Proton Bakery, a leading wholesale bakery in Zimbabwe, is set to introduce new products for its customers as rumors circulate about a potential plant establishment in Bulawayo.
Recently marking seven years of operation in the city, Proton Bakery currently offers a diverse range of over 15 products, including the popular Proton Superior White Loaf, Proton Superior Wholemeal Loaf, Proton Seeded Loaf, Proton Rolls, Proton Candy Cake, Proton Jumbo Bun, and Proton Cake Premixes.
During a recent media tour of their advanced bread and cookie plant in Marondera, Simba Bodzo, Chief Operations Officer of Proton Bakery, unveiled plans for expanding their product lines.
"We have exciting new products in the pipeline that will be introduced throughout the year," Bodzo announced.
Bodzo also highlighted the significance of establishing a manufacturing facility in the Matabeleland region. "Recognizing the demand for a plant in Matabeleland, we have been in discussions with the government. While we cannot provide a specific timeline, the proposed plant would cater to the Southern Region from Bulawayo," he explained.
Proton Bakery prides itself on using locally sourced flour from prominent millers such as Mega Marketing Victoria Falls and Sunrise Millers in Marondera.
Bodzo revealed that the bakery's daily production exceeds 200,000 loaves, with three plants operating at varying capacities. The largest facility produces 4,500 loaves per hour, followed by the second-largest at 3,400 loaves per hour, and the smallest at 1,600 loaves per hour. The company's workforce comprises over 1,500 employees across their depots in Marondera, Bulawayo, and Harare.
Regarding recent investments, Bodzo disclosed that the bread plant commissioned in November required an investment of over US$2.5 million, while the new machinery for the expanded cookie plant amounted to US$600,000.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by Proton Bakery, Bodzo cited issues related to power, water, and currency fluctuations. You can read more on the recently introduced ZiG; here. However, the company is actively seeking solutions by exploring the conversion of diesel-heated ovens to gas, transitioning from coal-powered to diesel-powered boilers, and implementing environmentally friendly practices.
Bodzo also mentioned that Proton Bakery currently focuses its deliveries within Bulawayo and Harare, as the increased investment was absorbed by the existing market demand.
