Numerous bids for Yazaki facilities, P.M.

By Sarafina Sanerivi 30 January 2017, 12:00AM

The government of Samoa need not worry about what will become of the facilities housing Samoa’s biggest, private employer, Yazaki Samoa.

Yazaki EDS Samoa is closing down at the end of this year.

Concerns have been raised not only about the potential loss of 700 jobs, but the future of the Yazaki facilities and buildings. 

However, Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi has assured the nation that there are a lot of other companies interested in operating from the Yazaki site who may also be able to absorb their unemployed staff.

Tuilaepa made the comments during his weekly talkback show with 2AP.

“There have been a lot of proposals,” said Tuilaepa.

“Companies just can’t wait for Yazaki to move out. Most of the proposals we have received, are from local companies.”

One of the proposals is from a Mattress Factory, said Tuilaepa.

“I didn’t believe when I first got the proposal. But I went and had a look at the mattresses they make and I was surprised.

“I touched the materials they use and the mattresses as well and they are very comfortable. Man, they were the best mattresses. Not like the other ones which will just give you back pains. These mattresses will help you live long.

“Most of these mattresses are exported to Vietnam and Australia and this factory has asked to use the facility at Yazaki.”

Moreover Tuilaepa said, other interested businesses include a call centre.

“And they have asked to be able to use the whole space and facilities,” said Tuilaepa.

“There will be more than ten companies who can have call centres there and each will employ at least two hundred people.”

Said Tuilaepa, there are also other businesses and companies who have made proposals to operate their businesses at the Yazaki.

“The funny thing is, we were worried in the beginning that these facilities would go to waste. But what’s happening now, is that there are a lot of people interested and demanding to use up this facility.

“So we are just waiting now for Yazaki to officially close by the end of this year.”

The date has not yet been finalized.

By Sarafina Sanerivi 30 January 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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