Bidders line up for Yazaki Compound

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 02 May 2017, 12:00AM

Yazaki Eds Samoa will close down by August 2017 and the Government is still mulling over bids to take over the facility. 

There have already been several off island companies showing interest. 

This is according to Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

He said there is a committee tasked to review bids from companies to take over when Yazaki leaves. 

Last year, Yazaki the biggest employer in Samoa announced they are closing down, leaving 700 people jobless. 

Tuilaepa said there is a company based out in Australia which manufactures electrical wires similar to what Yazaki was supplying, for the Australian automotive industry. 

He said this new company uses the same type of machinery and equipment that is currently available at Yazaki which is why they are keen to invest in Samoa. 

Tuilaepa said that another bid has some from a well-known company which manufactures bedding out of New Zealand.

It is owned by Samoans. 

Tuilaepa was then moved to speak of his experience on different types of beds he’s slept on. 

He said that during his numerous trips off island, he has slept on all sorts of beds, soft ones, tough ones and the beds that once you lie down, feel like you’re sleeping on a rock. 

“Well this company is well versed when it comes to building customized beds. 

“If you’re interested in buying a bed, they will take your height, your weight, and they will make a bed in accordance with your measurements. 

“Most of their beds are sold all over New Zealand, Australia and Vietnam. 

They are keen on opening a branch here and this would be an opportunity to employ more people,” said Tuilaepa. 

The third company which is also vying for the Yazaki compound runs a Call Centre and this company handles incoming or outgoing customer calls for a business. 

“I didn’t know there were such businesses as these, but the most important part of this job is that you have to be fluent in English,” said the Prime Minister. 

He said the Call Centre company has branches all over the Pacific and they employ a lot of people who can handle a large volume of telephone calls, especially for taking orders and providing customer service.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 02 May 2017, 12:00AM
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