BIC officially launched its East Africa manufacturing and distribution hub in Nairobi's Kasarani area, transitioning operations from HACO Industries Kenya Ltd. The facility will produce ballpoint pens and assemble BIC Shavers while serving 10 East African nations. CEO Gonzalve Bich highlighted the region's demographic potential, stating, "With a population of 300 million inhabitants, 45 per cent of whom are under 14 years of age, East Africa is a key market for our stationery business."
The new complex incorporates advanced technologies and environmental management systems aligned with BIC's "Writing The Future" Sustainable Development Commitments for 2025. The subsidiary will function as a domestic market development engine and export hub for Kenya, Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.