Bishoftu Automotive Industry General Manager Gebremedhin Zeselassie said that apart from its ongoing activities, the industry is planning to open 27 automotive engineering zones that will be assembling and manufacturing motorcycles, bicycle, light and heavy trucks and other vehicles in all states. Currently it is working with 280 small and micro enterprises.

 

According to Gebremedhin, apart from assembling and manufacturing different civil and military vehicles, the Industry is providing professional training in neighbouring countries. Employing around 3,000 workers, the Industry assembles and produces pick-up, station-wagon, light and medium trucks, minibus and buses.

 

The Industry has already negotiated with Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda to build motor production factories for the three countries. Kenya also made an order to buy 400 buses from the Industry. It is providing armoured tanks, military vehicles for Ethiopian and African peacekeeping mission deployed in Somalia, South Sudan and others. This is building the positive image of the country, added Gebremedhin.

 

Dejen Aviation Industry General Manager Kidu Tsegaye on his part said the industry has built its capacity that would enable it manufacture airplanes for the Air Force. The industry also renews and upgrades fighter plane and helicopter, and others used by the Air Force. It likewise produces unmanned airplanes for military surveillance. The industry renews military aircraft for Kenyan, Djibouti, Rwandan and Sudanese aviation at reasonable cost.

 

It costs around 2.5 million USD to renew an airplane internationally but the industry provides the service at a cost of 390,000 USD. Giant aviation companies such Airbus are desirous of working with the Industry in various areas, added the General Manager.

 

FDRE President Dr. Mulatu Teshome visited Bishoftu Automotive and Dejen Aviation Industries as part of his week-long visit to Metals and Engineering Corporation's Industries concluded last Friday.

Source : allafrica.com