Willdale Limited faces serious money troubles despite strong brick demand across Zimbabwe. The company makes some of the country's most popular building materials. Chairman Brian Mataruka admits sales dropped a massive 48 percent compared to last year. Working capital problems forced the company to cut production and slash prices. Competition from other brick makers made things even worse.
The firm sold every single brick they made during the first half of 2025. Stock shortages meant they could not meet customer demand. Production fell 43 percent because of cash flow issues and heavy rains. The company lost 1.8 million dollars but expects better results ahead. Peak building season runs from June through December.
Some rival companies cheat the system and skip paying value-added tax on brick sales. This gives them unfair pricing advantages that hurt honest businesses like Willdale. The VAT dodgers can offer cheaper prices and steal customers. Industry leaders want stricter rules to stop this problem. Fair competition would help everyone make better profits.
Willdale plans to sell land assets to raise emergency cash for operations. The company received permits to develop commercial property for quick sale. Fresh money will help them buy new equipment and boost production capacity. Government promises to restart major construction projects should create more demand. Management believes these changes will turn the business around within months.
The firm sold every single brick they made during the first half of 2025. Stock shortages meant they could not meet customer demand. Production fell 43 percent because of cash flow issues and heavy rains. The company lost 1.8 million dollars but expects better results ahead. Peak building season runs from June through December.
Some rival companies cheat the system and skip paying value-added tax on brick sales. This gives them unfair pricing advantages that hurt honest businesses like Willdale. The VAT dodgers can offer cheaper prices and steal customers. Industry leaders want stricter rules to stop this problem. Fair competition would help everyone make better profits.
Willdale plans to sell land assets to raise emergency cash for operations. The company received permits to develop commercial property for quick sale. Fresh money will help them buy new equipment and boost production capacity. Government promises to restart major construction projects should create more demand. Management believes these changes will turn the business around within months.
