The Majuro-based Tobolar Copra Processing Plant is the only coconut factory in the north Pacific, producing coconut oil for export and soap products for the local market. The hope, said officials with the government-owned company, is to increase the use of coconut oil for local use as a biofuel.
Tobolar board chairman Jemi Nashion, an assistant secretary of the Ministry of Finance, said a draft report from the Hawaii-based company Oceanic Inc. is now being reviewed by Tobolar’s board.
The board’s focus is developing new products and efficiencies to increase the buying price for copra on the outer islands. “It’s their lifeline,” Nashion said of copra for people living on remote outer islands. “We need to improve the buying price for copra. We are looking at opportunities and risks to accomplish this.”
Tobolar plant manager Wilfredo Candilas said the study is looking at all aspects of Tobolar’s operations, including the conditions of the buildings and machinery, the organizational structure and workforce, coconut products and ways to improve quality, quantity and sales volume, and safety and health standards.
“It’s a study and recommendation on how to improve Tobolar,” Candilas said. “Things that can be done today and in the future.”
One issue under discussion is how to expand use of coconut oil for biofuel. A pilot project with the national utility, Marshalls Energy Company, is expected to see one the seven power plant engines retooled so it can use a coconut oil-diesel mix, which if successful will increase sales of coconut oil for Tobolar while reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Nashion said once the review of the draft report has been completed, it will be returned to Oceanic to be put in final form. Then it will be transmitted to Cabinet by the Tobolar board with recommendations for action.
He is hopeful the report will be ready to submit to Cabinet next month.
Nashion said he believes the report will help Tobolar approach development partners for assistance to bring about needed improvements in Tobolar’s operations, including equipment and technology upgrades.
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