Amaecom inaugurates $1m foam factory in Uyo

The quest for industrialisation in Akwa Ibom State has received a major boost with the inauguration of a $1 million foam manufacturing factory in Uyo, the state capital, by Amaecom Global Limited, which is expected to produce 200 cubic metres high quality product daily.

Observers say it is a bold attempt by the company to diversify into manufacturing of pillows and mattresses aside from asset financing services.

Speaking at the inauguration, which was also attended by the commissioner for commerce, Ufot Nkangude, the managing director of the company, Marcel Ofomata said the products were compliant to specifications of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), adding that it would offer 300 direct and countless downstream employment opportunities.

According to him, the company has concluded plans to bring in clusters of other related factories that will stimulate abundant and correspondent job opportunities and prevent capital flight in our economy.

“We aspire for excellence in service delivery; the factory is faced with a number of challenges which we hope our government will graciously solve for us. These challenges include irregular power supply, poor voltage at the factory, due to lack of a station transformer and lack of adequate land for other clusters. We need grants and financial support for mass production,’’ Ofomata said.

He also solicited government’s patronage, maintaining that its asset financing scheme had suffered a setback due to non remittance of deductions due to the company from the salaries of its customers.

“This has not only jeopardised our relationship with our financiers but has also made Akwa Ibom branch a big salary burden on our other branches. This and among other reasons enable the company to sustain the 60 percent employment opportunities indigenes have enjoyed from the company as well as other fulfillment of regular corporate social responsibilities,’’ he said.

In his remarks, the commissioner for commerce, Ufot Nkangude commended the management of the company for keying into the industrialisation programme, adding that efforts had been made to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK