Mabati Rolling Mills (MRM) last week broke ground for a fourth steel-making plant at its Mariakani coating complex. The new colour-coating complex, set to cost $25 million (Sh2.5 billion), will see the firm invest in new technology from Korea. The plant will be commissioned in October 2016.
According to Manu Chandaria, chairman of Mabati Rolling Mills Limited, the need to build the plant was necessitated by the company’s progress.
“We are always looking out for ways of expanding our capacity,” he said. “We have three other plants but we are building the fourth one that will have the latest technological advancements from Korea.”
The new plant will be built on 10,000 square feet. Upon completion, it will be able to produce over 100,000 metric tonnes of colour-coated steel per annum.
“This investment signifies the long-term commitment that MRM has in Kenya and the East African region.
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The new plant will not only create further employment for young Kenyans; it will also promote and drive technological advancement in our economy, which is critical in creating a commercially-sustainable and vibrant manufacturing sector,” said Chandaria, adding that over 60 local youth would be directly employed at the plant.
Flagship products
MRM, the leading maker of coated and painted steel for roofing and other building solutions in the region, is known for flagship products like DumuZas, ZinCal, Optima, Galsheet Resincot, Covermax, Elengatile, Versatile and Lifestile among others.
The booming real estate market has seen inferior but cheaper products from the East flood the market, but the management of MRM is not overly concerned about such competition.
“This is business and competition encourages innovation and better services to the customers. Needless to say, we have always urged the Government to support the Buy Kenya Build Kenya campaign because if we rely on imported products, our children will be unemployed in the long-run,” said Chandaria.
Before the official launch, the board of trustees of the Safal MRM Foundation and invited guests witnessed the opening of the Mabati Medical Centre Diagnostics Centre at Bomu Clinic.
The diagnostic centre will serve over 40,000 patients who are expected to access the clinic this year with digital ultrasound and X-ray facilities.
It was opened by Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia, who lauded the importance of public-private partnerships.
