Sinoma Roofing Systems, a subsidiary of the China National Building Material Group Corporation (CNBM), a leading global building materials manufacturer, has set up a roofing factory in Lukenya, Machakos County.
The plant will provide reliable and cost-effective roofing products to Kenya and the East African Community countries.
Sinoma Roofing Systems Kenya Company Limited, General Manager Wu Shuang said the factory established last year is committed to improving Kenya’s manufacturing level through localised and integrated solutions to provide high-quality roofing system products and services to the local market.
Shuang said the factory will produce four million stone-coated roofing tiles and three million metres of iron sheets in a year.
“The factory has also created close to 200 job opportunities for Kenyans,” he said on Tuesday during the official opening of the factory.
The general manager added that besides manufacturing, the factory will also offer training to students to equip them with technical skills and knowledge on innovative roofing systems.
“The factory will be a learning centre for advanced technologies used in manufacturing of roofing products,” said Shuang.
He pointed the factory’s roofing tiles are top-of-the range products with a long span of close to 60 years and the ability to withstand strong winds and other natural disasters.
“They are also easy to install and the materials used can be recycled hence protecting the environment,” said the general manager.
Shuang reiterated the company’s commitment to partnering with local businesses to provide a comprehensive and full-value chain service to consumers through manufacturing, construction and maintenance of roofing products.
“Sinoma Roofing Systems is currently operating in 10 countries and we chose to invest in Kenya due to the country’s social and political stability,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti said the construction industry in the country has grown exponentially and factory will plug in the gaps in the roofing sector.
“The roofing sector has in the recent past been flooded with innovative products to meet the growing need for unique roofing systems. This factory is therefore timely for the huge untapped market out there,” said Wavinya.
The governor noted that the roofing industry will remain a key economic drive that will create jobs especially for the youth and hailed Sinoma Roofing Systems for setting up the factory in Machakos.
“We are glad that the company chose to invest in Machakos. As a government we shall provide a vibrant and a friendly business ecosystem that will give investors a proper latitude to thrive in their ventures,” she said.
Wavinya assured investors, both local and international, that her government will put in place policies that will support investment and make Machakos the most attractive innovation destination in the country.
The governor noted that the factory’s location is well served with good transport infrastructure including the SGR that will give it a competitive advantage to transport products in various destinations in the country and across the East Africa Community.
She called on the factory to come up with customized products that fit well with the climatic and environmental conditions across different parts of the country.
“The current global warming needs cutting-edge technologies that will create a good environment for various house designs hence the need for continuous scientific research,” noted the governor.
She also called on the factory to create sustainable and safe products to protect both the people and environment.
“Sustainability and safety is key and we urge all players in the roofing sector to adhere to the provided environmental guidelines,” said Wavinya.
By Roselyne Kavoo
