$1 million investment to create 65 jobs for locals

AT LEAST 65 people are expected to be employed at the new Natural Gift Carriers Ltd’s block manufacturing plant after it was officially opened yesterday.

More are expected to be employed by the company as they plan to extend into other business ventures within the construction industry in the near future.

Officiating at the opening of the plant yesterday Minister for Local Government Parveen Kumar said the more than $1 million investment was expected to provide more employment opportunities for people in the North as they planned to extend their business ventures within the construction industry.

Mr Kumar said the company’s crusher produced six different types of pavement blocks.

“The block plant has the capacity to produce 20 blocks per minute or 1200 blocks per hour which will surely add to the production capacity of an important part of the building industry in the North,” he said.

“This will provide enough blocks for commercial and domestic use in the division too.

“Today’s official opening with value adding to the operations of the block manufacturing plant is much needed here in the North.”

Mr Kumar also lauded the move by the company’s founder to venture and grow their business which started from a humble single truck in 2007.

“Today they have greatly expanded fleets of vehicles and equipment, specialised in construction works, earth moving and landscaping having contracts with large organisations like Fiji Sugar Corporation and Labasa Town Council just to name a few,” he said.

“They continue to grow their business over hard work and this year I am proud to note they have not stopped and they have diversified their business.

“What you are witnessing today it is the basis foundation of the commercial economy in Fiji. Hard work of small family run company reap rewards as we witness today.”