Hume Industries, a division of Basic Industries Limited plans to open its Labasa Manufacturing Plant by the end of this month.

CEO of Basic Industries Ltd, Mr Mosese Volavola confirms that the decision to open its Labasa Operations is driven by the expected improvement in construction activities in the Northern division this year, 2010, in line with the Government budget.

According to Mr Volavola, the Plant was scheduled to open towards the end of last year but this was delayed due to the intervention of Cyclone Mick.

Mr Volavola said, “The Plant which is located in Vulovi, Labasa will enable us to manufacture and make available our products closer to our customers in the North thus reducing their transportation costs and improving the overall efficiency of business delivery. It is also part of our strategy to grow and expand our business within Fiji.”

Hume’s products will be used in the Fiji Road Upgrading 4 Project which includes the road from Nabouwalu to Dreketi, the Buca Bay Road in Savusavu and other rural road programs in Vanua Levu.

Mr Volavola further added that Hume Industries is positioning itself to be able to efficiently meet demands in line with Government Road Upgrading Projects. Hume manufactures concrete power poles, concrete sleepers, road kerbs, bridge beams, water tanks, box culverts and other construction products, all of which are key components of Government Infrastructural Construction Projects.

The company also plans to introduce new product solutions for rural and suburban roads in the near future. In support of comments by the CEO, the Hume Industries GM, Mr Mosese Natuilagilagi added that “New products to be introduced will include Precast Arch Systems for bridges, underpasses and tunnels; Humedeck Precast Modular Bridge Systems which are ideal solutions for replacement and upgrading for decaying timber bridges and Overhead Predestrian Precast Crossing Systems that will help decrease traffic congestion and improve flow of traffic. All these products are cheaper, quick and easy to install and more importantly bring about improvements in our transportation system which will benefit the public at large.”

Hume’s customers include the Fiji Electricity Authority, Fiji Sugar Corporation, Public Works Department, Town Councils and commercial building contractors. 

About Hume:
Hume Industries is a major division of Basic Industries Limited, a subsidiary of Fijian Holdings Limited. The Hume product range incorporates solutions for pipe and box culvert requirements, bridge and tunnel systems, a range of environmental products focused on storm water quality and the emerging water resource management sectors, buildings and communications products, products for the rail industry and a range of products for the rural sectors.

Ends
________________________________________________________________
For enquiries please contact:
Ilisapeci Levula
Public Relations Officer
Phone: (679) 330 5017
Email: ilisapeci.levula@fijianholdings.com.fj