via Exide launches solar battery to counter power cuts October 17, 2014
ART Holdings has launched a new product, Exide solar battery, which is expected to meet the needs of consumers in Zimbabwe currently grappling with power outages.
Speaking at the official launch in Harare yesterday, Art Holdings chairperson Passmore Matupire said the solar batteries were manufactured by Chloride, a subsidiary of Art Holdings. Matupire said Exide was the flagship brand in Zimbabwe and the region.
“The launch of these Exide solar batteries is in line with the Art group’s vision of enhancing the quality of life through world-class brands.
“For both Art and Chloride we are pleased to be making our contribution to the renewal of the manufacturing sector in Zimbabwe by meeting the needs of our consumers who often have to endure power black outs and so the solar batteries become a reliable, accessible and affordable backup solution to their needs,” Matupire said.
The power utility has been failing to meet the expected demand. Zesa generates an average of 1300MW. Demand can peak to 2200MW.
Matupire said in line with the economic blueprint, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation, Art was working towards improving capacity utilisation at chloride which was currently above 60%.
“We also want, with the support we get from your ministry and other government departments, like Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and the Environmental Management Agency to beneficiate local raw materials and reduce the country’s import bills and at the same time contribute towards the preservation and creation of employment,” he said.
He added that at Chloride the company was now providing local solutions to produce solar batteries with local conditions in mind and meeting local needs.
Speaking at the same event, Industry and Commerce minister Mike Bimha said government continues to offer support to initiatives that fit the socio-economic realities and needs of Zimbabwe and the initiative by Chloride Zimbabwe would help to link poor communities to modern energy services which makes economic development inclusive.
“It is quite encouraging and pleasing to also acknowledge that Chloride Zimbabwe is a responsive and innovative corporate that provides solutions that meet customer needs in a sustainable manner.
The new solar batteries meet the needs of different customers including rural, urban, and small and big businesses,” Bimha said.
In the half year ended March 31 2014, Art said revenue in the battery business declined by 6,5% as a result of lower volumes in both the Zambia and Zimbabwe markets.
“In line with the depressed market volumes which were 9,6% lower than 2013, factory volumes declined by 14,7%. The lead manufacturing unit however performed well, with excess lead exported to the South African market,” it said.
COMMENTS