By Rex Mphisa
Beitbridge – ZERO bars, one of Beitbridge’s few productive industries has imported thousands of dollars worth of modern welding equipment to transform itself and expand increasing its market share, even substituting imports with locally made equipment.
In that bold move, Zero bars , located in Beitbridge’s light industries behind the now dysfunctional Express By Holiday Inn Hotel, now has the modern laser cutting and drawing tools, laser welder, nail making machine and state of the art compressors that will make yesteryear equipment a joke.
Managing director of Zero Bars Edias Gweru said he was yet to compile his figures to show the total cost to land the state of the art welders.
“But all the Customs and Excise demands have been complied with, we are preparing to install and commission this equipment which will forever change our products for the better. We will move into the now world of welding in this revolution. We will not be the same and we should make an impact in the market,” said Gweru.
Popularly known as Zero Bars, Gweru is into trailer-making, steel fabrication and structuring, vehicle load body rehabilitation and re-enforcement and general manufacturing of vehicle protective bumpers, rather anything metal.
“With this latest equipment we will go into the manufacturing of interlink heavy duty trailers. The equipment we have is computerised and we are able to design any metal structures,” he said.
“This strategic decision is expected to have a significant impact on the company’s growth and profitability. We are moving from boys to men with this new generation tools,” he said.
His Fiber Laser Cutting Machine, is designed for precise metal cutting used the the fabrication of any metal structures and equipment like trailers, containers and metal reservoirs.
The machines uses a focused fiber optic laser beam to cut various metals with high precision and efficiency.
“It is used in diverse industries including furniture manufacturing, general manufacturing, agriculture, and signage creation. It is a multi-purpose machine,” said an engineering source.
” This new model includes features like full enclosure for safety, automatic centralized lubrication, and effective dust removal systems. It also has cooling equipment coming with it for controlled operating temperatures,” sad the engineer.
Gweru said he will now be making all sizes of nails from his base in the industries where space is likely to affect his operations.
“Its a challenge we are likely to face with this expansion. We need a bigger industrial space but we have not been lucky,” he said.
While Zero bars is not new in the industry the new machine might see him diversify into farming tools manufacturing consideration given to the sophisticated application it comes with.
A vehicle mechanic Richard Gambiza whose workshop is near Zero Bars factory said the new development was inspiring.
“Obviously it creates job opportunities for others and we are excited about this. It shows growth and encourages all of us to focus. We hope he is able to grow with us, share the knowledge to others such that his efforts shine on the community,” he said.
Zero Bars employs dozens of people and has been selling trailers to bus operators in tye region competing with other trailer manufacturers from South Africa.
The new investment enables Zero Bars to transform to become a major player in the trailer making industry.
Last Vice President Kembo Mohadi visited the industry and pledged assistance in finding a bigger place.