Roofing materials maker Rhino invests Sh50m in new Meru plant

Roofing materials maker Rhino Mabati has set up a new factory in Meru eyeing new business from the Mount Kenya and northeastern regions.

Managing director Andrew Muriungi said they had invested Sh50 million in building the new factory on a one-acre plot in Makutano along the Maua-Meru highway.

“The factory has capacity to churn out 700,000 metres of various profiles, colours and gauges per month. Buyers will have an opportunity to order for customised products informed by the architectural designs of their building projects,” he said.

Mr Muriungi said the investment was internally funded and addresses an urgent need to curb rising operational expenses.

To enhance their business reach, Mr Muriungi said, they acquired five mini-lorries that will be based at a showroom in Makutano.

Mr Muriungi said the firm plans to invest in a third plant in western Kenya to be based in Kisumu.

“The Meru factory set for commissioning next month directly employs 50 people and has signed partnerships with local hardware stores who will guide project owners and property developers on our products,” he said.

Among products Rhino Mabati makes include Germania Tile, Espana Tile, Roman Jamii Wide and Jamii wood effect.

Demand for iron sheet products has attracted heightened interest among local investors behind the nearly 30 factories making different varieties from their county-based quarters.

According to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the volume of iron sheets sold in the first nine months of 2019 rose by four per cent to 207,221 metric tonnes, reflecting an increase in the usage by private home builders

And recent reports by Kenya Bankers Association, realtors Enkavilla properties, HassConsult and Cytonn Investments indicate suburbs near major towns and cities in Kenya would continue to attract new residential investments as people seek to occupy less congested properties, thanks to the Covid-19.