MBABANE - Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of two major factory projects in Pigg's Peak and Ngwenya.

The minister visited the Pigg's Peak Factory construction site last Friday and was pleased to report that earthworks are nearly complete, with the steel structure scheduled to be erected before the end of the year.

Valued at E135 million, the Pigg's Peak facility will be occupied by Far East Textiles, a locally-owned textile company led by prominent businesswoman Tokky Hou. The factory is expected to create 1 000 jobs, providing a major boost to local employment and the surrounding community.

"This marks an important milestone in advancing industrial development and creating opportunities for our people," Khumalo said, praising the dedicated efforts of the Microprojects team and the contractor to keep the project on track.

Later in the day, the minister visited the Ngwenya Factory site, which is also progressing smoothly with completion expected by June 2026.

The project, worth E77.6 million, will be occupied by Kellogg-Tolloram, a key investor in Eswatini's manufacturing sector. The facility will manufacture bleach, further diversify its product offerings and strengthen the country's industrial base.