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Condoms are a major item in the efforts of the Bangladesh
government’s effort in reducing the growth of
population, a task that the Bangladesh government describes
as its number one priority. They are also beneficial
in the prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS and other
sexually transmitted diseases. |
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KELP Plant
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All condoms used
in Bangladesh are imported. This means that the supplies are
subjected to fluctuate due to varying market conditions. Condoms
paid for by the Bangladesh Government consume valuable foreign
exchange. Accordingly, Bangladesh Government has consistently
listed the establishment of a condom manufacturing facility
in its plan.
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Dipping Line
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Electronic Dry Testing Machine
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The origin of the
project was a techno-economic feasibility study undertaken
by the Bangladesh Management Development Center (BMDC) with
the aid of several international consultants and was funded
by UNFPA in 1992. This study concluded that manufacturer of
condom in Bangladesh would both be possible and desirable.
In this continuation,
to evaluate the possibility of establishing a condom manufacturing
plant at Khulna, messers Rephine Consultants Limited from
England was appointed by EDCL to carry out the study- which
they submitted in 2001. Their study concluded that:
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Dipping Line
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Dipping Line
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- Condom production in Bangladesh is viable, worthwhile
and will be of benefit of the country.
- It will provide a source of supply within the country-thus
enabling the Government to have a supply under its local
control and independent of International supplies.
- That the production of condom in the country will mean
that the Government will make substantial savings in foreign
exchange rather than purchasing condoms from the International
market.
- It may also have other long term benefits for the country-possibly
leading to a new industrial sector.
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Bulk Latex Storage Tank
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Dipping Line
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Based on the study
report concept papers of this plant was prepared. In this
context, an agreement was signed with Strategic Products SDN,
BHD Malaysia to plan, design, erect, install, establish, manufacture,
test, commission and commercial running of a condom manufacturing
plant at Khulna, with the initial production capacity of 150
million pcs annum of male latex condoms of WHO standards.
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EDT Machine (Electronic Dry Testing)
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Foil Packing Machine -01
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Strategic Products
SDN BHD Malaysia is principally a manufacturer of components
parts, machinery and equipment and a one stop provider of
the turn-key engineering gloves and balloons in particular.
They are an ISO 9001 : 2000 registered manufacturer.
Operating Company
The new plant thus
established will be jointly owned by the Government of the
People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Essential Drugs
Company Ltd. and will have the same board of directors as
EDCL.
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Foil Packing Machine -02
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Quality Control
Condom is a medical
device class II (b) product and we are committed to produce
the WHO standards condoms (ISO 9001 series or equivalent).
Quality control laboratory is equipped with burst tester,
pin-hole tester, tensile tester, ageing oven, thickness tester,
sealing integrity tester, facilities to measure length &
width. Nevertheless the quality standards of the condoms will
be periodically verified in the nearest WHO comprehensive
laboratory.
Raw Materials
Initially raw and
other direct materials will be procured from the internationally
reputed suppliers from Malaysia. But within a short while
we envisage to utilize our locally produced natural rubber
latex which has been found very suitable to produce finest
quality condoms.
Production Capacity
Production Capacity is 150 million pieces per annum. This
has been fixed based on the annual local consumption which
is approximately 225 million pcs per annum.
Management & Staff
Management will
consist of local personnel & international specialist
having long experience in latex dipping industry. Out of approximately
234 staff about 70 will be from EDCL pool, rest will be recruited
fresh.
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