IPNEWS: The Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) has officially resumed full operations under new management, signaling a significant economic boost for the people of Weala, Margibi County, and the country’s rubber industry.
The reopening of SRC comes after its revitalization by Jeety Rubber LLC, a subsidiary of the Jeety Conglomerate, which acquired the plantations from its parent company, Socfin, a Belgian French agricultural conglomerate.
Socfin cited years of financial losses and violent workers’ protests in mid-June—over housing conditions, medical care for work-related injuries, and other demands—as key reasons for its decision to divest its SRC operations.
Speaking to reporters at the SRC plantation, business tycoon Upjit Singh Sachdeva, owner of the Jeety Conglomerate, expressed optimism about the future of the company, stating that the “reopening represents a new chapter for SRC, the workers, and the entire country.”
“We are determined to run this company efficiently, ensuring that the operations here contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s economy and uplift the lives of the people,” Sachdeva said.
The SRC is Liberia’s 3rd largest rubber-producing and processing company, it has been a major player in the Liberian economy, employing over 970 workers, including Tappers, headman, cup cleaner securities among others. the majority of whom are tappers, working on the company’s 4,400-hectare rubber plantation. The shutdown in June led to the layoff of the entire workforce — many of whom are from local communities but with the company reopening now, it is expected to maintain the same workforce.
And with rubber being one of Liberia’s most valuable exports, the company’s return to production is also projected to contribute positively to the Liberian economy.
Sachdeva further reassured SRC stakeholders of the company’s long-term commitment to improving workers’ livelihoods, empowering project communities, and providing growth opportunities for small businesses in Weala and Margibi at large.
“This is just the beginning. With dedication and collaboration, SRC will regain its position as a leader in the rubber industry, and we will grow together with the communities around us,” he emphasized.
In addition to providing jobs, SRC’s revival will have ripple effects on local businesses, as small traders and service providers are poised to benefit from increased commercial activities around the plantation.
Industry observers have welcomed the news, noting that SRC’s resumption of operations will further increase the supply of Liberian rubber on the global market, boosting government tax revenue.
