After more than two decades in existence and an increased emphasis on the local market, timber products manufacturer Bulkan Timber Works (BTW) yesterday opened the doors to its new showroom in Georgetown.
The showroom is situated at Lot 8 Smyth Street, Georgetown, obliquely opposite the old Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Licence office.
BTW was founded in 1997 by Howard Bulkan and his wife, Alison Bulkan, to provide house building materials including wall cladding, flooring, architectural and construction mouldings, outdoor decking and other products.
The company also supplies kitchen cupboards, windows, bar stools and customized carvings.
BTW currently employs approximately 80 employees. The company’s production facility is located at Yarrowkabra, Linden/Soesdyke Highway.
Construction of the showroom was completed last week after about three months of work.
At an opening ceremony yesterday morning, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond said that such an investment during a global pandemic is testimony to confidence in the economy.
“You are investing in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic and that is noteworthy because the reality is we have to begin to explore opportunities within this period and to allow for business development and expansion,” Walrond said.
Not downplaying the seriousness of COVID-19, which has severely impacted businesses and the economy at large over the past several months, Walrond noted that persons have to find ways to live than to be consumed by the virus.
She said this must be done in keeping with COVID-19 guidelines and protocols.
Walrond added that investment must not come to a halt since the country remains open for business.
She reiterated that the government will continue to support local manufacturers so that they can explore international markets for their products.
“Many governments and international businesses have already communicated their desire to do business in Guyana and establish partnerships with local companies. The time is right for Guyanese businesses to embrace this new thrust, develop products and to begin to aggressively pursue international markets knowing that you have the backing of a supportive Government”, Walrond said.
Walrond added that while the country is now an oil producing nation and oil will contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product, it is a non-renewable resource and will not be there forever.
“Therefore it is imperative that we use this period to develop our manufacturing and other sectors, which will ensure prosperity for future generations,” she said.
“As Minister with responsibility for Industry and Commerce, I categorically state that many of our local manufacturers are creating products that far exceed the quality of their international counterparts. Bulkan is a prime example of this. The quality of your products reinforces the concept that local manufacturers have the capacity to product superior products,” she added.
Meanwhile, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat said that the government will ensure that all of the productive sectors within the country flourish including the timber and woodworking industry.
Bharrat said that the government is venturing into a number of projects which will reshape the economy and introduce opportunities here.
He added that many are oftentimes interested in local products but the cost is usually the deterring factor. The government has said it is aiming to substantially lower energy costs and this will assist manufacturers with lowering costs.
Managing Director of BTW Howard Bulkan explained that earlier this year the company shifted its focus from being primarily export driven and has prepared part of its production for the local market. Through significant investment, Bulkan noted that the company upgraded its plant, equipment and physical infrastructure.
