Kubu
Crafts Ltd
are manufacturers and retailers of high quality household,
business, and lodge furniture & items, combined with the best of
arts, crafts, and gifts from both Zambia and the region.
THE START
The Company was started by Lucy Renew and
Roelf Bosman in 1997 with furnishing and decorating up-market
lodges along the Upper Zambezi River, from a small workshop,
employing 3 carpenters and two finishers.
THE
CHANGES
From 1997 to 2003, the business was run
from a small workshop in Livingstone, using tools, which were
inherited, from Lucy’s father’s extensive home woodwork
workshop.
With the opening of 3 stores in Livingstone,
and the main store at Manda Hill Centre Lusaka, the workshop has
now evolved into a very modern workshop with sophisticated
woodworking machines for maximum quality and efficiency. Goods
are transported by road weekly from Livingstone to Lusaka.
QUALITY
With extensive and ongoing assistance from International
volunteer organizations such as P.U.M, I.E.S.C and P.S.D.P, the
quality and efficiency has been upgraded to International export
standards. The workshop is based in Livingstone.
TRAINING
We are working closely with the Danish Organization Danida
and P.U.M., in a program aimed at bringing in expert instructors
from the Netherlands, to train the lecturers at the technicons,
who will in turn further train our staff at all levels of
furniture manufacture at the use of all the new machinery
introduced in the last year.
CAPACITY
& DEADLINES
As a result of the much-improved production, Kubu Crafts are able
to meet custom orders deadlines more accurately, and have a
larger range of ready-to purchase stock on the floor.
EXPORT
Kubu Crafts are export-ready, and participate in export
programmes such as Aid to Artisans, and are developing a steady
export client base. The expertise of one of IESC’s timber
technology advisors visits has been very instrumental in
preparing us for the process of exporting timber furniture
professionally.
TIMBER
We work mostly with indigenous teak &
rosewood, sourced from environmentally responsible and licensed
lumber suppliers in the Southern Province region, which Kubu
Crafts cut and dry themselves in solar kilns. Timber is treated
to eliminate borer infestation before drying and production.
Everything possible is done to ensure the stability and
protection of furniture items, and clients are encouraged to
understand that timber is ever-changing according to temperature
and humidity levels.
SERVICES
An extensive catalog is set up for viewing the entire product
catalog on computer display screen at our stores. Knowledgeable
and friendly staff will guide you through the catalog and assist
you with ordering the furniture of your choice. Procurement
officers of diplomatic missions have the opportunity to order
furniture in advance of their destined arrival, through their
copies of the catalog. Completion time for orders ranges from 6
to 12 weeks, depending on the type and quantity of items.
Furniture carries a guarantee against product faults of
manufacture.
INNOVATIVENESS
Kubu Crafts
are committed to the introduction of new products, services and
processes to gain competitive advantage and create value for all
our clients.
