108 | Endeavour Magazine Endeavour Magazine | 109 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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108 | Endeavour Magazine Endeavour Magazine | 109
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
110 | Endeavour Magazine Endeavour Magazine | 111
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
Endeavour Magazine | 111
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