Farai Mabeza, Senior Staff Writer 
ZIMPLOW Holdings (Zimplow) continues to channel efforts towards the refinement of current product offerings, as well as improving the customer experience in the provision of after-sales products.
In a trading update, the diversified manufacturer said its research and development unit was actively working on the development of new products that meet the needs of the market, thereby enhancing the group’s visibility and presence.
According to the update, Zimplow’s Tractive Power Solutions (TPS) unit continues to concentrate on broadening its client database and continuous engagement of its existing clients.
“The company is making inroads in establishing itself in key locations such as Bulawayo, Mutare, Hwange and Chiredzi. Maintenance of the right stock holding levels remains a key priority to ensure seamless service delivery to clients.
“Performance for the business unit has been growing as evidenced by a growth of 53 percent from the first quarter to the second quarter of the year. In the third quarter, the company registered a growth in performance of 82 percent compared to the second quarter of 2023. This was driven mainly by service level agreements with key fleet owners,” Zimplow said.
Implements sold under Farmec stood at 156 units, which is a drop of 11 percent compared to the same period last year.
Tractor units sold were 85, a 11 percent decline compared to September 2022.
“Farmec is intensifying efforts to secure funding in conjunction with local financial institutions for the benefit of its existing and prospective customers. Farmec is, therefore, focused on matching the demand pipeline given the change in market dynamics,” Zimplow said.
The newly-established Valmec business unit is described in the update as creating a unique footprint on the local market and expanding its market share.
“Three tractor units and 90 implements were sold in the period under review. The business unit was officially launched on September 29, 2023.
“Management is very optimistic that the business unit’s efforts towards brand visibility and brand awareness will result in a positive performance for the unit come end of year,” Zimplow said.
For Mealie Brand, sales volumes for local implements at 14 220 were level against the prior year. The sales volumes for the export market, which were 10 276, gave rise to a 13 percent positive growth in comparison to the same period in 2022.
“Mealie Brand aims to consolidate its positive performance on the local market through continued customer visits and further strengthening of relationships with wholesalers and non-governmental organisations,” Zimplow said.
