Pepsi Shows Confidence in Kenya, Opens New Manufacturing Plant

Feb. 19, 2013

Pepsi Kenya has a workforce of 200 members that will increase to 300 within the next 12 months.

In the first phase of the company's planned investments in Kenya and across Africa, the Seven-Up Bottling (SBC) Co. in Kenya has launched a Pepsi Cola manufacturing plant.

SBC Kenya Chairman Faysal El-Khalil explained that the establishment of the plant underpins continuing investor confidence in Kenya.

"When international investors mention Africa, they talk about the next one billion consumers, however Africa has to also play its role," El-Khalil said.

"There is a lot that needs to be done in terms of improving governance, education, medical care and infrastructure and electricity,” he added. “I think the opportunity for Africa, and Kenya in particular, is a great one," he emphasized.

El-Khalil expressed gratitude to the government for the assistance it provided in helping Pepsi set up the plan which is located off the Thika Highway - and emphasized that it will help the company meet the growing demand for consumer products and services in the market.

PepsiCo had stopped bottling in Kenya under competitive pressure from Coca-Cola in the 1970s.

SBC Kenya has a workforce of 200 members that El-Khalil explained will increase to 300 within the next 12 months. He emphasized that SBC Kenya will be committed to attracting, developing and retaining the best talent in the market by offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive range of benefits.

“The manufacturing capacities in the facility have been designed to keep abreast of market demand, while maintaining the highest standards of operation,” El-Khalil said. The plant is equipped with advanced technologies to promote operating efficiencies, while reducing water and energy use, the company said.

"We keep a hawk's eye on our quality processes guided by the stringent standards of PepsiCo International and Seven-Up International," he said.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.