SODECOTON to acquire 175.9 million FCFA equipment to boost production.

The money, according to a release from the management of the company, is aimed at increasing the storage and processing capacity of its factories and sites in Douala and Garoua.

The move is said to be part of a huge modernisation plan the company is embarking on to stay competitive. 

The acquisition of the equipment is also expected to help SODECOTON introduce an integrated measurement chain for cotton processing. 

The new equipment is also expected to result in the use of high-speed stickiness detector for sticky cotton.

With the announced investment, it is also hoped that SODECOTON will be able to develop the capacities of its brand's fiber classification department to meet international market standards.

When the equipment will be acquired and put to use, cotton production is also expected to boost production by 50%, and improve the varieties currently being developed.

The investment of 175.9 million FCFA follows a 5.05 billion FCFA project of the company to build a new industrial unit to process cottonseed oil and soya. 

The new unit will have a production capacity of 300 tonnes per day and will contribute to the diversification of SODECOTON’s activities.

SODECOTON, it should be said, is the main cotton production and processing company in the country. 

The company has in the last few years been on a reconstruction agenda after facing difficulties not unconnected to the effects of Boko Haram terrorist attacks and COVID-19 shocks that threatened its productivity and profitability.

Despite these challenges, SODECOTON has managed to improve its turnover, thanks to a rise in the average export price of cotton fiber and increased sales of cottonseed oil among others.