technology have been cited as major factors leading to industrial collapse.