Crown Paints PLC : Kenya’s Prince of Paints
Crown Paints PLC has been producing quality paint products for more than 60 years, establishing itself as the go-to supplier for the full spectrum of consumer and commercial customers.
Crown Paints Kenya
A Splash of Colour in the Manufacturing world Impressive paint manufacturer reports a 15% increase in profitability Writer Rebecca Wigmore Project manager Tom Cullum If there's one lesson to be derived from the Crown Paints business model, it's that even when you're at the top of your industry, it's not the time to rest of your laurels. The Kenya-based paint manufacturer has an impressive pedigree: number one in Kenya, with an annual turnover of over 4.4 billion Kenyan shillings and, in May 2013, the company was pleased to report a 15% increase in profitability. This increase was attributed to an overall increase in operations efficiency and a burgeoning interest in Crown's premium product line. Its little wonder that the Crown brand is so respected - the company which was grown out of the UK-based Crown Paints' worldwide expansion, has been synonymous with high quality paint products for over 200 years and holds a royal warrant. The knowledge that even the Queen of England uses your product might cause some manufacturers to relax, but as Crown Kenya CEO Rakesh Rao knows, staying at the top involves a sustained commitment to both quality and innovation. In addition, paint manufacturing in Kenya involves challenges specific to the African economic landscape. However, as Rao explains, there's been a significant upturn in the business: "I think that there have been a lot of concessions made in our industry, especially considering the economy and political situation. But it's moving in the right direction which is why the industry has been able to…
