Steinmetz Polishing Facility Opens in Botswana
February 12, 08
A 54 million pula ($8.374 million) Steinmetz Diamond factory opened last week in Botswana. The facility will employ 220 workers and will be a part of a future, comprehensive Diamond Technology Park, according to Botswanan President Festus Mogae.
Speaking at the factory’s official opening, Mogae called for all licensed rough buyers to implement aggressive training programs among Botswanans, in order to increase local manufacturing competency, the Botswanan government reported. This would be achieved, according to Mogae, through fostering partnerships between government and industry.
Mogae also noted that, due to underdeveloped infrastructure, and systems and certain processes that have not yet been put in place and tested in regard to polishing, Botswana has been forced to suspend issuing more licenses to rough buyers.
Steinmetz General Manager Nimrod Yassur commented that the factory’s workers would benefit from the company’s Sunshine Foundation, which spreads HIV/AIDS awareness among Southern African employees, as well as from social development programs the company plans to implement.