Ghana Report

StoriesMarch 25, 2021

B5 Plus Ltd: The Best Steel Manufacturing, Pre-Engineering Fabrication and Trading Company in Ghana

: Written by Sandra Francisco; Published: March 25, 2021

HISTORY

B5 Plus Ltd was established in 2002 by its Founder Chairman Mukesh V. Thakwani, fondly known as Mr. Mike, with the vision and mission to become the world’s most recognized steel industry through the excellence of its employees, its innovative approach and its overall conduct. The company’s mission is underpinned by its steadfast commitment to realise high growth in all spheres it operates in. The indomitable spirit of this steel company stays buoyed up with its focused vision and relentless efforts of its employees, under the astute guidance of Mr. Mukesh Thakwani, a leading entrepreneurial visionary, endowed with an enterprising spirit and the ability to discern future trends, who has been at the company’s helm from its inception, and has carried it forward to its present position of prominence, growing by leaps and bounds within a short span of time.

Another key person within the B5 Plus institution is shareholder Tanya Thakwani, who is actively involved in running the operations of DPSI, an international school in Ghana. DPSI commenced in the year 2010, aiming for quality education and learning for excellence, providing holistic, modern and comprehensive education. Mrs. Thakwani has completed BSc, B.E.D and has certifications in pedagogy from Montessori Center International. She also has attended several workshops on psychology and leadership from reputed universities such as Cambridge in the UK. She is also a Certified Counselor. Her sole aim is to impart quality education. Mrs Tanya is a true educationist who envisaged to build capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial and moral leadership among students. Her focus is making DPSI carve a niche for itself on the West African map.

B5 Plus Ltd history — B5 Plus Ltd was established in 2002 by its Founder Chairman Mukesh V. Thakwani, with the vision and mission to become the world’s most recognized steel industry.

THE MARKET

B5 Plus Ltd was established close to two decades ago and has become the leading steel manufacturing, pre-engineering fabrication and trading company in Ghana, with a complete range of steel products suitable for construction from small scale projects to huge ones like mining industry, shipping engineering, automobile industry and real estate projects. The company also deals in chemical products, thanks to its expertise in sales, distribution and unwavering passion to deliver reliable products. B5 Plus is the largest of its kind, not only in Ghana but in the whole West Africa.

The company creates value for its customers by ensuring they are always well stocked, maintaining the most extensive footprint of facilities, and bolsters its market leadership position in all the segments it serves. It has a total manufacturing and trading facility in Ghana and other neighbouring countries in West Africa. Its services are extended to corporate sectors, traders, construction and mining sectors, as well as end consumers in ECOWAS countries.

B5 Plus has constructed one of the largest, strategic, state-of-the-art steel manufacturing plant in Africa at Larkpleku Village, Prampram, under the 1D1F (One District One Factory) programme, in line with the vision of the Government and their mission to promote “Made in Ghana” products.

B5 has procured 642 acres of land under 1D1F. The first phase of the plant was constructed on 100 acres of land which comprises of a steel melting shop, a rolling mill with a production capacity of 250,000 MT per annum and a pre-fab manufacturing plant with a production capacity of 60,000 MT per annum. The company will be producing 1.5 million MT in different phases.

In the second phase, B5 Plus will be manufacturing steel profiles and aluminium products. In third the phase, it will be manufacturing cold rolled products.

The manufacturing facility operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with Sunday as the maintenance day. The steel factory at Tema is nestled in a sprawling 75 acres of continuous land amidst the heavy industrial area and is criss-crossed with inland roads and reinforced concrete storage areas.

The facility also includes factory blocks, warehouses, a head office, engineering stores, an automobile workshop with state-of-the-art facilities equipped, weighing scales and several auxiliary offices. To facilitate logistics, transport and material handling service, the company has ultra-modern world-class material handling machines and equipment.

It has also initiated a R&D department for project re-engineering and continuous development to help reduce the dependency on imported spares and increase the production capacity with respect to local conditions. The company always endeavours to produce higher quality products with the help of advance machines in order to reach the acme of excellence.

B5 is locally purchasing scrap to nourish the plant as these are the significant raw materials that will be used in manufacturing of iron and steel products. This enables running its operations smoothly without any bottlenecks and is key for sustainable growth. Based on the current operations, B5 requires approximately 40,000 MT of scrap per month which it will procure partly locally and its requirement will go up in the near future once B5 augments its production.

The company is also in the process of building a ship breaking factory which will support its steel industry. Dismantled ships generate quality of re-usable steel scraps which serve as input for its steel melting shop. B5 will be manufacturing aluminium ingots, steel balls, etc., in different phases. The company will be saving approximately 100 million USDs per annum in foreign exchange for Ghana as B5 Plus will be manufacturing locally in the first phase, and will be saving USD 200 million per annum in the 2nd phase for the country.

B5 Plus Ltd market — B5 Plus Ltd was established close to two decades ago and has become the leading steel manufacturing, pre-engineering fabrication and trading company in Ghana.

NETWORK

B5 Plus has the largest network of wholesalers, dealers and distributors in Ghana, Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Benin, Freetown, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Guinea and Mali. Ghana was an importer of steel materials from the neighbouring countries in West Africa and now it has become a net exporter of steel materials to all the neighbouring countries due to the concerted efforts of B5 Plus.

The wholesale distribution centres in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale, Kasoa, Agloboshie and the manufacturing centres and distribution centres in 25 branches across West Africa provide extended credit and prompt service to its customers all over West Africa.

The expertise of B5 Plus, the reputation for the best qualities, market know-how and timely delivery of service to meet the requirement of huge construction projects, paved the way for it becoming the premier steel industry.

B5 Plus Ltd network — Ghana has become a net exporter of steel materials to all the neighbouring countries due to the concerted efforts of B5 Plus.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Acknowledged by the 4th International Conference on Trade and Finance (AFCFTA Edition) for the year 2020
• Leadership Excellence in Interaction by HESS “Mr Mukesh Thakwani” – CEO B5 Plus Limited for the year 2020
• Best Company in Products Safety and Quality Management Practices for the year 2020 by HESS
• Manufacturing Facility Excellence Award by HESS for the year 2020
• Outstanding Iron and Steel Entrepreneur of the Decade 2010-2020 by Ghana Entrepreneur and Corporate Executive Award for the year 2020
• Outstanding Business Leader of the Year – Ghana Business Standard Awards 2020
• Contribution to the Growth and Development in the Heavy Industry – Ghana Development Awards 2020
• Contribution for making Ghana the Leader in West Africa’s Iron and Steel Products Industry – Ghana Development Awards 2020
• Outstanding Steel Manufacturing Company of the Year – Ghana Business Standard Awards 2020
• Manufacturing Company of the Year – Ghana Business Awards 2020
• Dream Project of the Year – Ghana Business Awards 2020
• Corporate Ghana Hall of Fame for the year 2020
• Appreciation from Ghana Institute of Architects for the Sponsorship towards the Event
• Best Company in Partnership for Community Development of the Year – Sustainability and Social Investment Awards 2020
• National Social Development Award 2020 “Mr Mukesh Thakwani – CEO B5 Plus Limited”
• B5 Plus won “Steel Manufacturing Company of the Year” at 2020 Ghana Manufacturing Awards
• Mr. Mukesh V. Thakwani CEO, B5 Plus won “Personality of the Year” award at 2020 Ghana Manufacturing Awards
• Outstanding Iron and Steel Entrepreneur of the Decade Award for the Year 2010-2020 by EFG Foundation
• Overall Best Industrial Company of the Year 2019 at the 8th AGI Industry and Quality Awards
• Outstanding Business Leader of the Year for 2019 by Ghana Business Standards Awards
• Non-Traditional Exporter of the Year and Dry Bulk Exporter of the Year 2019 by Ghana Shipper Awards
• West African Construction Awards 2019 – Steel Company of the Year
• West African Business Excellence Awards 2019 – Outstanding Steel Manufacturing Company of the Year
• Ghana Manufacturing Awards 2019 – Steel Manufacturing Company of the Year
• Ghana Manufacturing Awards 2019 – Personality of the Year
• Ghana Club award No.21 for the year 2019
• Honoured during the Presidential Outstanding Youth Award 2019 by Millennium Excellence Foundation
• Made in Ghana Street Fair 2018 – B5 Plus Foundation Care
• Dry Bulk Exporter of the Year 2018 by Ghana Shipper Awards
• GIPC Award Club 100 No 23 for the Year 2018
• Business Icon of the Year by Ghana Business Quality Awards 2018
• Best Metal, Building Sector Award by Association of Ghana Industries for the year 2018
• Ghana’s Most Respected CEOs of the Year by Ghana Industry CEO Award 2018
• Best Regional Award 2018 by Ghana Chamber of Commerce
• GIPC Ghana Club 100 2017 Awards – No. 48
• AGI Awards 2017 – Metal, Building and Construction Sector
• Ghana Expatriate Business Awards 2017 – Top Expatriate Metal and Steel Company. A Citation was issued by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, The President of Ghana, to B5 Plus Limited, in the metal and steel sector in recognition to service to mankind and for demonstrating dedication in commitment to create an enabling environment at the nation and local levels in order to achieve sustained economic growth and development while supporting Ghana’s effort for peace, stability and security
• The Business Executive Award 2017 – Most Outstanding Company of the Year
• GIPC Ghana Club 100 2016 Awards – No 19
• West African Regional Magazine Achievers Awards 2016 – Best Entrepreneur Building Materials Sector
• Ghana Industry Awards 2016 – Fastest Growing Company of the Year
• The Business Executive Awards 2016 – Ghana Development Award
• 3rd Business Executive Excellence Awards 2016 – Best Heavy Industrial Company of the Year
• West African Regional Magazine Achievers Awards 2016 – Foreign Investor in Education Sector
• Ghana Chamber of Commerce 2016 – Fastest Dynamic Growing Iron and Steel Company of the Year
• AGI Award 2016 – Fastest Growing Company of the Year
• Ghana Manufacturing Awards 2016 – Steel Manufacturing Company of the Year
• Head of States Business Awards 2015 – Import/Export Award
• The Business Excellence Awards 2015 – Best International Company in Building Materials
• The Business Excellence Awards 2015 – West African Personality of the Year
• AGI Award 2015 – Best Company In Corporate Social Responsibility
• West African Regional Magazine Achievers Awards – Best Company Building and Construction materials
• Made in Ghana Hall of Fame Awards – Best Enterprise in Steel and Metal Products
• The BUZZ Awards 2014 – Excellence in Business Management
• The BUZZ Awards 2014 – World Leader Businessperson
• Europe Business Assembly Awards 2014 – Best Enterprise 2014
• Made In Ghana Awards 2014 – Hall Of Fame Awards for Steel and Metal Products For The Year
• Association of Ghanaian Industries Awards 2014 – Best Company in Metals, Building and Construction Sector
• Pillars of Modern Ghana Awards 2014 – TNG Steel Company of the Year 2014
• Ghana Revenue Authority – Most Improved Tax Payer of the Year 2013, GRA Customs Division
• European Quality Award – 2013, B5 Plus Limited Iron and Steel Company has received “European Quality Award” and the Best Industry of the Year Award for Quality Iron and Steel Products

THE PRODUCT

As a supplier, B5 Plus Ltd gives priority to the onus of ensuring quality as well as the security of supply. Its integrated supply chain helps the company maintain a high standard of quality of the product and prompt and safe delivery. This reduces the potential need for rework, increases reliability of service and saves the valuable time of the customers and their money.

List of Products

• Mild Steel: Angle Bars, C Channels, Chequered Plates, Flat Bars, H Beams, I Beams, Rectangular Pipes, Round Bars, Square Bars, Square Pipes, Steel Plates, Steel Round Pipes, T Bars, U Channels
• Marine or Mining: Forged Steel Balls, Seamless Pipes SCH 40, Seamless Pipes SCH 80, Wear Resistance Plates
• Aluminium: Aluminium Plates, Aluminium Chequered Plates
• Roofing and Nails: Galvanized Roofing Aluzinc Sheets, Nails
• Concrete and Fencing: Barbed Wire, Razor Wire, Binding Wire, Expanded Metal Mesh, Galvanized Chain Link, Galvanized Wire Mesh
• Stainless Steel: Stainless Pipes SCH 10, 40 and 80, Stainless Plates, Stainless SQ Pipes, Stainless Angles
• Chemicals: Hydrochloric Acid, Hydrogen Peroxide, Sles, Labsa, Caustic Soda Flakes, Caustic Soda Pearls
• Galvanised: Galvanized Equal Angles, Galvanized Plain End Pipes, Galvanized Rectangular Pipes, Galvanized Round Bars, Galvanized SCH 40 Pipes, Galvanized Square Pipes, Galvanized Threaded Pipes, Galvanized Gratings, Galvanized Plates, Galvanized Wire, Galvanized Chequered Plates
• Reinforcing Bars: HT Iron Rods, MS Iron Rods
• Others: C Purlin (Channel), ZZ Profile, Lame (Lovers)
• Concrete and Fencing: BRC Mesh
• Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings and Structures: Detailing, Drawing, Production (AWS), Exports, Erection, Steel Buildings, Civil Works, Structural Solutions

B5 Plus Ltd products — B5 Plus Ltd manufactures a wide range of quality iron and steel products.

THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW

Employment and Social Contribution:

B5 Plus Ltd has created employment for 10,000 people direct and indirectly. It has also contributed vitally to the development of shipping, banking, transport and logistics, real estate, mining, oil and gas, fabrication, and automobile industry as a customer or supplier.

The vision of B5 Plus is to accomplish the benchmark not only in the quality of its products but also in corporate citizenship through the excellence of its people. The employees who join as novice get transformed into full-fledged stalwarts who become proficient in their respective fields. The progress of the employees is closely monitored, analysed and assessed by exposing them to a battery of in-house training and seminars conducted by experts who are always willing to share their knowledge with them.

The philosophy of B5 Plus has been to give back to the society generously by creating ample opportunities for everyone. There is a direct relationship between sustainability of business, well-being and the development of the society.

B5 Plus Care Foundation is a charitable organization that takes care of the underprivileged children in Ghana by providing them with basic needs, including free education and basic medical care. They organize blood donation camps and free health check-up campaigns every year. B5 Plus is actively involved in CSR activities through B5 Plus Care Foundation.

As a part of social responsibility the group has undertaken activities like:

• Free medical camps
• Contributed monetarily in the construction of a police station in Kpone
• Medical equipment donations to NGOs operating in Ghana
• Donation to adult home managed by the Catholic Church in Tema
• Medicines to NGOs operating in Ghana
• Free education to students
• Donation to Lord Krishna Academy
• Numerous social causes and festivals
• In order to support the ongoing fight against COVID-19 in Ghana and as part of corporate social responsibility, B5 Plus pledged to donate oxygen to all Government hospitals free of cost
• Donated personal protective items like masks, common and medical protective suits, surgical masks, face shields etc., for health workers and society
• B5 Plus has also donated to AGI (Association of Ghana Industries)
• B5 Plus has also donated to “FEED-A-KYAYO” Project
• B5 Plus has distributed food stuff to 1000 plus underprivileged families in remote areas of Ghana like Larkpleku, Chipoli, Ningo, Prampram, Kpone and Dwahanya. The items distributed included 12.5 kg of rice, 1 liter of oil, milk powder, sugar, bath soap, key soap, tomato paste, vegetable oil, toilet rolls etc.
• B5 Plus donated to the COVID-19 Trust Fund in order to support the government fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic

In line with the corporate belief that the capacity building is quintessential for long-term development and growth, B5 Plus has promoted a world-renowned school in Tema, named DPS International, which is the centre of excellence in learning and development for the children of Ghana and neighbouring countries.

B5 Plus Ltd is committed to:

• Continuous increase in the product range,
• Continuous improvement in the productivity, quality and efficient utilization of the resources,
• To provide world-class quality at a competitive prize,
• B5 Plus has also brought in the concept of commitment and efficient service into market.

B5 Plus has the infrastructure, expertise, capacity and the vision to support the developments in West Africa. Its vision for Ghana is to manufacture and export quality steel to the markets of the West African countries and beyond.

CONTACT DETAILS

WEBSITE: www.b5plus.com

ADDRESS: Kpone Barrier, Aflao Road, Opp. Kingdom Transport, Tema, Ghana

CONTACT: (+233) 244 331 635 / (+233) 244 342 600 / (+233) 244 333 511 / (+233) 544 313 204

EMAILS: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MORE ABOUT B5 PLUS

INTERVIEWS:
• B5 Plus: The Leading Iron and Steel Company in Ghana and West Africa by Mukesh Thakwani
• Business Leader Mukesh Thakwani Discusses Steel, Healthcare and Education in Ghana
• B5 Plus: Mukesh Thakwani Discusses the Importance of Promoting Products Made in Ghana
• Mukesh Thakwani Talks Latest Developments at B5 Plus, the Largest Steel Producer in Ghana

COMPANY PROFILE:
• B5 Plus Ltd: Manufacturing and Trading of Iron and Steel Products in Ghana and West Africa

EXECUTIVE PROFILE:
• Mukesh Thakwani, Founder of B5 Plus, the Leading Steel Manufacturing Company in Ghana

CORPORATE STORY:
• B5 Plus: Best Steel Manufacturing, Pre-Engineering Fabrication and Trading Company in Ghana

VIDEOS:
• Ghanaian Company B5 Plus is Recognized Once Again for its Efforts in the Steel and Iron Industry
• B5 Plus: An Overview of the Iron and Steel Industry in Ghana and West Africa
• B5 Plus: Mukesh Thakwani Discusses the Impacts of COVID on the Iron and Steel Sector in Ghana
• Giving Back to Society: A Priority for Mukesh Thakwani, Founder and CEO of B5 Plus Ltd
• B5 Plus: Bringing Quality Steel Products at a Competitive Price to the Consumer's Doorstep
• Iron and Steel Industry in Ghana and West Africa: B5 Plus, A Journey to Success
• Top Ghanaian Steel Manufacturing Company B5 Plus Discusses Steel Exports in West Africa
• B5 Plus Group: The Leading Manufacturer of Steel Products in Ghana and West Africa
• Government Should Prioritize Products Made in Ghana, says Business Leader Mukesh Thakwani
• B5 Plus: Mukesh Thakwani Talks Competitive Advantages and Cheap Imports Coming to Ghana
• B5 Plus: Founder and CEO Mukesh Thakwani Mentions Latest Awards and Talks Future Plans
• B5 Plus: A Global Steel Giant and Market Leader in Ghana and West Africa Since 2002
• B5 Plus: Revolutionizing Ghana’s Steel Industry and Championing Local Manufacturing in West Africa
• Mukesh Thakwani Shares B5 Plus’ Impactful Journey of Job Creation and Social Responsibility

LATEST NEWS:
• COVID-19: B5 Plus Limited is Offering Free Medical Oxygen Refilling to Hospitals in Ghana
• One-District-One-Factory: President Akufo-Addo Commissions Phase One of B5 Plus Steel Plant
• Ghana Industry: Leading Steel Manufacturer B5 Plus Limited Wins Two Prestigious Awards
• Ghana CEO Excellence Awards: Mukesh Thakwani of B5 Plus Named CEO of the Decade
• Millennium Excellence Awards: Steel Manufacturer B5 Plus Named CSR Company of the Year
• Ghana Steel Industry: Mukesh Thakwani of B5 Plus Awarded Iconic Industrialist of the Decade
• B5 Named Platinum Economic Pillar and Outstanding Steel Manufacturing Company of The Year
• Leading Steel Manufacturer B5 Plus Wins Over 30 Prestigious Awards in Less Than a Year
• Over 100 Hospitals Benefitting From B5 Plus Free Oxygen Initiative to Help Fight COVID-19
• Mukesh Thakwani Honored for Outstanding Contribution to the Economic Development
• B5 Plus Recognised for its Tremendous Impact on the Steel Manufacturing Industry in Ghana
• B5 Plus Group: Mukesh Thakwani Felicitated with Global Leader of the Year 2021-22 Awards
• Ghana Steel Industry: B5 Plus Receives Awards for its Investments and CSR Initiatives

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