GCN charcoal factory opens in Arandis
Green Charcoal Namibia (GCN) on Monday inaugurated the biggest charcoal factory in Arandis.
Speaking at the event, Erongo Region Neville Andre Itope said the town is rising as a beacon of hope for the country, while the factory is set to "champion greener and more eco-friendly charcoal production".
He also extended a word of gratitude to the local leadership for their foresight to relentlessly search for opportunities to diversify and unlock the local economy.
"I equally want to express my gratitude to the investors for having selected Arandis as the ideal town for their investment and for utilising green and eco-friendly mechanisms in the production of the charcoal. My appreciation also goes to the Namibian government for having created a favourable investment environment and attracting the necessary foreign direct investment to our country, but most importantly to government efforts and initiatives to grow our local economy and the manufacturing industry," Itope said.
National importance
Arandis mayor Risto Kapenda said the factory's inauguration is not only of regional importance, but is also crucial from a national perspective.
"The successful completion of this unique and technologically advanced establishment aligns with the first pillar of the fifth National Development Plan, 'economic progression'," he said.
According to him, the Arandis town council added a corporate social responsibility component to GCN's contract, which will see the construction of two playgrounds in the town, valued at N$240 000.
"We are excited to have inaugurated the first playground. This will serve as a benefit to the children of Arandis, and we thank the investors wholeheartedly for complying with the contractual obligations in this regard."
30 000 tonnes
GCN is a leading provider of sustainable and eco-friendly charcoal solutions, produced from Namibia's bush encroachment, catering for both residential and commercial use.
"Our high-quality charcoal is perfect for braais, as it burns longer and hotter than traditional charcoal, providing a more efficient and enjoyable cooking experience. By using invasive plant species for our production, we not only help to control their spread but also contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of traditional charcoal production," the company said in a statement.
GCN is a subsidiary of Belgium-based Carbobois, the biggest importer and distributor of charcoal in Europe.
The Arandis factory is estimated to package over 30 000 tonnes of Forest Stewardship Council-certified charcoal per year. It will also produce 8 000 tonnes of FSC-certified briquettes per year. "
This means that about 14% of all Namibian charcoal exports will be produced here in Arandis," Kapenda said.
Speaking at the event, Erongo Region Neville Andre Itope said the town is rising as a beacon of hope for the country, while the factory is set to "champion greener and more eco-friendly charcoal production".
He also extended a word of gratitude to the local leadership for their foresight to relentlessly search for opportunities to diversify and unlock the local economy.
"I equally want to express my gratitude to the investors for having selected Arandis as the ideal town for their investment and for utilising green and eco-friendly mechanisms in the production of the charcoal. My appreciation also goes to the Namibian government for having created a favourable investment environment and attracting the necessary foreign direct investment to our country, but most importantly to government efforts and initiatives to grow our local economy and the manufacturing industry," Itope said.
National importance
Arandis mayor Risto Kapenda said the factory's inauguration is not only of regional importance, but is also crucial from a national perspective.
"The successful completion of this unique and technologically advanced establishment aligns with the first pillar of the fifth National Development Plan, 'economic progression'," he said.
According to him, the Arandis town council added a corporate social responsibility component to GCN's contract, which will see the construction of two playgrounds in the town, valued at N$240 000.
"We are excited to have inaugurated the first playground. This will serve as a benefit to the children of Arandis, and we thank the investors wholeheartedly for complying with the contractual obligations in this regard."
30 000 tonnes
GCN is a leading provider of sustainable and eco-friendly charcoal solutions, produced from Namibia's bush encroachment, catering for both residential and commercial use.
"Our high-quality charcoal is perfect for braais, as it burns longer and hotter than traditional charcoal, providing a more efficient and enjoyable cooking experience. By using invasive plant species for our production, we not only help to control their spread but also contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of traditional charcoal production," the company said in a statement.
GCN is a subsidiary of Belgium-based Carbobois, the biggest importer and distributor of charcoal in Europe.
The Arandis factory is estimated to package over 30 000 tonnes of Forest Stewardship Council-certified charcoal per year. It will also produce 8 000 tonnes of FSC-certified briquettes per year. "
This means that about 14% of all Namibian charcoal exports will be produced here in Arandis," Kapenda said.
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