B5 Plus Limited, a leading steel company based in Tema, has been adjudged the Best firm in Imports and Exports by the Head of State Awards Scheme (HOSA) – Ghana Business Awards 2015.

Under the auspices of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards Association, the maiden edition of the HOSA Ghana Business Awards seeks to honour businesses that have contributed towards the socio–economic development of the country.

Since its inception in 2002, B5 Plus Limited has demonstrated excellence in the production of high quality steel products for domestic use and export.

The company has over 2000 employees and has operations in all ECOWAS countries.

The outstanding performance and contribution of B5 Limited to industrialization in Ghana also helped the company to pick the 2015 Investor Award in West Africa at the West African Magazine Awards.

In an interview with Mr. Mukesh Thakwani, the C.E.O of B5 Plus Limited, he was thankful to HOSA and the West African Magazine for recognizing the company’s hard work.

Mr. Mukesh said his vision is to see B5 Plus as the best steel company in Africa. He also stated that they will soon add another subsidiary to offer world class real estate services in the country.

On the problems faced by the company, Mr. Mukesh lamented bitterly about the load shedding exercise which has resulted in 30% decrease in production. He is pleading with government to plan effectively and increase the power production to meet the rising demand to curb the energy crisis.

Mr. Mukesh is challenging government to also reduce taxation and import duties on raw materials and other products to boost local production. With a current capacity of 10,000 tonnes, he believes the company could double their production if government tackles the challenges faced by the industry.

“In neighbouring countries, there are no taxes on raw materials. If we get good support from government we can produce 20, 000 tonnes of assorted steel products for local and international use,” he added.

He raised concerns with the instability of the cedi which he said is having adverse effect on trading.

“Our economy is based on imports and exports so depreciation and instability of the cedi is a major factor affecting us. If government works more positively we can increase production of made in Ghana goods and our dependency on the dollar will decrease”.

B5 Plus places a huge value on corporate social responsibilities. The company has established the Delhi Public School International; an ultra-modern school which provides holistic training for students.

The company organizes health camps for the public on a regular basis and also donated GhC10, 000 for the construction of a Police Station to curb crime at Kpong in 2014.

B5 Plus Limited has been honored with several awards including the International Europe Award for Quality and Excellent Service by Globe Trade Leaders' Club, Best Enterprise Award in the field of Steel Industry by the Socrates Committee, Oxford UK and TNG Steel Fabrication Company Award by the New Ghanaian (TNG) Pillars of Modern Ghana.

Other recognitions are European Award for Quality and Excellent Services in 2013 and Best Company in Metal Building & Construction Centre by the Association of Ghanaian Industries (AGI).