Lighting electronics manufacturer, Sahasra Electronics, is steadily strengthening its presence in Rwanda and the East African region with the company’s factory set to commence production in Kigali.
With over 1600 square meters of space, the Sahasra factory being finished in Kigali’s Special Economic Zone will produce high quality LED lights and other customized electronic products to satisfy the region’s construction sector needs.
According to the outgoing Sahasra Electronics Rwanda’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Mary John, who started the company in Rwanda 3 years and half ago, the use of LED lights saves 50% of the energy used in lighting.
“75% of energy in this country goes to lighting which is equivalent to 100 Mega Watts of power. This is unusual since most countries that use of LED lighting consume about 30% in lighting,” she said.
“If everyone switches to LED lighting about 50 Mega Watts of power could be saved for use in other economic boosting activities such as industries,” she said.
The management of Sahasra Electronics advises that more vibrant awareness is required to spread benefits to the majority.
“We offer high quality products and a warranty ranging from one to three years. Also the fact we have set up a factory, that should encourage more people to buy our products and trust me benefits are experienced right away,” John assures.
The factory in Kigali will have a capacity of producing 5000 to 10,000 LED lights daily.
Meanwhile, John is leaving her position as the chief executive officer of the company and has been succeeded by Surech Kumar.
Kumar has more than 10 years’ experience in electronics manufacturing companies and has spent the past decade in Sahasra’s supply chain and production department.
“I intend to train more Rwandans on how to operate machines in the factory and help raise awareness on the use of LED lights.”
Suresh further assures innovation based on the market requirements. So far a 60 watts LED street light has been introduced and currently installed at the new police headquarters building. Another customized product is canopy LED light recommended for petro stations. “All Engen, SP and Mogas petro stations are using our lights and they have expressed satisfactory experiences.”
Mary John Parting shot “I’m very satisfied with what has been achieved in the last three years, we have created awareness and gone along a away, we have built a factory, we have a built a name for ourselves in the industry and we have done some amount of exports, now we expect a quantum rip because of the manufacturing facility that we have now, in terms of business and volume and I think I’m leaving the company in the good hands of Suresh and I wish him all the best I know that this product is going to be a huge benefit for the country and will impact the economy of the country because of the energy efficiency it offers God Bless Rwanda.”
