IN ANOTHER major economic boost for Buffalo City and the Eastern Cape, condomi-africa Ltd, has signed the Deed of Sale purchasing land in the area earmarked for designation as an Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) to build a R30 million condom factory. The factory is the second investment in the zone – the first being a R150-million German “Weissbier” (wheat beer) brewery. Forty-two projects from industry have been identified by the East London Development Zone Council (ELDZC) for the town’s about-to-be-promulgated industrial development zone (IDZ). Of these, 12 feasibility studies have been completed, ELDZC chief executive Peter Miles told Freight and Trading Weekly. These include motor component manufacturing, optical fibre manufacturing, auto glass manufacturing, metal press stamping, aluminium and magnesium high pressure moulding, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, wood products and textiles. In the latest investment, German company condomi-plus has established a joint venture "condomi africa Ltd" together with local investors in South Africa. Buffalo City Executive Major, Sindisile Maclean and Dr Volker de l'Homme de Courbiere, Chairman of the Condomi AG Board, signed the deed at the Eastern Cape Development Corporation which was instrumental in attracting the condomi africa to the Eastern Cape. Dr de l'Homme de Courbiere said that "approximately 100 new jobs will be created within the first year and this figure is expected to rise with respect to the growth and capacity expansion. The facility will produce condoms of the highest quality standards, with the minimum pollution and environmental impact". Maclean said "the investment will benefit both the city and the province. condomi africa has very interesting marketing plans for their product and could help the government in having a fresh look at their condom distribution strategies in the fight against HIV/AIDS”. He adds "we see the investment from condomi as an expression of faith in the economy of the city, the province and the country." Condomi-plus marketing director, Frank Tillmans said that the plan was to increase accessibility to condoms and use their know-how and experience to de-stigmatise the condom. The initial facility is aimed at testing, sealing and packaging 100 million condoms a year. Once this capacity is reach the facility will be extended to raise production to 500 million a year. For details on condomi-plus see www.condomi-plus.org