Plans to create over 200 jobs in two years Firm opens Namibian office for distribution
Lube Plus, one of the growing brands established for lubrication solutions in the automotive and the industrial sector in Botswana, has just announced an ambitions plan to create over 200 jobs in the next two years, after starting the local production.
This was disclosed by the company’s Managing Director, Kefilwe Dithapo when fielding questions from Botswana Guardian this week. The company, retails engine & gear box oil, anti-freeze (coolants), engine cleaners started from humbling beginnings, when it was nestled in a small office in Mogoditshane, way back in 2017. Sixteen years later, after a laborious behind the scenes work, which included market research, acquisition & distribution, research and development, Lube Plus products are now trusted by c
According to Dithapo, more jobs will come along once they start participating in upstreaming/manufacturing of lubricants products, which will give them a more inside of the dynamics of international supply chains. “In the next 2 years when production runs at its full capacity there will be more than 200 employees most of which will be middle management and other technical staff. We are delighted about the skills transfer and technology that will be introduced the moment we start production locally,” she said confidently. ‘We are looking into developing a global product, starting with focus in Southern Africa and ultimately the world. We have already started setting up in neighbouring countries. We are also compelled to meeting industry international Standards certifications’
Even before they could start producing their own products, they have already started setting up beyond the country’s borders. “We have already started with setting up in Namibia through Keiv-Plus Lubrication Solutions which will be responsible for distribution of Lube Plus in the Namibian market and other neighbouring countries. We also have A Become a Distributor strategy which enables Lube Plus to collaborate with other businesses locally and across the world. There is an entrepreneurial heroes section where we recognise small businesses that needs our products and offer them competitive prices to run their operations,” said stated.
Lube Plus, just like most emerging companies in the petroleum industry and its subsectors, faced challenges during its early stages of operation. “When we embarked on the Lube Plus project we encountered challenges such as inadequate skills which resulted in us having to engage technical consultants,” disclosed Lube Plus Managing Director. Dithapo explained the company has managed to manoeuvre around many of these challenges, largely because of agility, strong project and risk management skills, among others.
Funding is also a challenge for start-ups like Lube Plus. “With financial discipline and commitment to our business, we have been able to invest every thebe made back into the business to fund our projects and implement them without hindrances. We work closely with experienced financial advisors and accountants. We have started approaching financial institutions for funding to expand into other markets,” she added.
Despite being a relatively small company in the bigger petroleum sector, the company has a strong Corporate Social Responsibility strategy named ‘Malebogo Projects’. "Under this strategy, the company work closely with boarding schools where we partner with Guidance and Counselling Departments to assist with boarding student needs. We also give back to Registered Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)."
This was disclosed by the company’s Managing Director, Kefilwe Dithapo when fielding questions from Botswana Guardian this week. The company, retails engine & gear box oil, anti-freeze (coolants), engine cleaners started from humbling beginnings, when it was nestled in a small office in Mogoditshane, way back in 2017. Sixteen years later, after a laborious behind the scenes work, which included market research, acquisition & distribution, research and development, Lube Plus products are now trusted by c
According to Dithapo, more jobs will come along once they start participating in upstreaming/manufacturing of lubricants products, which will give them a more inside of the dynamics of international supply chains. “In the next 2 years when production runs at its full capacity there will be more than 200 employees most of which will be middle management and other technical staff. We are delighted about the skills transfer and technology that will be introduced the moment we start production locally,” she said confidently. ‘We are looking into developing a global product, starting with focus in Southern Africa and ultimately the world. We have already started setting up in neighbouring countries. We are also compelled to meeting industry international Standards certifications’
Even before they could start producing their own products, they have already started setting up beyond the country’s borders. “We have already started with setting up in Namibia through Keiv-Plus Lubrication Solutions which will be responsible for distribution of Lube Plus in the Namibian market and other neighbouring countries. We also have A Become a Distributor strategy which enables Lube Plus to collaborate with other businesses locally and across the world. There is an entrepreneurial heroes section where we recognise small businesses that needs our products and offer them competitive prices to run their operations,” said stated.
Lube Plus, just like most emerging companies in the petroleum industry and its subsectors, faced challenges during its early stages of operation. “When we embarked on the Lube Plus project we encountered challenges such as inadequate skills which resulted in us having to engage technical consultants,” disclosed Lube Plus Managing Director. Dithapo explained the company has managed to manoeuvre around many of these challenges, largely because of agility, strong project and risk management skills, among others.
Funding is also a challenge for start-ups like Lube Plus. “With financial discipline and commitment to our business, we have been able to invest every thebe made back into the business to fund our projects and implement them without hindrances. We work closely with experienced financial advisors and accountants. We have started approaching financial institutions for funding to expand into other markets,” she added.
Despite being a relatively small company in the bigger petroleum sector, the company has a strong Corporate Social Responsibility strategy named ‘Malebogo Projects’. "Under this strategy, the company work closely with boarding schools where we partner with Guidance and Counselling Departments to assist with boarding student needs. We also give back to Registered Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)."
