Parmalat launches milk powder plant

-Parmalat Zambia has launched the first-ever milk powder in Lusaka at the cost of K5 million.

 

The launch of the plant has also unveiled the 15 grams powdered milk sachets and 400grams tin.

 

Commerce Trade and Industry Deputy Minister, Miles Sampa, who commissioned the plant, noted that there is no economy in the world that has developed without the participation of the private sector.

 

Mr Sampa said a viable and well-functioning private sector operating in a competitive environment will drive Zambia’s economy and create the much needed jobs.

 

He said it is gratifying that the new factory has a growing economic impact as it will recruit and train personnel in specialised technical skills.

 

Mr Sampa said the factory will not only create direct and indirect jobs but also business opportunities for raw material suppliers, distributors and retailers.

 

He stated that his ministry has put in place the National Quality Policy to ensure that substandard goods do not neutralise the Zambian market.

 

And Parmalat Managing Director, Mike Mallet, said the factory will create over ten direct jobs for Zambians and a number of down-stream indirect jobs in the value chain.

 

Mr Mallet disclosed that the company injects over K100 million into the agricultural sector annually, a development that has helped to grow the industry over the last 16 years.

 

He said K30 million has been set aside for new capital projects of which the powder plant is the first to be commissioned.

 

Mr Mallet said the milk powder has also attracted the international market such as Zimbabwe, Congo DR, Mozambique as well as Ethiopia.