Barely two years after entering the Nigerian market, Hayat Kimya, one of the global market leaders in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, has inaugurated its ultra-modern diaper and tissue factory at Agbara Industrial Layout site in Ogun State. To commemorate the occasion, the multi-national company, also introduced new tissue products into the market.
Hayat Kimya came to the market in 2015 with the flagship diaper brand – Molfix. With the latest investment of $100million, the company is set for local manufacturing of Molfix diapers, Papia and Familia tissues. The company is also reputed for manufacturing of other consumer goods in detergents, hygiene and tissue categories.
The inauguration of the factory, which attracted top government functionaries, including acting President Yemi Osinbajo, the Minister for Trade and Investment, Dr. Okey Enelamah, Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun and his Oyo State counterpart, Abiola Ajomobi, has been described as a boost to the nation’s economy.
Speaking at the inauguration, Vice President, Yemi Osibajo, said Hayat’s investment in Nigeria was a testament to the long standing and cordial relationship between Turkey and Nigeria, and he hoped that this singular act by Hayat would further deepen the growing relationship.
Osinbajo also expressed the hope that Hayat’s multi-million dollar investment in the country would act as a catalyst for other Turkish companies either looking to access new markets in Africa, or increase existing businesses on the continent.
According to the global CEO of the company, Avni Kigili, the factory is set on a 200,000sqm plot of land, with 1.3 billion units diaper production capacity and 13,000 tons of tissue production capacity per annum. He said he foresaw a bright future because of the company’s sophisticated infrastructure and ability to generate its own energy, a total of 14.2 megawatt.
He said: ‘’All of this cutting edge technological manufacturing investment can only run better with the devoted work of 500 Hayat employees here. Hayat Kimya has 14 production sites around the world, and the company’s first major investment in sub Saharan Africa is in Nigeria. The Nigerian diaper and tissue factory here in Agbara is currently ranked as the most modern,’’ Hayat plant in the world.
Speaking further, he added that the recent introduction of the company’s leading tissue brands, Familia and Papia at an official launch event held in Lagos was informed by the success its flagship diaper brand Molfix, recorded in the last two years. The CEO added that the inaugurated factory in Agbara will produce the flagship products – Molfix baby diapers, Familia family tissues, and Papia luxury tissues.
He thanked the Nigerian government officials, especially the presidency, Amosun, and Ms. Yewande Sadiku, for their support in making the event a reality.
Kigili noted: “As a foreign investor, Hayat Kimya believes in Nigeria. We are ready to contribute to Nigeria’s growth, by positioning her as a business hub. We will continue to invest at full speed, to offer superior and accessible products here, because we believe Nigeria deserves the best.â€
While officially declaring the event open, Amosun applauded the board and management of Hayat Kimya for placing their trust in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The governor expressed his gratitude to the board and management of the company for their choice of Ogun State as their operational base, and promised his continued support of their ambitions in Nigeria.
Meanwhile the company has indicated that products from the factory will serve the West and Central African market, and augment the company’s North African factories where necessary, given that the Nigerian plant is built with the same global standards as all other Hayat factories around the world.
