Sleepwell International offers jobs lifeline

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 25 August 2017, 12:00AM

Samoa Stationery and Books and partner Sleepwell NZ have stepped in as “Sleepwell International” to try and take over part of the Yazaki compound.

The plan was announced during a presentation conducted for the staff of Yazaki by the President of S.S.A.B., Fiti Leung Wai, yesterday.

The presentation was made a day before Yazaki officially closes today, after 25 years of operation in Samoa.

Representing the Auckland-based Sleepwell NZ was Salā George and David Lutu. Also in attendance was former Attorney General Aumua Ming Leung Wai who is also a Director in the partnership.

According to Mrs. Leung Wai, fifty percent of Sleepwell International is owned by George and David Lutu of Sleepwell NZ and the other fifty percent will be owned by S.S.A.B.

Their main objective is to reduce the number of unemployment in Samoa.

“We want to increase employment opportunities for the people of Samoa as well as offering opportunities for those who have worked here,” she said.

“For your information the factory will start off with employing of 50 people but our aim is to offer more than 200 work opportunities for the people of Samoa in the next 2-3 years.

“It will also help with our export markets by exporting to neighbouring Pacific Islands as well as Australia and New Zealand.

“And it will also help provide quality and affordable beds, lounge suites and furniture.”

They offer a relatively attractive salary package for local standards.

“We will provide salary that is above the minimum wage so the starting rate is $4 and your pay will also be based on good references,” she said.

“There will also be bonuses on special occasions but depending on your sales.”

Part of their offer will be the provision of light breakfast and lunch, a recreation area as well as a sick bay.

“There will be a prayer room because we believe that if we put God in the center of all that we do we will succeed,” she said.

“And the work environment will be guided by Christian principles and Samoan culture.

“We are taking in application letters now until the 16th of September, 2017 and you must deliver them to S.S.A.B. Togafu’afu’a.

“Sleepwell International will also be providing trainings for the successful applicants and we are looking at operating around January or February 2018.”

Sleepwell International is currently in negotiations with the National Provident Fund regarding the lease of part of Yazaki premises.

However the directors believe with the government’s help they will co-invest in the new established factory as it will create more employment for the people of Samoa.

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 25 August 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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