K10mil rice plant will help create more jobs

By CLARISSA MOI
GOODMAN Fielder (PNG)’s K10.29mil rice plant, opened in Port Moresby yesterday, has the capacity of producing up to 360 tonnes of rice per day, general manager Manish Randev says.
He said the company’s investment in this new plant for its Skel Rice brand showed their commitment to providing quality production, consistent deliveries and at an affordable price.
“This plant can produce 15 tonnes an hour which means in a day it can produce up to 360 tonnes,” Randev said.
“We are putting a lot of money in investment and Goodman Fielder is here to stay.
“It’s not about taking the price hike or increasing the prices.
“Our motto is ‘we are committed to making everyday food better for everyone, keeping focus on quality, consistency on deliveries and ensuring that it is at an affordable price.”
Randev said the company was investing in a plant in Lae at the cost of about K500 million.
“We are doing a heavy investment in Lae as well,” he said.
“We’re putting up a state-of-the-art plant with the latest technology to give us very good product.
“Goodman Fielder is committed to making everyday food better for everyone.
“We work with locals to build up the talent and ensure that everyone grows as the economy of Papua New Guinea grows.”
The opening of the rice plant, located at Badili, created an additional 129 jobs on top of the existing 1,043 jobs.
It would support growth in Central, Western, Gulf and Milne Bay and serve demand in the Southern region.
Randev said there were three types of organisation: one who witness the growth, the one who wanted to be part of the growth and the third one fuels growth.
“And we at Goodman Fielder, through our Flame and our various brands, stand committed to fuelling the growth of this country.”
Agriculture and Livestock Minister John Simon who officiated the opening of the rice plant acknowledged the company for its investment and job creation for the people which showed its commitment to the country’s growth.