A scene of Al-Takamul factory in Al-Najmi city, Muthanna. (Photo: 964media)
Factory claims major layoffs down to lack of government ‘support for Iraqi products’
MUTHANNA — The Al-Takamul factory in Al-Najmi city has cut its workforce from 1,000 to just 200 employees, citing a ‘lack of government support’ and limited local procurement. The facility, located in northeastern Muthanna Governorate, produces a range of products including tomato paste, ketchup, hot sauce, and 12 flavors of juice, according to its director.
“We produce over 13,000 tons of tomato paste monthly, as well as other items at a rate of up to 4,000 tons per month,” said factory director Raed Dakhel in an interview with 964media. He added that 54 of the factory’s products are distributed across Baghdad, Basra, Mosul, Muthanna, Diwaniyah, Dhi Qar, Najaf, and Diyala.
“In a previous period, the number of workers exceeded 1,000,” Dakhel explained. “But unfortunately, due to the lack of government support and the Ministry of Trade not purchasing our products, the workforce has dropped to 200 because only one production line is running out of 11.”
Dakhel stressed that quality and safety remain top priorities. “We comply with public health laws, and apply the highest international quality standards,” he said.
Meanwhile, agricultural engineer Mundhir Aidan highlighted the broader impact of limited state employment options. “Many graduates in agriculture, mechanics, and electrical fields have turned to the private sector due to limited government job opportunities,” he noted.
“We call on the government, represented by the prime minister and members of parliament, to support Iraqi products, as they meet global quality standards and requirements,” Aidan said. “We demand support for these projects and a halt to imports, as they take a long time and come at a high cost, while local production can be supplied in large quantities within a day or two to any governorate at affordable prices,” he added.