By Iliya Kure
Work has reached 90% completion rate at MIMSHAC-MERKAVIM Automobile Plant, located at Ikot Ukap, Akwa Ibom State. Once completed, it will be the first car assembling plant in South-South region of Nigeria.
Managing Director Valentino Okorie told Media Aides to Governor Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom that once the SKD (Semi Knocked down facility / production line arrives, over 3000 direct staff would be employed and sent abroad for a 6 weeks training in automobile assembling.
According to him, the automobile plant has 6 production lines with a capacity to chun out 5 conventional vehicles, 18 cars/ SUVs, 13 mini buses, 9 midi buses, 5 luxurious buses. A total production of 108 cars/SUVs, 56 buses in two weeks. 30 Luxurious buses and conventional vehicles in 1 month.
Okorie added that, “the buses to be produced in the factory for commercial purposes, have over 25 years durability.
“The vehicles are built with Israeli standard technology, the best you can ever think of. The engine is formidable and known over the world. The body is alloy.”
He lauded Governor Emmanuel for taking personal interest in the project, and for providing all the needed support for it to commence production.