Manufacturing/ Industry

Industry is the third highest occupation in the district. The district, in its peri-urban situation, have some manufacturing industries operating in it. These industries can be grouped under two main sectors depending upon the labor size. It employs about 1/3 of the working population of the labor force. This shows a stronger industrial set up in the district looking at the fact that it is a rural district. The main problem is its weak linkage with agriculture since most of the industries are not agro- based.

Among the small-scale sector are the cassava flour pressing, pottery, bamboo works, soap making, chair backs, kente weaving, portrait and logo weaves for wall hanging, leather works, kenkey-making and fashion design are scattered in the district.The medium scale sector also include brass-smiting, copper works, cassava processing, oil extraction, wood carving, carpenters, corn mills, saw mills, tie and dye, guitar making and bakeries. These sectors cover about 1/3 of the working force of the district. The industries in the manufacturing sector can be classified under the following:

Metal Base: These include the Brass made ornaments at Ampeyoo Krofrom, and copper made ornament at Sawua. Wood Base: These are also made up of wood carving at Atwima Foase, Bamboo works at Nyameani, Guitar makers at Jachie Handicap School, Saw mills at Trabuom and Nwineso, Carpenters at Jachie and the other parts of the district.

Agro-Base: Oil palm extraction at Piase, Cassava flour processing at Jachie, cassava processing at Adum Afrancho and Abuontem.

Textiles: Tie and Dye Batik at Jachie, Ahenema Kokoben, Ampeyoo Krofrom, Kente clothes, Stoles, Strips portrait and Logo weaves, Chair backs Plates, Mats and other home textiles at Jachie, Fashion design and Tailoring scattered all over the district.

Leather Works: Traditional sandal making at Jachie shoe making and repairs and other leather products of high quality in other parts of the district. Others: These include kenkey makers at Krom- Adwafo, Onwi and other parts in the district, soap making bakeries at Adunku and Atwima Darko. Clay Base: Potters at Nnuaso, Apinkra, Kokobriko and Oyoko.

In terms of Agro-Base, wood and clay base industries, there is the potential to increase production as raw materials are locally produced. An example is the palm oil extraction industry since more palm fruits are produced at Piase, Brodekwano and their surrounding communities. The industries can get raw materials locally and by so doing the industry can contribute to local development.

The major form of skills acquisition is through training and apprenticeship. The composition of the labor force in the small and medium scale industries are family members, paid laborers, owner workers and apprentice. The outputs of the small scale and medium scale products are mostly sold in Kumasi, the regional capital and at times outside the country.

Problems facing the industrial production are capital, raw materials, high cost of inputs, lack of modern facilities and training for skilled persons. It can be said that the district has the potential for developing its economy because; The industrial potential can contribute towards the nation’s drive at promoting non- traditional exports.

The potential for some medium scale industries like palm oil extraction, brass ornaments, copper made ornament, wood carving can be expanded to large scale production. The local economy can be transformed with little financial support and technical advice.

Industrial Establishments:

1. V3 Industries Ltd. at Jachie
2. Jolly W. Cool Industries at Jachie

3. Cash KODA Plywood Industries Ltd. at Esereso

4. C.K.A. Industries at Esereso

5. NAACHIAA Estate Ltd. at Esereso

6. Pledgetex Ent. at Feyiase

7. P.K.K.Hagebo International Ltd. at Jachie