One hundred and two companies joined the Fijian Product emblem this year.

The latest to join is the more than 40-year-old business from Nausori, Nands Plumbing and Builders Pte Limited.

Soma Nand, company spokesperson, said the third-generation family-owned business started with just making sheet metal water tanks and further expanded.

Today, they make baking trays, roof guttering and ridge caps, water tanks, rubbish cans and a few other things.

Ms Nand said their most popular product were water tanks.

She said they wanted locals to know that equipment of their standards could be made in Fiji by Fijians.

“We want people to know that Fijians are capable of making high standard sheet metal products in Fiji.”

“Nothing should stop Fijians from dreaming and it should boost more confidence locally.”

Nands Plumbing and Builders Pte Limited feeder cans.

Nands Plumbing and Builders Pte Limited specialised in sheet metal water tanks and now also make plastic water tanks.

“We sent some to Tonga and Tuvala, and plan to expand to other Pacific countries.”

“The Fijian Government, Water Authority of Fiji and our local hardware shops are our biggest clients.”

She said the company plans to expand to make cyclone-proof roofing iron and hope to make it affordable to the locals.

Nands Plumbing and Builders Pte Limited sheet metals. Photo: Susan Hirst-Tuilau .

The company operates out of Manoca Industry in Nausori and employs more than 20 people.

“If it was not for our team, we would not be able to have achieved our dreams and lasted three generations now.”

The Ministry of Trade said 442 Fijian companies are now registered under the Fijian Product since last year.

Other emblems in the ‘Fijian Made’ and ‘Buy Fijian’ campaigns include Fijian Grown, Fijian Sewn, Fijian Packed, Fijian Crafted, Fijian Designed, Fijian Assembled, Fijian Product and Fijian Organic products.

Feedback: susana.tuilau@fijisun.com.fj