Options available for Yazaki facilities

By Ilia L. Likou 13 June 2017, 12:00AM

Yazaki Samoa plans to offer Phase 3 of their facilities at Vaitele to the government as a small token of appreciation for working with them for more than 20 years.

General Manager, Funefeai Oliva Vaai told the Samoa Observer that the plans for phase 3 are not yet finalised. It might not be final until November.

 “For your information, Yazaki facilities have three phases; so phase one and two belongs to the government,” he said.

“The phase 3 of Yazaki Samoa is us, and as I’ve mentioned before we are looking at offering phase 3 to the government as a way of thanking them and for working with us.

Yazaki Samoa was established in 1991 at 1st phase factory construction, in 1992 phase 2 was completed which started a pre-assembly process.

In 1995, they finished phase 3.

The company is set to close completely by November.

During an interview with Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi last month, he revealed that here have already been several off island companies showing interest in the facilities. 

A Committee has been set up, tasked to review bids from companies interested in the facilities.

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 of 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. 

 “Well this company is well versed when it comes to building customized beds,” he said. 

“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 Ilia L. Likou 13 June 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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