Nabilah S
A Samoan company named Fero Samoa is strategically planning to relocate 60% of its Asian products to a new facility in Samoa, making a significant SAT$2.6 million investment. The company firmly believes that this move will not only lead to prosperity but also contribute to the local economy by creating more job opportunities.
Fero Samoa is a thriving family-owned manufacturing company founded in 2017. At present, we proudly employ approximately 107 local staff, with women comprising 50% of our workforce. Our team members span from enthusiastic school leavers to experienced individuals in their 60s.
Established with a team of 70 dedicated employees, the company now thrives within a portion of the original factory premises, previously owned by the renowned Yazaki Corporation.
General Manager of Fero Samoa Teliai James Potoi stated in an interview with Samoa Observer that the company’s primary goals are employment and injection. They are seeking to export 100 per cent of their materials and machinery duty-free.
All products assembled in Samoa are exclusively exported.
In an interview with the Samoa Observer, General Manager of Fero Samoa, Teliai James Potoi, emphasized the company’s key objectives of creating employment opportunities and promoting economic growth. Their aim is to export all materials and machinery duty-free.
In this industry, the influx of new capital is a significant advantage. Unlike other local sectors, we are not in direct competition, but instead, we focus on creating job opportunities. Our ultimate objective is to establish Samoa as a manufacturing hub, fostering greater self-reliance,” he emphasized.
As a fully dedicated export company, we strive for a 100% export rate and aim to secure duty-free status for both our materials and machinery.
Teleiai emphasized that the expansion plan entails investing over NZ$1.5 million (SAT$2.6m) in specialized plants and equipment, aiming to create 60 new job opportunities for the local workforce within the next six to nine months.
Fero is diligently crafting an expansion strategy for their esteemed facility in Vaitele. Their facility adheres to top-notch standards, securing global ISO and UL certifications. Their unwavering commitment to excellence and efficiency has led to the diversification of their product range, captivating a plethora of international corporations seeking premium goods at competitive rates.
While the company currently manufactures harnesses in New Zealand, the directors and senior management team are considering the construction of a larger plant in Vaitele to facilitate the transfer of more products from New Zealand to Samoa. Sales and engineering design support are currently centralized in the New Zealand operation, catering to the New Zealand and Australian markets where the majority of customer relationships are based.
The expansion plan aims to increase production capacity at the Vaitele plant in order to accommodate the transfer of additional New Zealand-manufactured products for production. Furthermore, a new line of finished products will be introduced to meet the demands of a new customer in the US market. The growing market in Australia has also led to an increase in production requirements for the Samoa operation.
Fero is currently encountering significant challenges in competing with RSE programs to retain its staff and expand its workforce. The company is optimistic that the Government will soon find a harmonious balance by fostering the growth of export and import replacement businesses, agricultural exports, and tourism. This will ultimately lead to a boost in the country’s financial independence.
Fero is collaborating with the Samoan government to enhance their investment in expansion plans. They are seeking additional support to solidify existing manufacturing incentives to sustain increased investment levels. This encompasses not only plant and equipment but also the provision of training and management resources.
We aspire to strengthen our collaboration with the Government of Samoa to enhance local capabilities and capacity for sustainable manufacturing. Our goal is to foster the growth of an industry that not only supports livelihoods but also enables individuals to thrive, work, and nurture families in Samoa.
We commend the Samoan government for demonstrating a forward-thinking approach by recognizing the value of investing in enhancing capabilities, training, expanding the workforce, and generating high-value employment opportunities.
