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Commisioning misioning of Pickling plant at Mariakani<br />
MABATINEWS<br />
In the true spirit of Kaizen principles of continuous improvement,<br />
<strong>MRM</strong> invested over US$9 million last year to create a new<br />
pickling line that was commissioned on October 3, 2006 this<br />
year by the Minister for Finance Hon. Amos Kimunya. In his key<br />
note address Hon. Kimunya, acknowledged the huge investment<br />
the shareholders had made into the state-of-the-art technology.<br />
He recognised that the results of the new line will shift the level of<br />
manufacturing to a completely new level of competitiveness. He<br />
noted and appreciated the advantages of the new line. <strong>MRM</strong> will<br />
now widen its raw material sources, particularly in the hot rolled<br />
coils. It was hitherto confined to a few selected suppliers. He also<br />
noted that the investment will give the company the advantage of<br />
flexibility, innovation and creativity in a very competitive market.<br />
He acknowledged that such an investment demonstrated<br />
the confidence <strong>MRM</strong> shareholders had in doing business in<br />
Kenya. Hon Kimunya noted with appreciation that the plant took<br />
into consideration environmental concerns and made further<br />
investment in Acid Regeneration Plant which allows the acid to be<br />
completely recycled. The facility has a capacity to handle and treat<br />
coils up to 200,000 tonnes per year.<br />
The minister observed that <strong>MRM</strong>’s overall business operations<br />
make a significant contribution to the country’s economic growth<br />
and development. He said that the government is committed to<br />
creating a conducive and enabling environment where businesses<br />
will find it easier and more friendly to do business.<br />
Since private sector plays and important role in the country’s<br />
economic development the government is committed to support<br />
private sector investment initiatives. Appropriate legislation and<br />
streamlining of administrative bottlenecks will continue to be<br />
introduced at various levels of operations of government to make<br />
it easier for businesses to operate.<br />
The Minister pointed out how Kenya has gained high rating<br />
by where it was rated 4th in the Sub-Saharan Africa behind<br />
Botswana, South Africa and Nigeria. The World Bank has rated<br />
Kenya 6th in Africa in respect of doing business. Obviously there<br />
is going to be increased government effort to consolidate what<br />
is good and improve on areas that can facilitate private sector<br />
investment in the country.<br />
The government is also investing in ICT and communications<br />
connectivity to make it easier for businesses to share vital<br />
information necessary for growth and global trade. The Minister<br />
spoke about refunds and said the government has scaled up from<br />
KSh614million to KSh900million. He also said there is a provision of<br />
KSh1.5billion for KRA to clear the backlog.<br />
The Minister praised the <strong>MRM</strong> management and welcomed<br />
the opportunity to officially visit the plant and commission the<br />
Pickling Line. The inauguration ceremony was attended by among<br />
others: the Board Directors,<br />
Managers, Workers,<br />
Customers, Well wishes and<br />
community leaders.<br />
After<br />
the inauguration ceremony<br />
Hon. Kimunya visited and<br />
toured the nearby Kaluworks<br />
Plant which is also owned<br />
by the same shareholders<br />
of <strong>MRM</strong>.<br />
16<br />
M A B A T I N E W S<br />
Continued on page 18>>