Enmore Packaging Plant workers welcome transformation into oilfield service centre

…job creation, industrialisation of East Coast corridor key focus – company

Workers at the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s Enmore Packaging Plant on the East Coast of Demerara have welcomed the recent takeover of the facility by Guysons K+B Industries Inc (GKB), which has entered into an agreement with the Guyana Government to transform it into a modern oilfield service centre and manufacturing facility.
Last week, it was announced that Government has leased the Packaging Plant, located at the Enmore Estate, to local company Guysons Engineering which has partnered with US-based K+B Industries to form the GKB joint venture that will be establishing the Enmore Manufacturing Facility to cater to the oil and gas sector.
As part of the agreement, the company will have to retain all the workers of the packaging plant and conduct training so that they can be absorbed into the new operations – something which the workers lauded.
“I feel it’s something good that they’re doing to have workers still remain on – all the workers, as they say, and the only thing is… transitioning; how to adapt in their field of work, and to see what they have to offer to the workers in terms of salaries when they starting… [But] I’ll be open to explore what training they have to offer and see what I can adopt from the training as well,” Rhonda Gittens said.
She added that the opportunity was great also for other persons in the community and along the East Coast corridor, since employment opportunities inclusive of training would be available to them as well.
Moreover, the workers are also pleased with the fact that they too will be getting an opportunity to participate in the oil and gas industry.
“I feel very good about it ‘cause I feel comfortable that the Government keep the jobs [of the workers]… and with more doors open, so that we can continue with another process [in the oil and gas sector],” another worker, Kenneth Downer, stated.
“I am grateful that we can move from one level to another level, and move forward with our life and future.”

Workers of the Enmore Packaging Plant meeting with officials last week

Additionally, Bheenarie Parsram expressed her satisfaction with the fact that Government has engaged them – the workers – on the transition of the packaging plant.
“I feel that they are doing a pretty job, because at least they come and tell us. Because I personally was wondering to know if is just like that they will take us off our job and they’re not going to give us anything… I appreciate what [they’re] doing, because [they’re] making sure that all the workers them have a job with the other company… I’m feeling very good because at least everybody will earn jobs from that,” the woman declared.
Last week, a team comprising Government Ministers, including Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, and executives of GKB Industries met with the workers of the Packaging Plant.
It was disclosed at the engagement that in addition to securing their jobs, Government will also be giving the workers a two-month bonus to assist them during the transition period.

Investment in the people
Meanwhile, Guysons K+B Industries has committed to invest in the people of the East Coast corridor, plugging an “unmatched” US$37.5 million (G$7.5 billion) to establish the Enmore Manufacturing Plant, a state-of-the-art oilfield services facility.
The company clarified that its lease is for the Enmore Packaging Plant and not the Sugar Estate – a site that was recommended by Government.
The packaging facility is approximately 100,000 sq. feet and its transformation would take an estimated 18 to 24 months. GKB said the Packaging Plant could be repurposed and become operational, almost immediately, preserving jobs currently held at the Plant, with a guarantee of 150 employees by the end of the first year and 500 in five years.

According to the company, a minimum of 50 acres of land is required to effectively deliver OCTG (oil country tubular goods) and Premium Accessory Services to the local oil and gas sector. These services are currently being outsourced to companies in Trinidad and Tobago, United States, and other countries.
“This initiative would increase commercial activity on the East Coast corridor and tap into considerable foreign exchange-earning potential, bringing greater oil and gas revenues to Guyana. Significantly, this would be the first time ever that these services are provided in-country… GKB endeavours to train residents of the East Coast corridor.”
“We have committed to rehiring 100 per cent of the workers currently employed at the Enmore Packaging Plant. We will see to it that our expansion uplifts economically-depressed communities of the East Coast corridor with sustainable jobs which will serve as a revitalising lifeline for its youth and laid-off sugar workers… The capacity building and job creation potential of this project and its spillover effects cannot be understated.,” the company said in a recent missive.
It further noted that it has agreed to strict land development timelines and milestones over the first three years that will be monitored as the phased development occurs.
While both Government and the company have reassured stakeholders of the welfare of the workers, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has written the Sugar Corporation about the issue.
GuySuCo has promised to ensure GAWU is kept in the loop on the matter. (G8)