Pluczenik Inaugurates Botswana Diamond Polishing Plant

Diamond firm Pluczenik inaugurated its first diamond polishing plant in Botswana last week. The plant is one of several such facilities owned and operated by Diamond Trading Company (DTC) Sightholders seeking to benefit from local supplies.

In the presence of Botswana President Festus Mogae, De Beers and DTC managers Gareth Penny, Varda Shine, and Stephen Lussier, CEO Chaim Pluczenik marked the official opening of the year-old plant and a  new wing.

According to Pluczenik, the plant currently employs more than 100 workers and polishes about 2,000 carats every five weeks. It is expected to employ 300–400 workers in the future.

Pluczenik has received a local Sight from the DTC. Several Sightholders already have such a Sight and local manufacturing, and more will be joining in the near future.

The DTC itself will be moving a large part of its operations from London to Gaborone, Botswana’s capital. More Sightholders are expected to apply for a Botswana Sight in the next Sightholders contract period.

Calling it a milestone and the beginning of the realization of a desire to promote a vibrant and a sustainable cutting and polishing industry in Botswana, Penny took the opportunity to tell the audience that the Diamond Trading Company Botswana will be fully operational by 2008.

Shine added that the employment and skills developed by the factory would bring local benefits and ensure global exposure for Botswana’s diamonds.

Pluczenik told the crowd that diamonds for the recently announced brand partnership with Chaumet will be polished in the Gaborone plant. Chaumet is one of the oldest jewelry brands, established over 237 years ago. Among its clients were royal courts and Napoleon.

The Pluczenik family has been in the diamond business since 1948 and currently has a turnover of nearly $1 billion.