US$1,5bn Disco plant a pivotal milestone in Zim industrial revolution AT 95 percent completion, the US$1,5 billion Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco) plant at Manhize, Chirumhanzu District, in the Midlands province, is almost ready to commence production, just about two years after President Mnangagwa led its groundbreaking ceremony. The project, which encompasses the establishment of a smart city to be called Manhize Town and a science university, will drive massive beneficiation and value addition of steel and accelerate economic growth through exports and huge job opportunities along the value chain. The company expects to start production by the end of April and yesterday the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, led chief executive officers from mining companies, foundries, banks and the media to get the feel of implementation progress made on-site. The minister and industry executives got first-hand exposure to the massive blast furnace superstructure that is almost complete, among other critical plant components. Manpower has been increased to expedite the construction of the power line linking Sherwood in Kwekwe and the new giant factory. The completion of the blast furnace and the availability of power are critical steps before the commencement of production. The steel plant has already beefed up its workforce to 1 500 and is set to recruit more once full-scale production commences. The company expects to produce pig iron by the end of April, followed by steel billets in May and steel bars in October. Disco is projected to produce 600 000 metric tonnes of products in the first phase rising to 1,2 million tonnes in the second phase then 3,2 million tonnes in the third phase and ultimately five million tonnes per year in the final phase, which would earn the country millions of dollars in foreign currency. New members who wish to receive detailed local news from Ignite Media Zimbabwe should "join" the link below: https://chat.whatsapp.com/ELt66Nqsp0mKodVLTGCkyu Other products on the pipeline include pipes, bolts and nuts, smaller slags, rolled tubes, fences, shafts, wires, and bars, among others. Dinson Holdings chairman Benson Xu Preliminary projections indicate the company would likely scoop net revenues of up to US$10 million during the first phase and rise to US$4,25 billion under phase four of production. In terms of employment, Disco expects to directly employ 3 000 workers in the first phase with the figure expected to rise to over 10 000 in the fourth phase of production. In her remarks, Dr Nyoni said progress at Manhize represents a significant milestone for Zimbabwe’s industrial revolution and the entire iron and steel value chain, in particular. “This state-of-the-art facility is not only capable of producing high-quality steel products but it’s also poised to have a profound impact on our economy,” she said. “The establishment of the plant signifies our commitment to strengthening the iron and steel value chain within Zimbabwe.” Dr Nyoni said the giant steel plant would play a pivotal role in enhancing the production of iron ore, its processing into steel, and the subsequent manufacturing of various steel products. “By integrating these stages of the value chain, we are fostering a more self-reliant and sustainable steel industry. The impact of the plant on the economy cannot be overstated,” she said. “The growth and development of the steel industry has a multiplier effect on other sectors, such as construction, infrastructure development and manufacturing.” Dr Nyoni said the availability of high-quality steel products locally will reduce the country’s reliance on imports, thereby saving foreign currency and boosting the balance of trade.