The factory was commissioned on 14.9.1971 and officially opened on 28.12.1973 by then Prime Minister and 2nd Vice President Hon. Rashid M. Kawawa.

The factory was built by then Tanzania Tea Authority- T.T.A, a Government Parastatal, to serve indigenous small-scale tea farmers in both Lushoto and Korogwe Districts –West Usambara.

In December 1999 the factory was privatized by the Government and sold to Usambara Tea Growers Association with financing by Lushoto Tea Company Ltd.

Currently the factory is jointly owned by Lushoto Tea Company and tea farmers through their umbrella association - UTEGA.

The factory presenltly is capable of handling 60,000 kgs of green leaves everyday, and this in the near future is being expanded to 120,000 kg with new machines.

Location

Situated in Kweminyasa Village of Bumbuli Division-Lushoto District. It has two access roads; 13kms from Soni via Magila Village and 30kms from Soni via Bumbuli.

Catchment Area & Growers

Has a total 5400 small-scale tea farmers in catchment area of 2428ha. Lushoto has 4800 farmers – (1942ha) while Korogwe has 600 (500ha).
Lushoto produces over 80% of G/Leaf while Korogwe contributes the balance.

Mponde tea is strong and offers unique flavor taste and cup character in each batch.

General Information

People in the factory catchment area practice mixed farming though tea farming is the major agricultural economic activity. The factory is the economic backbone of the community.

Mission and Vision

Committed to improving level of tea production and quality, for betterment of local economy.

To raise production and quality of tea, through improved farming practices, to a level where building a second factory in the catchment area by 2012 will be inevitable.

Factory Top View	Tea Estate