Persol is the premier developer of leading-edge software products and IT solutions in Ghana. From custom and off-the-shelf application software development through systems integration solutions to IT Consulting, Persol delivers a full range of technological solutions that deliver real and measurable benefits to our Clients. Founded in 1995, with a staff strength of 3, Persol currently has team of over 30 staff, committed to meeting and exceeding the IT needs and expectations of our Clients with technologically superior and competitively priced solutions that deliver superior ROIs to our Clients. Our client base has grown and we now boast of over 170 clients including many blue chip companies in Ghana, Mali, Guinea, Togo and Nigeria. Persol continues to reaffirm this commitment through the provision of full-featured software and new technological solutions that impact the way businesses operate and use information technology. Our objectives then and now are simple; to be a leading-edge, market-driven and solution-oriented company delivering measurable and sustained benefits to our clients. Our Vision At Persol, we understand that technology and our Clients drive the industry, so we listen attentively to our Clients and the market and follow technology closely. We cannot afford to be complacent neither do we tolerate mediocrity. We are a people-oriented business that actively seeks the challenge of satisfying the needs of our Clients and are ardently committed to exceeding their expectations. We will dominate our markets with technologically superior products and solutions that deliver real and sustained economic benefits to our Clients and our society. This vision translates to a dedicated and committed people with a strong determination to win. Our Mission Through technology, our world is becoming a smaller one. Each day spent unfocussed, threatens our existence as a business. Our business is to stay on top of technology, understanding our customers' needs better than our competitors and delivering solutions more efficiently than they would. Our Values – The 7 Capabilities Effectiveness Innovation Customer Sensitivity Speed -Knowledge Responsibility Productivity Overview: The new Persol Human Capital Management Suite is a complete, fully integrated human resource management solution engineered to deliver efficiency in human capital management within your organization. Persol HCM provides integration across all facets of the human capital management process from recruitment, through applicant information management, employee benefit and skills management to payrun. Employee information management is central to the Human Capital Management process. The core HR Module handles this function; employee details and the administration of employee remuneration is done here. This module stores all employee details and provides broad functionality for effective management of HR processes within your organisation. The recruitment Module automates the hiring process and allows for successful applicants, after being hired, to be setup in the core HR component. From here, the Payroll Module receives data on employees and their remuneration, for periodical salary processing. Through the Time and Attendance Module, employers can track employee arrival and departure time to and from work as well as their other activities. This solution is especially useful for monitoring shift workers. Based on Employee skills gap analysis, done in the HR Module, employees can be scheduled for training within the Training Module. They can be graded after successful completion of their courses as an indication of their aptitude for specific positions. The Employee Self Service kiosk is a portal which gives every employee access to their HR information and serves as a point of communication between the HR team and employees. Most importantly it relieves the HR staff of tedious data entry processes. Employees can place leave and loan requests to the HR staff and track feedback; they can also view their payslips and savings scheme information. HR can post appraisal forms and surveys for employees to fill and submit.
Parakuo Ltd is a multi-discipline company, primarily into mining and hauling mineral ore and undertaking civil engineering works inclusive of building and mechanical jobs. The company has active operations and projects in Prestea, Tarkwa, Kumasi and Accra. Parakuo's future is dependent on its ability to develop and operate consistent with our commitment to sustainable development, protection of human life, health, the environment, and to adding value to the communities in which we operate. To achieve this we: Identify and manage risks, and provide accurate information to support effective decision making; Train our people and provide the resources to meet our social responsibility objectives and targets; Respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in its business operations; Respect the social, economic and cultural rights of indigenous people; Adopt policies and standards and operating practices that ensure ongoing improvement; Wherever appropriate and feasible, set operating standards that exceed the requirements of the local law; Assess our performance against our policies and standards. Demand leadership in social responsibility from all our people; Seek to share our success by partnering with stakeholders in appropriate community development programs; Consult stakeholders in matters that affect them; Strive to communicate our performance in an accurate, transparent and timely manner; We understand the actions and conduct of all our employees the basis on which our stakeholders will evaluate our commitment to achieving the highest standards of social responsibility. Since environmental, health and safety issues can affect the communities where we operate, we will carry out our Social Responsibility Policy in conjunction with our Environmental and Health and Safety Policies. construction & engineering Parakuo was founded on the strong principles of integrity, reliability, accountability and a firm commitment to safety. Each day is built on this solid foundation forging close and trusted partnerships with our clients. The proof is in our high rate of repeat business and our reputation, built in over two decades. By taking a "construction driven" approach to managing the work, Parakuo Projects can more effectively control costs and schedule, enhancing the probability of an early completion, improve productivity and greatly reduce potential for negative project impacts. On every project, we bring an open mind, a positive attitude and a focus on a successful result. Construction Management In addition to our turnkey projects, Parakuo Ltd offers a complete range of Project/Construction Management Services for the following business sectors: Civil Engineering & Building Projects Mining Property Development Estate Management With a diversity of services, Parakuo Ltd completes projects ranging from small upgrades valued at less than $ 1 million to large projects in excess of $ 10 million. With our clients across Ghana and the potential within the West African sub-region, our growth has and continues to be as a direct result of our commitment to bring projects in safely, on time and on budget. Our front line management and trades people draw on their skills and experience to exceed client expectations. Our employees' dedication to providing a high-quality product is without equal. With over 22 years of construction experience and a successful record as a team participant, Parakuo Ltd understands construction, cost-saving innovations, construction methodology and the never ending pursuit of quality and safety. As a member of the project team, our commitment is to complete all work scope within our specified project goals of safety, quality, cost, and schedule. We believe these goals must be met to ensure a satisfied customer and ultimately, the success of our team. Our Mission Maintain our position as a leading engineering contractor and developer of repute whilst promoting profitability, good corporate citizenship and cost effectiveness. Our Values Founded on strong principles - integrity, reliability, accountability and a firm commitment to safety. Each day is built on this solid foundation forging close and trusted partnerships with our clients. The proof is in our high rate of repeat business and our reputation, built in almost two decades. Safety: think safety, work safely We are proud of our reputation as a company that provides a safe work environment. We are committed to a strong health, safety and environmental program that protects employees, trade contractors, customers, the public and property from accidents and/or incidents. We believe that all accidents are preventable. Our goal is ZERO accidents. Active participation at all levels ensures that our goal can be achieved. Our health, safety & environmental program provides: * Assigned responsibilities * On-going employee education and training * Job specific safe work practices /procedures * Equipment operating and maintenance procedures * Safety guidelines that focus management, employee, and trade contractor awareness on reducing the risk of accidents and/or incidents in all activities Reliability assured We are committed to protecting the environment in all aspects of our operations. Our environmental program outlines all steps necessary to achieve this goal. Social Responsibility Policy real estate BECAUSE OUR DEFINITION OF A HOME IS MORE ABOUT A LIFESTYLE THAN A STREET ADDRESS You are always in your element, whether you're enjoying the great outdoors or the comfort of your PARAKUO HOME. And it's the combination of elements that go into your PARAKUO HOME that make it the ultimate expression of you. It's in the design that conveys your personal vision. It's in the superior construction and quality of detaile that showcases your appreciation for time honoured craftsmanship. And it's the satisfaction of knowing you've purchased a Home that will become something more - part of a legacy of memories to last for generations. Since 1986, more than 1,980 of our Homes have been built across Ghana and within the sub-region of West Africa. Thousands of people like you have discovered how nice it is to come home to the peace ofmoind that comes with owning a PARAKUO HOME. Let us help you create that special place in your life. Parakuo are currently developing quality homes in four location within Ghana. These are three in the Greater Accra Region (Accra) and one in the Ashanti Region (Kumasi). Mining Our Business PARAKUO is a diverse business providing a range of services to the mining and civil sectors in Ghana. We have operated as a general civil engineering company for 22 years. In 2003, mining services was included in our range of activities. As a company that is known for its quality services, our experience and growth has developed a reputation of excellence in the marketplace. We are a progressive and innovative player in mining, civil, plant and equipment services and are committed to establishing and providing long term cost efficient services. We are also a preferred partner for many Small Scale Mining companies. Through its subsidiary company, PARAMINE LTD, we operate at numerous sites throughout Ghana. We are committed to providing superior, timely and cost efficient alluvial mining services. PARAMINE LTD offers an extensive range of equipment and expertise that will provide you with an optimum Plant and Equipment solution. Our services include buying and selling used equipment and components together with wet, dry and fully maintained hire.
With our current headquarters in Accra, Ghana, Kumesh Enterprise (now Kumesh Ghana Limited) was established in 1975 in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, a general trading company with several retail outlets and warehousing facilities. Eventually the Headquarters was relocated to the capital city, Accra, Knutsford Avenue, with one retail outlet/office and warehousing facilities catering for its operations countrywide and maintaining all outlets and warehouses in Kumasi. A few years later a Textile Factory was acquired and converted to a warehousing facility, which would later become the current headquarters. A decade after our establishment the Construction of a New head quarters began In North Industrial Area, Accra. In this same year we diversified by adding the sales of Electronic items to our portfolio. We continued trading in sundries, commodities and gradually strengthened the line up of consumer electronics as well as establishing a service centre for maintenance and repairs of electronics. In 1996 we officially became authorized agents to handle sales and service of Panasonic Consumer Electronics, Home Appliances, Telecommunications and Office Automation products. A Panasonic showroom was inaugurated at the headquarters of the company and other outlets followed thereafter. Over the years other premium quality brands of Home & Kitchen Appliances, Computer Peripherals and other Electronic related products were added to our portfolio. Today, in our continuous expansion strategy, we remain dedicated to maintaining the quality of the products and services we sell in such a growing and competitive market.
Kimo Home was established in March 18th 1992. Presently we are proud of being the only company with the largest variety of tiles and sanitary wares, with new designs and models imported every week. Kimo initially started its business by importing only white tiles and white sanitary-ware. As its market got more demanding Kimo expanded its product supply to various types of tiles (wall tiles, floor tiles, porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles, granite, marble, branded sanitary ware etc). Today, Kimo Home is the leading importer of quality Tiles and Sanitary Ware in the country and is popular in its trade for introducing to its market a variety of products in creative designs and sizes produced by some of the finest manufactures across the world. Kimo Home is the sole agent for these world renowned brands: * Swimming pool materials from CERTIKIN ( Europe ). * IDEAL STANDARD, a well known producer of the best sanitary ware. * GROHE is Europe 's largest and the world's leading single-brand manufacturer and supplier of sanitary fittings, holding roughly eight percent of the worlds market. Given the confidence in proficiency and quality of materials used, our brands offer a guarantee against any manufacturing flaw and all at affordable prices.
Bcm International Ltd. verified
location_on Accra, Ghana
workspace_premium Construction & Real Estate
BCM Group, as "Bayswater Contracting", started as a family firm in Australia in the early 1950s in the civil and mining construction business. Under the same family ownership, BCM Group expanded into Ghana in 1990, and thereafter further into Mali, Tanzania, Guinea and Niger. By 2000, BCM had established itself as one of the leading mining and civil contractors in Sub-Saharan Africa, an area containing significant mineral wealth. In 2004 BCM became the first Western Style mining contractor in Central Asia and now operates in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Central Asia also offers unique challenges to develop that areas emerging mineral wealth. The operational subsidiaries within the BCM Group are BCM Ghana Limited BCM International Limited BCM Mali S.A., BCM Guinea S.A., BCM Holdings S.A. BCM Tanzania Ltd. BKM Texnik ServisBCM has operated in Africa for over 18 years. It is one of the most experienced and established mining contractors servicing the West African mining industry. The experience gained in Ghana over the past twelve years by BCM in dealing with local cultural and business practices, workforce management, local business relationships, tax and corporate compliance matters, banking relationships, and the myriad of other logistical issues, is without doubt one of the cornerstones of the company's success. This experience is one of the key requirements to facilitate competent operation in Central Asia and African countries, and cannot be accumulated in a short time period. This experience is not represented in the balance sheet of the business, however the value of this experience as an asset, which contributes to the operating result, should not be underestimated. BCM Group is renowned for its ability to complete projects on time and to budget. Our Vision "To Be Recognized As The Leading Innovative Professional Civil Earthmoving and Open Cut Mining Contractor" BCM strategy is to remain as one of the top contract miners/earthmovers currently operating in Sub-Saharan Africa, and to be one of the top in Central Asia. It is planned to achieve this through continued best practice and service to its existing client base, and also to new entrants to the mining scene in Africa and Central Asia. An impressive list of new projects is emerging in Central Asia which are within the usual capability of BCM. BCM plans to work closely with these new project owners to customize solutions to their mining extraction requirements. BCM maintains a mining and civil estimating department capable of working with clients to assess and cost their project requirements. Plant & Equipment The company purchases most of its plant & equipment outright, although this is augmented by hired or leased equipment from time to time. A brief summary of the major plant fleet is listed below: 26 excavators ranging from 25 tonne to 230 tonne 11 motor graders 13 wheel loaders 13 drill rigs (ATLAS COPCO - with coprod system) 13 rollers and compactors 12 dozers (two of which is are wheel dozers) 6 scrapers 6 water cart 65 dump trucks 50 to 100 tonne 50 tipper trucks plus various other plant This fleet is currently expanding rapidly with the new projects as awarded. The value of this fleet of plant and equipment is presently around USD 87 million dollars, plus a large inventory of parts and consumable supplies of USD 5 to 6 million. Plant and equipment maintenance is controlled through the integrated inventory/maintenance system. Workshop repairs, overhauls and other preventative and predictive maintenance are carried out at each major remote site by BCM staff in conjunction with in-country representatives of manufacturers. Logistics BCM have both a Logistical and Supply Department working together to ensure all projects through out West Africa and the CIS countries have adequate inventory of spare parts and mining consumables at all times. These departments have a wealth of knowledge concerning the appropriate suppliers, transportation companies and customs regulations that ensures the timely delivery of all equipment, parts and consumables to all on-going projects.
GeoQuest is a fully independent consultancy and contracting group based in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is committed to providing high quality and cost ef fective technical and logistical solutions to the mining / mineral exploration, hydrogeological and environmental sectors in Central and Southern Africa. GeoQuest is made up of a dedicated core team of Zambian and DRC based professionals (including Zambian, Zimbabwean and DRC nationals as well as expatriates). The group provides select, hands on, multi-disciplinary teams and / or individuals including geoscientists and technicians tailored to meet the particular requirements and needs of each client. GeoQuest has no ties with any mining or exploration company other than providing services on a contractual basis. GeoQuest is an active member of the Zambian Chamber of Mines (CMZ) and the Association of Zambian Mineral Exploration Companies (AZMEC). GeoQuest is led and managed by Julian D.Green BSc., MSc., D.I.C., CGeol., FGS Julian has worked as a Professional Exploration Geologist in Eastern Europe, Australia and particularly Central and Southern Africa for a variety of mining and exploration companies including Tesla, KGHM, Rio Tinto and Caledonia . Since being in Africa he has worked professionally in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana and the DRC. He has personally directed or participated in many grass roots and advanced exploration programmes for a wide range of deposit types including : SEDEX / VMS Pb-Zn-Cu-Ag, Diamonds, Copperbelt style Cu-Co, Shear and Paleo-placter hosted Au, Phosphate and REE's, Fe Oxide Cu-Au, Ni-PGE's and U. In addition, he completed his MSc. thesis on the Northern European Kupferschiefer which involved practical experience at the Sieroszowice and Rudna Mines in SW Poland. Prior to founding GeoQuest in 2000, Julian was Exploration Manager for Caledonia Mining Zambia Limited with responsibility not only for day to day operations but also supervision and liaison of Joint Venture projects with Cyprus Amax Zambia Corporation and BHP / Motapa Diamonds Inc, Dunrobin Mining Limited (in Zambia) and Gecamines - SODIMICO (within the DRC). Julian is a Chartered Geologist (Geological Society of London). He is qualified under The Australasian Code for reporting of exploration results, mineral resources and ore reserves (JORC Code) and Canadian National Instrument 43-101 to be a 'competent or qualified person' capable of preparing public reports on exploration results.
Hotel Club Du Lac Tanganyika verified
location_on Bujumbura, Burundi
workspace_premium Hotels, Lodges & Tourism
The 4-stars hotel has a favourable position facing the lake and benefits from a cooling breeze during hottest part of the day. This keeps the humidity away and the building cool. These benefits are also enhanced by the gardens and imposing greenery of the grounds which keeps the building shady. The natural air conditioning is also made possible by the building's architecture. This is characterised by thatched roofs, and large balconies which screen rooms from direct sunlight. All gives to the hotel the lowest humidity rates and temperatures compared to the city of Bujumbura.Accommodation with the following services and facilities :air condition on request • bar with terrace • boat rental and car rental • boutique • catering • concierge • conference room • credit card accepted(VISA/MASTERCARD) • secretarial service • front desk - 24 hour, safe deposit box and fax service • golf-course and horse center external hotel • gymnasium, illuminated tennis court, sailing, surf and beach volley • internet cafè • laundry service • luggage room • multilingual staff • night club • outdoor children swimming pool and an outdoor swimming pool • private beach with huts and private car parking • restaurants, snack bar on the beach • sauna and massage • shuttle service from and/or to the airport
Electrical Maintenance Lusaka Ltd. verified
location_on Lusaka , Zambia
workspace_premium Electronics & Electrical
EML began in 1964. The company was incorporated in 1965 when Mrs. Narder arrived with both husband and wife being shareholders. EML focused on electrical contracting, services and maintenance. It has expanded over the years and employed at its peak a staff of 600 employees active in various fields including the manufacture of electrical light fittings, domestic and security lighting, distribution boards and motor control centers. Manufacturing The backbone of the company is our factory, Sterling Steel. It is a totally separate entity situated in Luanshya Road with a total staff of approximately 80 employees. The manager is a qualified expatriate in electrical and mechanical engineering. The factory comprises the following departments: Tool Room: lathes, shapers, power saws, surface grinder and milling machine. Preparation of dyes for the presses. Machine maintenance. Production Area: guillotine, up to 30 ton machine presses, spot welding, arc welding, gas welding, bending brakes for cutting and bending steel sheets up to 4m wide and 3mm thick. Spray Painting Area with drying oven, etc. Assembly, commissioning and packaging. Customer Services, Rewinding and Contracting The contracting department comprises a contracts manager, an electrical project engineer, an estimator and a team of staff. At present the department only has an organization of approximately 80 employees. During the 1970s there were some 300 employees. This department is autonomous and concentrates mainly on industrial installations. Our strength is in the field as we can manufacture various boards and fittings to the specifications and standards of our clients. This department carries out projects along the line of rail, from the Copperbelt to Livingstone in the Southern Province. Our company has been involved in the majority of installations throughout Zambia over the past 25 years. Consequently it has an established and reputable brand name. Electrical Contracting Projects One of our most challenging achievements in contracting was the electrification of Mulungushi Hall in 1977 as the installation took only 4 months to complete. The main contractor had 1,200 employees whereas EML had only 95. Being a flexible and streamlined organization permitted us to work round the clock. The completion was a satisfying achievement. We had also designed the electrical installations at Mulungushi Hall. We proudly have a long-standing commitment to Zambia as we have for clients including the Nitrogen Chemicals Kafue (1979), Dairy Produce Board Kitwe (1973) and Lenco Lusaka (1973). A recent exemplar of a major project in Lusaka is the Manda Hill shopping center where we carried out 75% the electrical installations. Commercial and Marketing Departments In order to compete more favorably EML has imported directly for many years. As the major manufacturer and producer in Zambia it has proven valuable to have such a department. The Commercial and Marketing departments cover electrical wholesale and are supported by two main warehouses: the first for daily issues and the second for holding goods in bulk. Furthermore there is a bonded warehouse from which we draw goods for the factory as well as for trade. Staff consists of a commercial manager who is a qualified expatriate engineer, two additional expatriate engineers plus a staff of six Zambians who spend considerable time on the road and in the field visiting major customers. They provide technical support, advice and trouble shooting. Their significant experience enables them to provide the client with better customer service and value. The sales counter has a staff of 9 persons plus an expatriate manager. They prepare quotations for standard stock items. Imports and Communications Department Our imports department is managed by a qualified expatriate engineer supported by six Zambians. They clear through customs all our imports and deal directly with our suppliers and transporters. The team visits the airport at least three times a week. Due to our experience and contacts we practically have no losses of the goods in transit or on arrival. Accounts Department, Financial Control and Administration An expatriate chief accountant plus a team of Zambian accountants, book keeper, secretary etc. run this department. Participation at Exhibitions and Shows EML and EIS participated in numerous shows in Kitwe and Lusaka, both winning several prestigious prizes. The companies exhibited products that we manufactured as well as equipment that we have been marketing in this country. Electrical Instrumentation Services Limited This company in Kitwe was formed in the 1970s to provide an electrical instrumentation service to mining and industrial clients in the Copperbelt. The company has a secure yard with a bonded warehouse and offices, commercial sales counter and warehouse full of electrical items. The premises belong to the company itself and include residential flats for staff, consultants and visitors. The manager is an expatriate lady and has 16 staff: two traveling salesmen, counter sales staff, drivers, administrative staff, store controllers etc. All the importation for EIS is supported and administered by EML in Lusaka.
As one of the pioneers of wireless Internet in Zambia, Microlink firmly believes the future world of the Internet will increasingly be a 'wireless' world. Microlink is able to offer internet solutions which actually fit the requirements of the client. With our licenced frequency bands, we are not affected by interference from the proliferation of unlicenced wireless devices. The various classes and grades of service vary widely, but ultimately they are dependent on: 1. The quality of the bandwidth. Microlink offers bandwidth from CIR to dedicated to shared with the solution being tailored to the critical importance of the data flows. 2. The speed of the bandwidth. Clients can elect from a wide permutation of bandwidth options from 64kbps down/32kbpbs up to more than 1024kbps (1 Mb) down if so desired. There are certain companies or organizations where the most appropriate choice for internet access would be through a VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal). Generally a VSAT solution is virtually a necessity for those companies or organizations based in rural areas where there is no local access to an ISP's internet network. The options for a stand-alone VSAT vary widely and are dependent on the needs of the user and the size of the company. For example, a tourist lodge or a farmer with a primary need for sending and receiving e-mail would probably be best suited to considering a Ku-band VSAT (where the initial equipment costs are relatively low) and a lower tier monthly bandwidth package. By contrast, a mining company with overseas headquarters and a sizable staff may elect for a C-band VSAT and dedicated bandwidth. There are a wide variety of options in between. The Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the fastest growing sectors of the IT data market in Zambia. Companies with operations in one or more major Zambian towns increasingly have the need to share data or centralize certain functions. A VPN allows accounting software, for example, to be used uniformly across all branches. Inventories can be more easily analyzed with all branches connected seamlessly by a data network. Microlink offers VPN services between and from any of these locations: Lusaka Kitwe Ndola Chingola Solwezi Livingstone Microlink's I-Zones offer services such as Web Browsing, E-mail, Printing, Scanning, and CD Burning. HotSpot tickets can also be purchased at any I-Zone location. Microlink also has various HotSpots located throughout the country. Microlink also offers a number of other services, such as: Web Hosting: We provide web-hosting services, with PHP & MySQL capability. We offer FTP services for clients to upload/make changes to their website. Domain Hosting: We can host your domain (i.e. mydomain.com) to enable you to receive e-mails at that domain, have your own website, etc. We provide e-mail aliasing and forwarding. E-mail Addresses We provide 3 free email addresses to all our clients. Addresses can be either @microlink.zm, or @ your own domain. We also have a web-based e-mail program (Microlink Traveller) which you can use to check your mail anywhere in the world.
Mohammed Enterprises Tanzania Ltd verified
location_on Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
workspace_premium Industrial Supplies
METL is one of Tanzania's largest businesses. Initially built on trading in import and export in the 1980s, the company has embarked on a major vertical integration programme to complement its trading base through expansion into manufacturing and agriculture. The Group employs more than 5,000 people and is making a strong contribution to economic development in the country. The company has several competitive strengths, including a massive distribution system, low-cost production, excellence in management, and a forward -looking vision. The METL business philosophy is very simple: to continue to be a driving force in Tanzania's private sector, achieving a dominant presence in the company's core business sectors whilst creating sustainable industrial development and innovation that meet the needs of people of Tanzania and in other countries within the region. Trading The company continues to be a significant player in the country's trading sector, owning one of the largest trading houses in Tanzania. Core imports include commodities and foodstuffs, consumer goods and sundries, agriculture implements, and raw materials and chemicals for its various industries. Core exports are focused on agricultural produce such as sisal and cashewnuts, and more recently value-added processed agricultural goods sourced from METL's manufacturing division. Manufacturing METL launched into manufacturing in 1997. The group now owns and operates 10 different manufacturing companies and a further 3 in the pipeline. These companies are involved in the production of goods for both local consumption and export. These include a wide range of branded and non-branded products that are well-recognised and trusted by consumers across the country. Agriculture METL's agricultural division, which was created in 1998, employs more than 4,000 people and has over 35,000 Ha of agricultural farmland on 16 different estates in Tanzania, on which extensive sisal, cashewnut and tea farming is taking place. The agriculture division is currently working to expand into the production of a wide range of cash crops including cotton and cassava and trial production of these crops is already underway in order to establish their yield and commercial viability. Distribution Distribution is critical to METL's trading, manufacturing and agriculture businesses. Over the years the company has created an extensive distribution network consisting of 40 sales outlets in the city and 27 upcountry branches that have reach into every region of Tanzania. These branches act as hubs for secondary and tertiary distribution into Tanzania's hinterlands, as well as command centres for procurement of agricultural commodities at the farmgate. The Group has its own fleet of over 300 vehicles, a resource that provides essential links in the Group's value chain. The Community Whilst METL has long been supporting health, education and humanitarian causes in Tanzania, it is best known for its contribution towards the development of sports in the country, notably football. The company has sponsored Simba Football Club since 1998 and provides for all the club's needs.