BIC, the stationery, lighters and shavers company has opened its first East Africa manufacturing facility in Kasarani, Nairobi.
This comes after BIC announced its complete transfer of Haco Industries Kenya Ltd’s manufacturing facilities in Kenya and distribution of stationery, lighters and shavers in East Africa at the beginning of the year.
BIC’s Chief Executive Officer, Gonzalve Bich said the Company’s focus now is on expanding their footprint in the African continent, one of the most promising markets for BIC products in the world, and providing high quality, affordable products to their consumers.
“With a population of 300 Million inhabitants, 45 per cent of whom are under 14 years of age; East Africa is a key market for our stationery business,” he said.
BIC acquired Haco’s semi-automated production plant located in Kasarani as part of the transaction in the acquisition of Kirubi’s BIC Franchise and has has upgraded it to a manufacturing facility set to serve all the markets across East Africa and beyond.
“My success is Kenya’s success and after nearly 40 years of fruitful collaboration with BIC, and having built the business to become Kenya’s number one stationery manufacturer and distributor, this transaction is tangible proof of BIC’s confidence and belief in Kenya and the growth potential of the region,” said Kirubi in a statement at the time.
The revamped subsidiary will produce BIC ballpoint pens and include the assembly of BIC Shavers. It will also act as a catalyst for domestic market growth and an export hub East Africa, including Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Eritrea tapping the opportunity to diversify and grow in the regional markets.
BIC’s mass production capability, brand equity and international footprint remains its core strengths in the enhanced entrepreneurial and innovative approach to its operations to driving productivity and increasing effective use of resources for reinvesting in future growth.