BY: Hana Saada
Jijel, September 23, 2023 – The province of Jijel welcomed the Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production, Ali Aoun, who embarked on a mission to inspect several key industrial establishments under the purview of his department. With an agenda brimming with promise, Minister Aoun’s tour promised to shed light on the region’s industrial future.
A Glimpse into Jumagro: Breathing New Life into Jijel’s Economy
The Minister’s journey commenced with a visit to Jumagro, a dynamic mixed company forged in 2021 as part of the government’s concerted effort to revitalize struggling public enterprises. This enterprise, a 60% stake held by Agrodiv and a 40% share owned by Madar Holding Company, is poised to make significant contributions to Jijel’s economic resurgence.
Jumagro boasts a multifaceted production setup, encompassing three key units:
- Olive Pressing and Oil Bottling Unit
A cutting-edge olive pressing unit, complete with the latest machinery for filling 0.75-liter and 1-liter glass bottles with premium olive oil, takes center stage at Jumagro. This vital equipment was procured and installed just this past July.
- Fruit Processing and Paste Production Line
Jumagro doesn’t stop at olive oil; it is equipped with a state-of-the-art fruit processing and fruit paste production line, enhancing the diversity of its product offerings.
- Frozen Products Unit
Furthermore, the facility includes a dedicated unit for frozen food products, diversifying its portfolio to cater to various market demands.
Impressively, the sprawling site spans a substantial 9.3 hectares, emphasizing its strategic significance. With a production capacity of 12,000 bottles per hour for juices and 500 bottles per hour for olive oil across these segments, Jumagro is primed for growth.
During his visit, Minister Aoun provided insightful recommendations. He stressed the urgency of optimizing operational efficiency, encouraging the adoption of a 3X8 brigade system, and reducing completion times. His vision for the factory extends beyond productivity; he underscored its pivotal role in regional development and the creation of an initial 250 direct job opportunities.
Notably, the factory is set to propel the local economy forward, transforming Jijel into a burgeoning industrial hub.
Kotama Agrifood: A Strategic Pillar for Self-Sufficiency and Economic Prosperity
In his second stop, Minister Ali Aoun directed his attention to the Kotama Agrifood factory project, located in the Taher locality. This ambitious venture, now under the capable stewardship of Madar Holding Company, promises to be a game-changer for Jijel’s agricultural landscape.
The core focus of the Kotama Agrifood factory is the crushing of oilseeds and the extraction of crude soybean vegetable oils. The facility is equipped with a storage unit for raw soybeans and another for the final product, facilitating the marketing of vegetable oils.
Impressively, this project has already achieved a commendable 68% completion rate. Minister Aoun lauded its strategic significance, as it is poised to meet a substantial portion of the nation’s needs, contributing 40% of the required crude vegetable oils and 60% of livestock feed needs.
As a beacon of hope for employment generation in the region, the Kotama Agrifood factory is projected to create a robust workforce of 360 direct jobs. The facility is slated to commence operations by the end of the first quarter of 2024, boasting a colossal total production capacity of 6,000 tonnes per day, equivalent to a staggering 2,160,000 tonnes per year.
In essence, Minister Ali Aoun’s inspection of Jumagro and Kotama Agrifood factories symbolizes the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth and self-sufficiency in Jijel. These forward-looking initiatives not only boost local industry but also promise to provide gainful employment opportunities, ultimately transforming the region into a flourishing economic powerhouse.
