East African Granite Industries will officially be opened today, in one of the country’s significant import-substitution strategies.The plant situated in Nyagatare District, Eastern Province, is owned and operated by Building Materials Investments Limited (BMI Ltd). It is a US$13 million joint venture between Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) and Crystal Ventures Limited."The plant’s product spectrum includes granite slabs and standard sized tiles. Without a doubt, the plant’s creation is a welcome relief to the country’s top contractors and architects who have been importing granite products in the past,” a statement from EAGI reads."Being a local company, EAGI’s products are way more affordable. With its sophisticated and environment-friendly machinery, total customer satisfaction is the driving force of the industry while quality commitments and strict adherence to delivery schedules is the essence of its success and growth.”According to the Project Manager of EAGI, Nick Barigye, the venture was encouraged by the booming real estate and construction sector."EAGI is a new and exciting entrant to the domestic and regional granite industry dedicated to using local resources to provide the highest quality stone-building products for local, regional and international markets.”The new granite firm is set to employ over 150 people; built on 72 hectares, EAGI is the largest granite plant in the region and has an annual production capacity of 200,000 tiles.