November 24, 2009 marked the official opening of Hulamin's R970 million expansion project by KZN Premier Dr. Zweli Mkhize.
Hulamin CEO Alan Fourie welcomed 150 guests, many of whom had travelled from afar to celebrate this auspicious occasion. Guests were received at the Camps Drift site from where they were transported by local mini buses to three of the five expanded areas namely, the Twin Roll Caster, Foil Rolling and finally to the Foil Finishing department where the rest of the launch programme took place.
Hulamin's Communications Manager, Mpume Mthembu, as programme director of the event, presided as Master of Ceremonies and graciously invited everyone to "participate and share in this special occasion in the heart of the Hulamin plant". The Guest of Honour, Premier of KZN, Dr Zweli Mkhize, along with high profile guests: Hulamin Board Members, HOD of Economic Development and Tourism, Mrs Carol Coetzee, Umgungundlovu District Mayor Mr Yusuf Bhamjee, President of the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr Baboo Baijoo, President of the PMB Chamber of Business Mr Tinus Havinga, Judge Thabani Jali, Executive Chairman of Price Waterhouse Coopers, customers, suppliers, bankers, investors, major share holders and more were formally welcomed, setting the tone for this historic landmark event.
Alan Fourie, in the opening of his address, expressed his pleasure at the Premier's presence, stating that Dr Mkhize was the unanimous choice for guest of honour, not only due to his position as Premier of KZN but also as a born and bred citizen of nearby Willowfountain, that he might welcome the opportunity to further entrench the relationship between Hulamin and the Willowfountain community. Mr Fourie applauded the Expansion Project team, firstly for delivering an "exemplary safety performance". Remarkably, in the 2.1 million hours worked on the project there was just one lost time injury. Secondly, he highlighted the economic impact of the project for this region. In short, the total KZN expenditure was about R420 million and the annual economic value that will flow from this project is roughly R450 million per annum, additional to the creation of several hundred jobs within Hulamin and the various service providers. Alan Fourie also noted that following the construction and installation phases, the operations were on track. "In this regard I am pleased to say that the start-up of all the assets has progressed very well and there is a high level of confidence that they will meet and probably exceed our expectations."
In his keynote address, Premier Zweli Mkhize applauded the company's expansionary move, adding that the plant should become an integral part of the province's industrial strategy which is based on "minerals and metals beneficiation." Dr. Mkhize was then invited to unveil the commemorative plaque declaring the expansion project officially open.
After luncheon had been served, guests were treated to the uplifting choral singing of Mayibuye i-Afrika choir from Sweetwaters, the current National Champions of the Old Mutual Choir competition. Following this, Mr. Axel Barten of Achenbach, supplier of the Foil Rolling equipment (a company that was founded in the year 1450), presented a beautiful glass-inscripted commemorative gift to Mr Alan Fourie to mark the occasion. To close the proceedings the Chairman of Hulamin, Mr. Mafika Mkwanazi was called upon to deliver the vote of thanks.
Upon departure, guests were presented with beaded Hulamin bags containing a commemorative booklet and roll of foil. The event was a triumphant celebration and a tribute to the dedication of all the Hulamin employees involved in the expansion project.
