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SIC launches new machines

By HENLY TAKA
THREE new machines for making leather products were officially commissioned yesterday to be used by the Small Industries Centre (SIC).
The equipment were acquired in Singapore for US$5,000 (about K16,000)
Secretary for Commerce and Industry Anton Kulit, who was speaking on behalf of Minister Michael Nali, noted that the SIC was quietly producing high-quality products and are being sold in the local market.
Mr Kulit said SIC maked high-quality leather goods, cane furniture along with simple tools and machines like water pumps, brick-maker, drum ovens and rice mills.
He said he was happy to note that Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane and Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare are wearing sandals crafted for them by the SIC.
He said this was big vote of confidence in SIC by the two Government officials and urged other leaders to follow suit by supporting locally-made products.
Steven Maken, acting managing director for Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC), said SIC had a problematic history and the decision by the National Executive Council (NEC) to merge SIC with SBDC in mid-1990s “was a step in the right direction”.
He said the commissioning of the new leather machines was the culmination of two years’ hard work put in by SBDC and SIC.
Mr Maken noted that Lenny Liyanage of SIC was the driving force behind the acquisition of the three machines.
SBDC board chairman John Jeffery urged the SIC not to overlook the most important element of manufacturing which is the need to continuously market their products.
Mr Jeffery said only when the manufactured products are sold would SIC end up putting money in the bank.