Rudland’s US$120m Cut Rag Plant Set for Official Unveiling Tomorrow

Simon Rudland unveils a US$120 million state-of-the-art Cut Rag Processors factory in Harare (image source)

Harare — Millionaire entrepreneur Simon Rudland will tomorrow officially unveil his US$120 million Cut Rag Processors (CRP) factory in Harare, a state-of-the-art facility executives say will transform Zimbabwe’s tobacco value chain at a time when the country still exports the vast majority of its leaf unprocessed. The Harare plant, commissioned earlier this year, is fitted with German and Italian technology and, according to CRP executives, has the capacity to nearly triple current cut-rag output. Officials say the factory is designed to add value to locally produced tobacco and position Zimbabwe as a supplier of processed cut rag to regional and international markets, with Asia highlighted as a key target.

CRP executives told reporters that the new machinery brings “more efficiencies and quality production processes, which add value to the customer.” They said the company will pursue both domestic market growth and expanded export opportunities, aiming to convert a larger share of Zimbabwe’s golden leaf into higher-value cut rag for cigarettes and other tobacco products. The factory’s upgraded equipment is expected to improve production quality, reduce reliance on raw leaf exports, and increase competitiveness in global markets.

Executives emphasised that CRP intends to scale up processed tobacco distribution across the region while pushing aggressively into Asia. “With Asia being one of the biggest markets in the world, we are obviously interested in continuing to explore such markets as well as regional ones,” one official noted, stressing the strategic significance of diversifying export destinations and expanding Zimbabwe’s footprint in high-demand territories.

CRP is the latest addition to Rudland’s wide-ranging portfolio, which spans logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, finance and mining. The 54-year-old businessman has built a regional presence with investments extending beyond Zimbabwe, notably in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and his companies collectively employ more than 10,000 people across southern Africa. His rise began in logistics before expanding through a strategy centred on local employment, skills development and sustainable industrial value chains. Partners describe him as a decisive, hands-on leader with a long-term vision for regional industrial growth.

Despite his commercial influence, Rudland has not been free from controversy. Some of his business activities have drawn scrutiny and public debate over the years. Supporters argue that much of the criticism stems from rivalry, misinformation or political motivations, while Rudland maintains that he operates transparently and within the law. He is also connected to ongoing legal matters, including a Supreme Court–ordered pre-trial conference in a property dispute involving the Muvirimi family — a case drawing attention in both legal and business circles. Company representatives say such disputes are normal for businesses of CRP’s scale.

Industry observers say the new CRP factory could significantly reshape Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector if it successfully shifts the balance from raw leaf exports to higher-value processed output. Value addition would boost export earnings, create specialised jobs, support auxiliary industries and strengthen domestic supply chains. Supporters view the plant as a model of private-sector investment aligned with national industrialisation goals, while critics caution that long-term success will depend on stable regulation, competitive pricing and reliable access to international markets.

Tomorrow’s unveiling will be closely watched by the tobacco industry, government officials and investors. If CRP delivers on its promises, the plant could mark a defining step in modernising Zimbabwe’s tobacco processing capacity and demonstrate how targeted capital investment can drive value addition and regional trade expansion.