Okahandja
Stevens Trading and Manufacturing, which produces safety-wear and corporate clothing, on Monday opened a new garment factory in Okahandja to compliment their already existing factory in Swakopmund, their retail outlet in Ongwediva and their headquarters in Windhoek.
The husband and wife team of Lukas and Natalie Steven invested approximately N$750 000 into the new facility in Okahandja, and also received about N$200 000 worth of machinery from the Namibia Development Corporation.
Lukas Steven noted that the factory will initially employ 40 people, which they hope to triple to 120 over the next three years. The company employs a further 72 staff in Swakopmund, five in Ongwediva and four in Windhoek.
Officiating at the opening on Monday, vice-chairperson of the National Council Margareth Mensah-Williams said Namibians cannot continue indefinitely to import goods from South Africa. While encouraging Namibians to produce what they consume, Mensah-Williams said locals should add value to Namibia’s resources to enter the export market. She called on Stevens Trading staff to be passionate about the business, which would eventually lead to the company’s growth, as well as their own personal growth.
Also at the official opening, Mayor of Okahandja Valarie Aron said Okahandja is making strides in terms of development and claimed the town is the fastest growing town in the country: “Stevens Trading must remain competitive, must reduce costs and above all else should provide excellent service.”