Gornba ups production
Page 6
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
GOMBA-STONEFIELD plans to step up production of crosscountry vehicles to 100 a month by the end of this year, and could increase the labour force at the Cumnock factory from 40 to around 200.
Executive director Michael Hendrie told CM that the company has so far sold 87 vehicles since it took over the bankrupt Stonefield Vehicles business earlier this year. All of the -vehicles have gone to African customers, and the 100th should be ready by July 12.
This means that Gomba production has almost equalled that of the old company, which struggled for three years, and Mr Hendrie said that one of the few factors inhibiting expansion at the moment is the delay in obtaining some specialised components.
He said that a diesel option — the model at present is built with Ford or Chrysler petrol engines — is probably still nine months away, and he added that the company is still looking at the possibility of fitting a manual, gearbox for markets where simplicity of maintenance demands it
But he said there are strong advantages in using automatic gearboxes in developing countries, as there is no risk o driver abuse.
While the new company ha concentrated so far on selling t civilian customers, and see considerable scope for othe sales in this sector, Mr Hendri said he hoped that the cam pany's bulk production would b aimed at satisfying military ex port business.