Innovation key driver in paints industry, says Sadolin boss
A man mixes colour. Innovation in the paints industry has become a major driver in the sector. PHOTO BY BEATRICE NAKIBUUKA
What you need to know:
- Paint companies, Mr Nieuwoudt indicated, have also engaged in training and improving skills of those involved in the building and construction chain to improve efficiency.
Kampala. Innovation and quality will be the biggest driver in the paints industry as competition tightens, according to Mr Deon Nieuwoudt, the AkzoNobel commercial director for East Africa.
Speaking in an interview last week Mr Nieuwoudt said the paint industry has become so competitive, which demands exceptional colour mixtures and finishing services.
“You must have the best for market needs such as modern exterior protection, a key aspect that customers now require from premium paint products,” he said.
AkzoNobel, is the parent company of Sadolin, which was relaunched in 2017. Sadolin, which had for long dominated the paints market, continues to face competition from the likes of Plascon and Global Paints.
This has driven up innovation with companies coming up with product lines that feed into market demands.
For instance, paint companies have been innovating especially in the area of water and moisture as well as mosquito resistant products that appeal to the current customer needs.
Mr Nieuwoudt said other market focused innovations such as creating all weather adoptive paint, are dominating the market.
This, he said, will be a key departure point that manufacturers will leverage on to dominate the market.
Data to determine which company dominates the market is scanty. However, market sales suggest that competition has in the last two years, mostly been among Sadolin, Plascon and Global Paints. Other competitors include Ritver, Peacock, Basco Products (Dura Coat and Basco Paints) Crown Buildings (Regal Paints) and Crown Berger, among others.
Paint companies, Mr Nieuwoudt indicated, have also engaged in training and improving skills of those involved in the building and construction chain to improve efficiency.
