It is reported that the factory recently invested 100 million US dollars to add factory equipment and strengthen technical capabilities to better serve consumers. The new production capacity is expected to meet the growing demand for high-safety, high-quality baby care and feminine care products in the region. In addition, the factory will officially start operations in the fourth quarter of 2021.
In fact, in 2019 Kimberly-Clark announced plans to close its Nigeria factory, where it said it would build a new one.
“Nigeria is one of our highest priority markets,” said Fernando Baticon, acting vice president and chief financial officer of Kimberly-Clark’s Middle East and Africa business. One of our investments to increase and strengthen our presence here. Our new state-of-the-art factory is a symbol of our commitment to this country and the growth opportunities available.”
It is reported that the market for disposable hygiene products such as baby diapers and sanitary napkins is almost saturated due to the slowing birth rate and aging population in developed countries. In recent years, more and more overseas investors have turned their attention to the African market, where they promote their brands or set up factories. They compete with local brands to grab market share. For a long time, in most of sub-Saharan Africa, the No. 1 and No. 2 brands in the diaper market were Procter & Gamble's Pampers and Kimberly-Clark's Curious ( Huggies).
Vani Malik, Managing Director of Kimberly-Clark Nigeria, added: “It has been our long-term goal to strengthen the company’s presence and investment in Nigeria. Now, almost 10 years later, we have received over $100 million in foreign direct investment and are proud to be in Both Ikoro, Lagos State have inaugurated our new factory. It employs more than 200 people, which not only helps us serve Nigeria better, but also makes us an export hub for Africa in the near future. As our An important step forward in commitment to Nigeria's economic diversification agenda and we look forward to continued success and support. We remain committed to implementing Nigeria's National Roadmap for Industrialization to create jobs, replace imports and boost exports. This Marks our commitment to our global vision of "Better Care for a Better World". In Nigeria, we achieve this vision by supporting babies, women, mothers and young girls."
It is understood that Kimberly-Clark started its business in Nigeria in 2012, launched Curious Diapers in the Nigerian market in 2015, and launched high-grade silk sanitary napkins in the Nigerian market in 2019.
