From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Oguzor Offia-Nwali, has announced the revalidation and commencement of pipe production in the state.
The commissioner made the disclosure while addressing newsmen during an inspection of the factory site in Izhiangbo, Ebonyi State.
Oguzor stated that the pipe production plant boosts of a production capacity of 6,500 pipes, ranging from 20mm to 160mm, daily.
“We have fully commenced the production of pipes. Currently, we are producing pipes ranging from 20mm to 75mm, and from 75mm to 160mm.
“We have HDP five production machines that produce sizes 360 and 420mm, as well as HDP machines producing 20mm, 25mm, 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, 90mm, 160mm, and 210mm. The factory already has machines capable of producing pipes in the best gauge.
“The factory has machines that produce between 70mm and 25mm, capable of producing 2,500 pipes at night and 2,500 pipes during the day due to their fast nature. However, the 75mm to 160mm pipes are slower due to their shape, producing between 1,200 and 1,500 pipes a day. So, the factory has the capacity to produce 5,000 pipes of 25mm to 70mm daily, and 1,200 to 1,500 pipes of 75mm to 160mm daily,” he explained.
The commissioner disclosed the state government’s readiness to equip the factory with manpower and the necessary resources, adding that it operates continuously, six working days.
He emphasized that the factory is capable of producing enough pipes to serve the South-East region, encouraging prospective buyers to be patient, as they adjust the prices of the products.
Speaking on the workforce, he pledged to hire more staff to boost production.
“The governor has approved 20 operational staff, knowing that the machines are delicate and require at least eight to ten staff per line to prevent jams and burnouts.
“Currently, we have 20 individuals undergoing training, as the current staff were recommended by the company for their high maintenance skills.
On his part, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ebonyi State Council, Comrade Samson Nwafor, commended Governor Francis Nwifuru and Offia-Nwali for ensuring that the mandate given to them is fulfilled.
