According to a statement by Limbe Leaf Tobacco Company,  the Blantyre factory has closed operations, focusing its operations on the main factory in Lilongwe, in preparation for the commencement of the 2020 tobacco processing season.

The statement has attributed the closure to global declines in demand for leaf tobacco. “Limbe Leaf Tobacco must address its excess processing capacity in order to be competitively structured and ready to meet the challenges and opportunities arising from this evolving situation in the world market, and best serve the Malawi tobacco industry.” said part of the statement.

Unfortunately the development will affect the employees in the company, as retrenchment processes are underway. However the statement says the company will try to minimise the impact encouraging as many of its 2,600 seasonal employees to apply for seasonal employment with Limbe Leaf in Lilongwe.