Zimbabwe’s third-largest bread producer, Proton Bakery, says it is deepening its investment in local manufacturing and value addition, having invested more than US$20 million in production infrastructure, renewable energy and distribution networks as it strengthens its footprint in the country’s bread industry.
Speaking during a tour of the bakery’s operations by media, yesterday, Proton Bakery Managing Director Spiros Tselentis said the company’s entire production process is carried out in Marondera, highlighting its contribution to local industrialisation and job creation.
“All of our production is carried out at our Marondera plant. We source all our flour locally from three major suppliers, which demonstrates our commitment to supporting local industries and strengthening domestic value chains,” said Tselentis.
He said Proton Bakery has built its business model around quality production, local sourcing and efficient distribution systems to ensure a consistent supply of bread across the country.
“Our focus has always been on quality. We are continuously investing in our production processes and infrastructure to ensure that consumers receive high-quality products while maintaining efficiency and competitiveness in the market,” he said.
Tselentis said the bakery operates major distribution depots in Harare and Bulawayo, enabling it to supply bread to retailers and consumers across various parts of the country.
“The company’s investment programme has seen more than US$20 million channelled towards plant upgrades, expansion of its delivery fleet and the development of a 1-megawatt solar power plant at its Marondera facility,” he said
According to Mr Tselentis, the solar investment has significantly enhanced operational efficiency by allowing the bakery to run entirely on solar power during daylight hours, reducing dependence on the national grid and lowering production costs.
“The investment in renewable energy has been critical for our operations. Our 1MW solar power plant enables us to operate entirely on solar energy during the day, improving energy security and contributing towards sustainable manufacturing practices.
Proton Bakery remains committed to expanding local production and supporting Zimbabwe’s broader industrialisation agenda through investments that create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity,” Tselentis added.
With daily production averaging 170,000 loaves, Proton Bakery has emerged as one of the country’s leading players in the baking industry, supplying a significant portion of Zimbabwe’s bread requirements.
The company’s reliance on locally milled flour has also created important linkages within the domestic agricultural and manufacturing sectors, supporting grain processors and contributing to value addition across the supply chain.
The Marondera facility continues to play a significant role in the country’s food manufacturing sector, providing employment to more than 1,600 workers while contributing to national efforts aimed at promoting local production, import substitution and sustainable industrial development.
