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S&H Industries: A decade of innovation and economic impact in Rwanda’s manufacturing sector

By Esther Muhozi
On 28 November 2023 at 11:58

In a strategic collaboration born in July 2013, Sisay Investment Ltd of Ethiopia joined forces with the Government of Rwanda, giving rise to the formidable establishment known as S&H Industries. The company’s mission was clear: to provide solutions, cater to local market needs, and champion the ’Made in Rwanda’ ethos.

Infused with a substantial investment of Rwf5 billion, S&H Industries specializes in the production of three distinct types of roofing sheets, each uniquely coated with a fusion of Aluminum and Zinc, creating a durable and cutting-edge product.

Originally setting its sights on the Rwandan market, S&H Industries quickly expanded its footprint to include Gabon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Uganda.

In the financial arena, the company has proven its mettle, boasting an annual revenue ranging from six to ten million Rwandan francs, with a notable two billion Rwandan francs generated from foreign markets in the previous year.

A visit to the facility reveals a workforce streamlined by automation, where 30 individuals, including 10 women and girls, work in harmony with machines to ensure efficiency. Impressively, 90% of the production process, churning out roofing sheets, is orchestrated seamlessly by these cutting-edge machines. Despite having the capacity to produce 15,000 to 20,000 square meters of metal per day, current output hovers between 2,000 and 5,000 square meters daily, influenced by various operational factors.

Sourcing raw materials globally, including sheet metal from China, India, and Korea, the final touch in the production line is the meticulous painting process. What sets this facility apart is its exclusive status as the sole manufacturer of metal-coated steel sheets in the region, utilizing stones sourced from countries such as Italy, Korea, Turkey, and others.

The price tag for a square meter of this innovative sheet ranges between US$2 and 10, reflecting its quality and versatility.

Thomas Rukundo, the Sales Manager at S&H Industries Ltd, proudly underscores the company’s pivotal role in the national economy and Rwandan society throughout the past decade. He emphasizes the positive impact through diverse projects, local employment initiatives, and internships tailored for young individuals.

Leveraging advanced technology, S&H Industries follows a meticulous four-stage process to amalgamate metal and steel for their roofing sheets. This involves shaping the metal, lifting heavy metals, applying oil and crushed stone, and subjecting the sheets to high temperatures for optimal adhesion. The cooling process rounds off the entire production cycle, taking just an hour for the initial batch and swiftly proceeding for subsequent batches.


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