GPT Infraprojects launches concrete sleeper plant in Namibia [September 19, 2011]

Kolkata, September 19: GPT Infraprojects, the flagship company of Kolkata based GPT group has launched a new manufacturing facility in Namibia, in partnership with TansNamib, the rail road service provider in Namibia. On 15th September, Marco Hausiku, Deputy Prime Minister, Republic of Namibia officially inaugurated GPT TransNamib Concrete Sleepers  on behalf of His Excellency Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of the Republic of Namibia in Tsumeb.
The project has been implemented under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model through a Joint Venture Company, GPT TransNamib Concrete Sleeper (Pty) Ltd, between TransNamib Holdings Ltd, the railway operator in Namibia and GPT Infraprojects. GPT shall be responsible for providing knowhow for manufacture of concrete sleepers and has deputed its experienced team of engineers and managers for the running of the plant.
The factory is located at the town of Tsumeb in Namibia’s Oshikoto region, having a capacity to manufacture 125,000 sleepers per annum. The factory will generate direct and indirect employment for 100 people in the region.
Speaking on the official inauguration of the new facility, Dwarika Prasad Tantia, Chairman, GPT Infraprojects said, “We are privileged to get an opportunity to work with this country. Namibia’s stability, sound economic status and tax incentives are some of the reasons for the investment here. The growth of the local industry and demand for quality products has been on the rise in Namibia, which provides us with a great opportunity to expand our operations and explore future business opportunities. We believe our experience of 30 years will help the country build a well developed transport network of its own. Their association with us reflects the confidence they have in us."
The plant will manufacture P2 type 23 MT axle load concrete sleepers under a US$ 45 Million contract with the Ministry of Works and Transport, Government of Namibia over a period of 5 years. GPT's participation in the project is the largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by an Indian company in Namibia and strengthens the relationship between the 2 countries.
GPT Infraprojects has already executed successful projects in South Africa, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Namibia. GPT has supplied in excess of 750,000 sleepers in Mozambique for RICON, a joint venture of IRCON International and RITES Ltd for the Beira – Sena line of CCFB in a World Bank funded project. The company's concrete sleeper plant at Ladysmith, South Africa has been supplying concrete sleepers to Transnet Freight Rail, South Africa for the last 2 years.

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