“The use of modular construction technology means the project will be operational by quarter one of 2022 and have an immediate impact on the economy of Kilifi county and beyond,” he stated.
While the factory is expected to bring Coastal farmers on board to supply nuts, it will notably also be supplied by VDL’s own 200-acre cashewnut plantation. The move is meant to guarantee the minimum supply threshold to sustain an all-year operation.
Jobs at the plant will cut across various skill levels with opportunities for labourers, machine operators, mid-level and senior managers overseeing things such as logistics and operations.
The factory will be located in Vipingo’s manufacturing hub. Aside from the investors behind the nut processing factory, Mbae revealed, other manufacturing firms in LPG processing, water bottling and warehousing have also secured development rights from VDL.
He cited the development’s proximity to the Port of Mombasa as a major draw.
“This is possibly the best place to set up your manufacturing business in close proximity to the port. Investors will save on transport costs for imported raw materials, enabling them to sell finished products at a discount to competition,” Mbae noted.
The master-planned Vipingo Development by Centum which was once the sprawling 10,000-acre Rea Vipingo Sisal Plantation includes residential, commercial, industrial, hospitality, health care and school districts. Its residential offerings Awali and Palm Ridge estates have so far seen over 400 residents handed the keys to their new homes.