SIC posts K1.3m sales in 2011

Business, Normal
Source:

The National, Wednesday 19th September, 2012

By GYNNIE KERO
THE Small Industry Centre (SIC) had a turnover of K1.3 million from sales of leather products in the country last year, according to manager Taua Apuai.
He said SIC’s revenue for this year was expected to increase because of the growing demand for leather goods.
SIC is 100% revenue-sustained and it imports leather from Sri Lanka to produce high quality sandals, shoes, hats, bags and other leather items.
As a promoter of cottage industries and appropriate technologies in the country, SIC’s leather products are 95% handcrafted.
Apuai said they kept their prices as low as possible to give the little people a fair chance of engaging in the leather business.
“Regular clients include individuals and local businesses that purchase in bulk and resell with own mark-up,” he said,
“Main challenge is the high import cost and SIC pays more than K24,000 for a shipment.”
Apuai said SIC had potential in the leather industry and was embarking on producing improved products to suit customer demands.
He acknowledged the government for its continued support and in recognising the leather project.