Staff Writer
Millionaire businessman Simon Rudland’s US$120 million Cut Rag Processors (CRP) factory is due to be officially unveiled tomorrow, as the 54 year-old merchant has continued to emerge as one of southern Africa’s most influential businessmen.
While the state-of-the art manufacturing plant was commissioned early this year, executives say the Harare-based facility is kitted with German and Italian technology, which is set to significantly transform the country’s golden leaf industry and at a time Harare is exporting 98 percent of raw tobacco.
“In terms of capacity, I think it’s almost triple what we have now, and we intend to grow the local market. We intend to look for more cut rag exports…because it gives value to the tobacco that we produce locally,” a CRP executive said earlier this week, adding the new machinery had brought “more efficiencies and quality production process, which added value to the customer”.
“So, I think that is one of our key areas in terms of value addition of tobacco into cut rag and export of cut rag within the region and beyond,”said the executive adding that the company was targeting the Asian and other international markets.
“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.”
CRP is Rudland’s latest enterprise in a diverse portfolio of companies spanning logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, finance and mining—employing more than 10,000 people across the region.
While the pioneering businessman made his mark on the Zimbabwean business scene with his logistics company, his vast commercial footprint of agricultural, banking, mining and other strategic investments across multiple jurisdictions or borders has also expanded to countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A serial entrepreneur, Rudland’s approach is based on local employment, skills development, building sustainable value chains within the region.
Despite these achievements, the tycoon has not been without controversy, as he his business – approaches and – choices as well as interest have often been spotlighted in various media outlets.
However, Rudland’s supporters have consistently disputed these claims, and maintained that the attacks are driven by commercial rivalry, misinformation, or political agendas.
Throughout these challenges, the multi-millionaire has emphasized his commitment to transparency, and lawful business practices, with colleagues and partners describing him as a decisive, hands-on leader with a long-term vision for African industrial growth. Those close to him say his success is rooted in hard work, calculated risk-taking, and a deep understanding of regional markets—attributes shaped by his early years and the perseverance required to build businesses from the ground up.
Today, Rudland stands as one of the region’s most dynamic entrepreneurs, continuing to expand his operations while contributing to employment creation and economic development across Africa. His story remains, ultimately, one of ambition, resilience, and a belief in the continent’s potential.