ASTEK company to start full operations in April 2020 – Alan Kyerematen

Astek Company Limited, a fruit processing company located at Nsawam in the Eastern Region is scheduled to restart full operations in April 2020.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, made this known in Parliament, when the Member of Parliament for Nsawam, Frank Annoh-Dompreh posed a question regarding plans to revive the company.

In response, the Minister, indicated that following the approval of GH₵5,444,769 through the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s stimulus package programme, the company is expected to resume full operations in April, next year.

The sector minister noted that out of the said amount, GH₵2,639,760 for capital expenditure had already been released.

He also mentioned that the remaining GH₵2,805,000 which is supposed to be the working capital would be released in due course.

He again noted “When the company starts full operations, it would be able to provide 60 direct jobs and 200 indirect jobs for residents of Nsawam and Adoagyiri.

Mr. Kyerematen added the business promoter who is leading the company’s revival, had ordered for 600 metric tonnes per annum pineapple processing equipment which would arrive in January, 2020, for installation.

He further revealed that the promoter has also used part of the disbursed amount to refurbish the company’s premises at Nsawam but would require an additional amount of GH₵500,000 to complete the refurbishment due to cost overrun.

He, however, noted that the ministry through its one district one factory policy will provide all the necessary incentives and support to ensure the successful operation of the company, adding that the company has secured orders to export canned sliced and chunked pineapple to Spain, USA and Egypt, under the new brand name, Nano Foods.