abroad,” Sears says. “We were pioneers in Guyana of manufacture and export of roofing materials throughout the region. With shipping costs increasing and shipping lines decreasing we were forced to duplicate our manufacturing facilities on the other islands, as all the large companies here in Grenada used to buy from us out of Guyana.” GSW and sister company Concord distributors currently employ around 45 people and are determined to hold on to staff despite these hard economic times. “We have never laid off any worker due to the economic downturn. We still export to 2
industries. We are looking at a more scientific approach to Agriculture as one of the alternative industries, We need to cut our food import bill and that in itself will create employment here by growing our own produce benefiting farmers and entrepreneurs alike.” Grenada Steel works is determined to remain a good corporate citizen in Grenada living up to its community commitments and ecofriendly projects. “We do have waste which we compact and sell as scrap metal, we also give off cuts and pieces to disadvantaged people of the nation, and we’ve supplied a
We were pioneers in Guyana of manufacture and export of roofing materials throughout the region
or 3 islands but these figures are down due to increased competition. Expansion plans are on hold as a result of the continued global recession and Sears is philosophical about what he calls the “The Industry of Necessity.” Sears continues, “Which means that companies have to look at how they are going to survive, what will create employment for our people. Because of the duplication of industries throughout the Caribbean we are forced to relook at what we do and get into alternative lot of roofing material in the past to the Carnival Committee for fencing off parks and other open areas during carnival.” With branches in Barbados & St Lucia trading in similar products and backed by The Gafsons Group which has over 60 years experience, 2013 will see Grenada Steel Works re-energised about its regional exports with continued emphasis on its line of ‘hurricane ready’ steel and roofing products. Made right here in Grenada! www.businessgrenada.com
79