Scaling engineering capacity and bringing more women into technical roles.

“We have grown from the time that Prospero gave us the support, from the rented space in Kitwe, which was slightly smaller, to the building we are operating in, giving us accommodation for all the equipment that we have”.

Hardrich Engineering Services Company Limited (HESCO Ltd) is a Zambian-owned mechanical engineering company specializing in hydraulics, pneumatics, precision machining and fabrication. They provide vital services to mining, agriculture, and construction industries, offering tailored engineering solutions to meet their clients’ needs.
In 2023, Prospero supported HESCO with the construction of a modern workshop. The previous workshop limited their production capacity, compromised employee safety, and posed risks to the security of their equipment as most of the equipment were housed outside the workshop due to limited space.
Prospero further procured a step-down transformer to address the challenge of connecting to the national grid, which impeded their operations. A grant of £30,000 made these interventions possible. This significantly enhanced the company’s operational productivity and efficiency.
As a result of the assistance rendered, the number of employees has increased from 44 to 53 employees, with a notable majority being women. This is a significant milestone, as it highlights the empowerment of women in roles traditionally dominated by men. Many women now skillfully operate the machinery used for servicing parts sent from the mines, demonstrating their expertise and contributing to HESCO’s success.
The support from Prospero has been instrumental in helping HESCO scale its operations, improve efficiency, and create more opportunities for local employment, all while strengthening its position as a key player in Zambia’s engineering industry.