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WRITTEN BY JOHN HARVEY

CROWN PAINTS

00254 20 216 5703

WWW.CROWNPAINTS.CO.KE

With turnover and profits increasing, it is easy to lose focus on what matters most. However, Crown Paints Kenya remains committed to quality, environmental protection and the local community.

QUALITY COMMITMENT &COMMUNITY

PROJECTS

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quality is hugely important for Crown Paints Kenya. As part of the

company’s ISO 9001: 2008 accreditation, Crown has developed a

Quality Management System with the aim of delivering continuous

improvement.

Objectives in relation to exacting high standards include

delivering products and services that “conform or exceed to customer

requirements within a specified time,” and training employees “to

make them quality conscious and to educate them about their role in

the quality system.”

As a result, Crown Paints Kenya has won numerous awards

throughout the last decade. These include being named the Most

Improved Brand by the Marketing Society of Kenya in 2006, first place

in the third Kisumu Homes Export Aga Khan Hall Kisumu of 2010,

Home Design Interiors winner at the fifth Mombasa Homes Expo in

2011, and recipient of the 2012 COYA Financial Management Award.

Even though Crown Paints Kenya is relentless in its pursuit of

delivering high quality products, the company strives to create a

safe and healthy working environment for all employees. With 450

loyal members of staff, many of which have been at the organisation

for several years, Crown Paints Kenya is able to pass on in-depth

knowledge and industry expertise to every customer.

Sustainable developmentCrown Paints Kenya prides itself on being a responsible corporate

citizen and truly recognises the significance of environmental

protection even when the organisation achieves its business and

quality objectives.

“We recognise environmental protection as one of the guiding

principles and a key component of sound business performance,”

notes Crown. “We are committed to providing quality products and

services as we promote and embrace the principle of responsible

stewardship of the natural environment.”

Environmental objectives, targets and programmes in relation

to sustainable development are frequently reviewed, with the

production of paint and resin continually scrutinised to prevent

pollution and eliminate waste.

Empowering employees and ensuring the entire workforce

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remains well educated and trained about the issues surrounding

environmental performance is another pivotal concern.

Reaching out to the local and wider community

Although Corporate Social Responsibility is at the top of the

agenda for several major organisations, Crown Paints Kenya makes

sure it puts words into action. One of the most recent projects for the

manufacturer was donating 500 blankets to the victims of the Sinai

pipeline fire in 2011.

Rakesh Rao, CEO, Crown Paints, visited victims of the tragedy at

the Kenyatta National Hospital and was quick to express his deepest

sympathy. “This is a very unfortunate scenario in the country, we

should always ensure safety first when in contact with any hazardous

situations,” he said.

On receiving the company’s generation donation, Corporate

Affairs Manager at the hospital Simon Ithai noted: “We made an

appeal to the public to donate blood, blankets and other medical

supplies that would help us take better care of the patients. We are

humbled and appreciate the overwhelming support.”

In addition to assisting the local community, Crown Paints Kenya

also encourages its clientele to recycle old products with the Rudisha

Kopo - Ulinde Mazingira program.

“With this program, we are rewarding users of our products as

well as the general public with instant cash for every empty four-

litre Crown tin they return to our designated drop centres,” says the

company. “Consequently we are able to sustain the environment for

future generations as well as fight counterfeiters and counterfeit

products.”

Recent developmentsIn May 2013, Crown Paints was proud to announce a 15%

increase in turnover for the year ended 31 December 2012 thanks

to a rise in domestic demand, sustained expansion in regional markets

and enhanced operational efficiency.

“We managed to grow our sales by about 10% last year despite the

high interest rate environment,” revealed Rao. “In addition, year-on-

year growth has ranged between 40-50% hence the rise in turnover.”

Despite being part of an aggressive and combative market, Rao

was proud the company still managed to differentiate itself from major

rivals. “The industry is very competitive from a price perspective,” he

noted. “However, our focus on introducing new, innovative products

into the market is paying off. We are optimistic about the future.”

Looking forward, Rao also signalled plans for continued expansion

in foreign markets, particularly Tanzania. Rao said: “We have

aggressive plans to entrench our regional presence. We are putting

up satellite factories in Arusha, Mwanza and Dar es Salaam at an

estimated cost of USD3 million.”

CROWN PAINTS

Established in 1958, Crown Paints Kenya is the country’s biggest manufacturer of paint. With the capacity of producing up to 1.5 million litres per month and an annual turnover of over Kshs 4 billion, the company has managed to expand its reach beyond Kenya’s borders to several East African countries.

Based in Nairobi, Crown Paints Kenya has a broad network

of nationwide dealers, with depots in Mombasa and Kisumu

able to provide support to an increasing consumer base.

As well as being the nation’s decorative brand leader, Crown also

produces paint for the automotive industry and manufactures

industrial products, which are fast becoming vital revenue streams.

Commitment to qualityEnsuring the customer receives products of the highest