Contrary to the notion held in most of the developed world, manufacturing does actually exist in Africa. These SME operations may not be state-of-the-art in most cases; their equipment is often past its prime and the plants are old. But they still manage to produce a surprising range of products, from simple fabrications to highly engineered components. And they accomplish this in spite of considerable challenges. They are capable, resourceful companies that are looking for the opportunity to compete in the global market, thus allowing them to raise their competencies to world-class levels.

Global Ladder continues to identify and qualify these SMEs to be added to our database. This database allows our clients to search a variety of parameters in their search for capable suppliers that can meet their requirements.

In an area on the outskirts of Nairobi is the Industrial Zone. It is a five square mile labyrinth of dusty roads, most congested with smoke belching ancient Benz trucks. Aged block factory buildings line the roads in every direction, often side-by-side with small shanty villages. Nonetheless, this is a hopeful scene. Most of the people here are employed and with the income those jobs bring is the means for a better life.

In this section we regularly present profiles of the SMEs that are the lifeblood of their struggling economies.  

Alankar Industries    Nairobi, Kenya        Plastic Injection Molding
The plant's general manager, Mr. Pilesh Shah, has run this small 30 worker factory for nearly 10 years. His plant produces plastic cutlery and domestic wares for the local and regional markets. The dozen plastic injection molding machines are primarily German-made Boy models, ranging from 50-100 tons. The machines are generally 20+ years old but are well maintained.

Most of the plant's production is for the domestic market, with some exports to the neighboring countries of Uganda and Tanzania. Although Alankar does not regularly ship to the U.S. or Europe it is well-versed in export customs and shipping requirements.

Alankar is an example of an SME that could manage the transition into higher value plastic componentry piece work if it had access to improved equipment and training. This is not a risk this firm, or hundreds like it, could ever afford to take without a long term contractual commitment from developed world customers, affordable financing and technical resources.

                   

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Plastics and Rubber Industries  Nairobi, Kenya        Rubber Molding  

PRI has been in existence for over 40 years as a maker of a variety of rubber products--car mats, wheels, sealing rings and radiator hose pipes. The plant was recently purchased by Mr. Salim who also operates an auto parts production plant in Eldoret. PRI employs 100 people most of whom operate several rubber molding machines or are involved in trim processing. PRI has broad experience in meeting customer's requirements, both domestic and export, for retail as well as intermediate components.

     

       

             

 

 

PRI, like many African manufacturers, does not utilize the most advanced technologies or processes. Yet its workforce is skilled, hardworking and produces quality products according to the customers' specifications. It is this dedication that will enable PRI to deliver according to an increasing level of customer expectations.

  

 

 

 

 

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