This archive report was first published on 3 December 2019.
On December 3, 2019, Kenya-based edible oils manufacturer Bidco Africa announced a joint venture with American conglomerate Land O'Lakes to invest Sh1.2 billion in the upgrade of an animal feed factory in Nakuru.
The upgraded plant, which is expected to have a processing capacity of 28 tonnes per hour, will raise competition in the industry against existing players such as Unga Group.
Land O'Lakes, based in Minnesota, produces animal feed, dairy products, and crop seed. The multinational, owned by farmers, reported net sales and net earnings of $15 billion (Sh1.5 trillion) and $255 million (Sh26.1 billion) respectively in the year ended December 2018.
According to Chris Diaz, a director of Bidco, the plant is fully automated to ensure accuracy in production and reduce the chance of human error.
"The plant is fully automated to ensure accuracy in production and reduce the chance of human error," Chris Diaz, a director of Bidco, said.
The plant incorporates new technology to test every load of ingredients for quality, aiming for zero aflatoxins or other harmful elements, while ensuring the right mix of nutritional elements.
The plant is expected to create at least 100 jobs and will enable Bidco to introduce four new products into the Kenyan market.
