WEALA, Margibi County – The top United States diplomat in Liberia has praised the rapid expansion of Jeety Rubber LLC and its subsidiary, Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC), describing the companies as a powerful example of how private investment, community partnership, and long-term vision can help transform Liberia’s economy and attract international investors.
During a tour of the companies’ operations in Weala, Margibi County on Tuesday, May 19, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Joseph Zadrozny said what he witnessed reinforced his growing belief that Liberia possesses strong untapped investment potential.
“It takes not just an investor, not just his workers, but the whole community working together,” Zadrozny stated.
“Being able to come out and see it work, allows me to go back and talk about what’s really happening in Liberia,” he added.
The U.S. diplomat further disclosed that the level of progress he observed would encourage him to advocate for greater international business engagement with Liberia, particularly among Liberians living abroad.
“I can encourage more investors, and I would really love to see more Liberian-American investors from the diaspora be encouraged to come back and invest here,” Zadrozny emphasized.
‘Not Just Dreams — Real Accomplishments’
Zadrozny said one of the most impressive aspects of the investment was that the company’s impact extended far beyond industrial production into healthcare, education, employment, and community development.
“I have been here now for close to a year, and I hear of plans and dreams people want to see,” he noted.
“But it’s really exciting to see what is actually being accomplished here in this area.”
The U.S. envoy praised business tycoon Upjit Singh Sachdeva, who is commonly known among Liberians as “Mr. Jeety”, for pursuing what he described as ambitious goals and delivering visible results despite the challenges of doing business in Liberia.
“Seeing the school, hospital, and other facilities being expanded, the factory, to seeing that rubber being produced — I’m very thrilled to see that much of that is being exported to the United States of America and transported to various factories to produce very quality products, and that starts right here in Liberia,” Zadrozny said.
During the visit, the diplomat toured the company’s factory floor, maternity ward, clinic, science laboratory, and educational facilities ranging from early childhood education through secondary school.
“When you see a factory that is expanding, you need people who understand science and math — people who can take the jobs that are going to be available. All of those steps matter,” he stressed.
Jeety Rubber Expands After Turbulent SRC Takeover
Jeety Rubber acquired Salala Rubber Corporation — Liberia’s fourth-largest rubber producer — from Belgian-French agricultural conglomerate Socfin in August 2024 after the previous owner shut down operations following violent workers’ protests linked to housing and healthcare concerns.
The closure had reportedly left more than 800 workers unemployed.
Since taking over the plantation, Jeety Rubber says it has restored operations and significantly expanded production and community investments within the Weala area.
The companies currently employ more than 1,500 workers, including contractors and employees drawn from surrounding communities in Margibi County.
Community initiatives undertaken by the company include:
- nine deep-bore wells serving more than 6,000 residents;
- expansion of a 50-bed clinic;
- construction of additional operating theaters;
- establishment of a dedicated eye clinic;
- a US$10,000 annual scholarship program;
- and daily feeding initiatives for local residents.
‘Made-in-Liberia Tires by 2028’
Speaking during the visit, Sachdeva reiterated his ambitious vision of transforming Liberia from a raw rubber exporter into a tire-producing nation.
According to him, the company aims to begin manufacturing Liberia’s first locally produced tires by 2028 — a goal he described as historic for the country’s industrial sector.
“That dream is to produce made-in-Liberia tires by 2028,” Sachdeva declared.
However, he warned that the success of the project will depend heavily on the availability of sufficient locally sourced raw rubber.
“If I can get that rubber, me and my family will make sure that the dream of every Liberian, a dream they have carried for over 100 years, will become reality in this factory,” he stated.
The businessman disclosed that the factory currently processes approximately five tons of rubber per hour and requires between 200 and 225 tons of raw rubber daily to sustain operations.
He further revealed that a major expansion project is underway to increase production capacity to approximately 550 tons per day.
“My target to complete the expansion is August, but I am keeping September open,” Sachdeva explained while also citing disruptions linked to ongoing Middle East tensions and global shipping challenges.
Growing International Recognition
The visit by the U.S. diplomat adds to growing international recognition for Jeety Rubber and SRC’s operations in Liberia.
Earlier this year, Martin Podstavek and India’s Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Mr. Manoj Bihari Verma, also toured the facility and praised the companies’ investments in infrastructure, worker welfare, and agriculture development.
In March, the Rubber Planters Association of Liberia and the Rubber Development Fund Incorporated honored Sachdeva for supporting smallholder rubber farmers during difficult market conditions when other buyers reportedly suspended purchases amid disputes over government pricing policies.
The organizations even conferred upon him the traditional Liberian name “Na Kolleh,” meaning “a bright and good man.”
Industry observers say the growing diplomatic and sectoral recognition reflects increasing interest in Liberia’s rubber sector and broader industrial potential at a time when the country continues seeking foreign investment and economic diversification opportunities.
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