Crown Paints Kenya invests USD 1.1M in new plant to scale production
This initiative underscores the vital role of advanced production setups in fostering enduring expansion for manufacturers.
KENYA – Crown Paints Kenya, a leading paints and coating solution company in Kenya, has committed Sh141 million (USD 1.06 million) to a new manufacturing plant, emphasizing operational streamlining amid rising input costs and fiercer rivalry in the sector.
The facility in Lukenya, Athi River, Machakos County, spans 9.89 acres and includes an emulsion binder factory and a plastic injection moulding plant.
It features modern godowns, production lines, and supporting infrastructure to produce emulsion binder, a critical raw material for 80% of Crown’s paints, locally, rather than importing 600-700 metric tonnes monthly, half of which is water.
By manufacturing emulsion binder on-site, Crown aims to slash import and logistics expenses while stabilizing supply.
The plastic moulding plant will eliminate reliance on multiple local suppliers, ensuring consistent bucket quality and design for paint packaging.
Solar photovoltaic systems, both grid-tied and hybrid, will power operations, leveraging 4-6 peak sunlight hours daily to cut energy costs and emissions.
This aligns with broader efficiency drives following the Crown’s 2024 profit recovery to Sh544 million (USD 4.08 million).
The move supports the Crown’s focus on operational efficiency amid market expansion and premium product growth.
It builds on past investments, positioning the firm for sustained competitiveness in Kenya’s paints sector.
Crown Paints Kenya PLC is the leading paint manufacturer in East Africa, headquartered in Nairobi and with a strong regional presence in Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
In addition to this new facility in Lukenya, Crown Paints Kenya also operates its main manufacturing hub in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, alongside regional plants and depots in Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru.
Established in 1958, the company has grown into a regional powerhouse, producing over 2.4 million litres of paint each month and offering a wide portfolio that spans decorative, industrial, automotive, and speciality coatings.
Its decorative range includes emulsions, gloss paints, textured finishes, roof paints, and wood care products, while its industrial line covers marine coatings, flooring solutions, and protective paints.
Crown Paints also provides primers, adhesives, and resins, making it a comprehensive coatings supplier.
Crown Paints has also invested in professional services through its “Brush and Beyond” initiative, offering expert painting and after-sales support.
The company has a workforce of over 1,000 employees.
Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.
