Achieving remarkable growth in the competitive world of agro-processing requires more than hard work – it demands strategic partnerships and smart investments, especially in machinery.
One example is Birya United Agencies Ltd, an agro-processing and produce trading company in Ruti, Mbarara city.
For over 25 years, the company has served high-profile clients including the Office of the Prime Minister, the Uganda Prisons Service and the defence ministry.
A key part of their success story was their machinery.
“Our initial machinery was purchased from the UK, but it was costly to maintain. To manage expenses, we turned to China Huangpai Food Machines (U) Ltd, which supplies various equipment for grain cleaning to maize milling,” Robert Rutebemberwa, the managing director of Birya United Agencies Ltd, says.
The decision to move away from British machinery suppliers to a local one was critical.
Birya employees packaging maize flour. (Photos by Herbert Musoke)
“It improved efficiency as any technical issues are resolved swiftly. This means less downtime, faster turnaround and maximum productivity, all of which are essential in a competitive market,” Rutebemberwa says.
Diversification
In 2023, Birya United Agencies diversified into milling maize flour, sold under the brand name Nishati.
“We began with a 25-tonne per day maize milling plant and scaled to 50 tonnes per day.
“Due to demand for the flour in Uganda and Rwanda, we now process 75 tonnes daily,” Clessy PaustaNuwagaba, the general manager, says.
The growth has been so rapid that they have placed orders for two 100-tonne-per-day mills, to push their daily capacity to 275 tonnes.
With their growing production volumes, the company is now working towards making another product, animal feed from maize bran.
Considerations for choosing a machinery supplier
When investing in machinery, do not just look at the price, recommends Andrew Balyamujura from China Huangpai Food Machines (U) Ltd at Uganda Manufacturers’ Association Showgrounds, Lugogo in Kampala.
Availability: He says a businessperson should consider the availability of after-sales support, where the supplier can service the equipment quickly. It is also important to ascertain if spare parts are stocked locally and readily available.
Scalability: Another key factor in purchasing machinery, Balyamujura adds, is scalability. Questions you should ask include: “Do the machines have the capacity to grow with your business? Is the company able to offer construction, installation and commissioning capacities?
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Birya United Agencies’ processing plant, where the new machines will be installed. The company switched from a machinery supplier in the UK to a local one.
