Refrigeration firm Bitzer opens Kenyan subsidiary

Bitzer, the world’s largest independent manufacturer of refrigeration and air-conditioning technologies, has invested in a regional subsidiary and office in Nairobi to tap into the rising middle class.

The German company, which is present in 90 countries, said it is upbeat about growth opportunities in Kenya and the region due to rising demand for reliable refrigeration and air conditioning.

“Kenya is an important economy and will become even more so in years to come, resulting in greater demand for refrigeration and air conditioning technology, which also works reliably in demanding climates,” Bitzer Middle East managing director Stefan Leitl said.

“The rising demand is due to a growing population and improved prosperity in Kenya and the region. Bitzer was attracted to Kenya since it is the economic hub of the region.”

Bitzer, founded in 1934 and headquartered in Sindelfingen, has over 3,400 employees across the globe and provides technologies for a whole range of industrial and commercial refrigeration including the growing retail supermarket sector, the horticulture industry, meat and fish processing, restaurant chains, catering and dairy production.

The company said its technologies also provide solutions for managing temperatures in large buildings such as hospitals, schools, shopping malls, office buildings and manufacturing facilities.

Bitzer’s chief sales and marketing Officer Gianni Parlanti said: “Bitzer has known for some time that Kenya is one of Africa’s most important markets.

‘‘The plan to found Bitzer Kenya came from company owner Peter Schaufler, who passed away unexpectedly last year.”

In 2015, Bitzer generated sales valued at €686 million (Sh74.7 billion).

In addition to the new Kenya office, which becomes the 44th subsidiary, Bitzer said it is also planning to build a certified service centre in Nairobi within a year.

It recently facilitated the direct importation of its products from Germany to Kenya through local partner Frigitec Supplies Ltd.

The firm noted that counterfeit compressors and refrigerants, as well as the sale of damaged goods, are a major problem in Kenya and Africa.

“They compromise safety and value for users,” he said. Users of Bitzer products in Kenya and the region will be able to verify their authenticity through a smart phone app.