Liberia’s first rubber processing plant is scheduled to commence operations within the next two months.
The Rubber Factory (Jeety Rubber Factory), being built by Upjit Singh Sachdeva, a visionary business tycoon, is located in Weala, Cinta District, Margibi County — a region known for its abundant rubber plantations.
The factory when completed, will process raw rubber into refined products ready for export and domestic consumption.
“Our goal has always been to contribute to Liberia’s economic development by not only adding value to the country’s natural resources but also creating employment opportunities for the local community,” Sachdeva said.
“The factory is 98 percent completed and, in a month or two by the grace of God, we will start the production. The completion is a testament to our commitment to this vision as well as generating numerous employment opportunities for the local population, thereby contributing to poverty reduction and skills development.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology and adhering to the highest quality standards, the factory is poised to meet the growing demand for rubber-based products across industries such as automotive, construction, consumer goods, both locally and across the sub-region.
The Minister of Agriculture, Jeanine Cooper, during an inspection of the project a few weeks ago, noted that the US$30 million investment would play a critical role in providing additional revenue outlets for smallholder and large-scale rubber farmers in dire need of cash.
The factory, Cooper noted, would address the critical issue of financial insecurity faced by rubber farmers, playing a pivotal role in ensuring that farmers can sustain their livelihoods and improve their economic well-being.
“Firestone is the main big player that buys from the Liberian farmers.
“If the Firestone plant breaks down and they can’t buy from the Liberian farmers, the whole economy feels it,” he said.
▪︎The Jeety Rubber Factory in Weala, Margibi County, Liberia.
