As LATICRETE marks 70 years in the global construction industry, the anniversary comes at an important point in the company’s African journey. In Kenya, five years of building a local presence, investing in capability and growing alongside the market have laid a stronger foundation for serving customers across East Africa and selected markets elsewhere on the continent.
The 70-year anniversary was marked at a gala dinner in Nairobi, bringing together customers, partners, employees and industry stakeholders who have been part of LATICRETE’s journey in Kenya and across other African markets. The evening also recognised several long-standing contributors to the company’s growth. Senior leaders from across the business joined the celebration, including Faisal Saleem, President and COO of LATICRETE International, Ritesh Singh, Regional Director for Africa and the Middle East, and Joseph Dacosta, Director of LATICRETE Kenya.
Reflecting on the company’s 70-year journey, Faisal Saleem said LATICRETE’s growth has been shaped not only by innovation, but by the trust built with customers and partners over time.
“We have built something that you all believe in. Together we have, as partners, carried on this journey for over 70 years,” he said.
Looking ahead, he said the focus is on building a legacy in Africa through continued investment, collaboration and long-term value for the markets the company serves.
KENYA’S GROWING ROLE AS A REGIONAL HUB
A key part of LATICRETE’s growth in Kenya has been the establishment of its manufacturing facility in Athi River, commissioned in 2022. The plant has strengthened local production and product availability while giving the business a stronger platform to serve customers across East Africa and selected markets elsewhere on the continent.
From Athi River, LATICRETE manufactures a broad range of solutions for tile and stone installation, masonry, resinous and decorative flooring, concrete construction and related applications. Local production has also brought the company’s global technologies and technical expertise closer to customers, contractors and project teams in Kenya and neighbouring markets.
INVESTING IN SKILLS AND TECHNICAL CAPABILITY
Alongside manufacturing, LATICRETE has invested in technical training and industry education through its Experience Centre in Nairobi. The facility gives contractors, installers, architects, engineers and other construction professionals direct access to products, systems and practical guidance, with hands-on training delivered through the LATICRETE Academy.
The focus on training also extends to fundis and other installers, whose workmanship has a direct impact on the performance of construction systems. Through practical sessions, LATICRETE aims to strengthen product knowledge, improve installation techniques and support more consistent standards on site.
STRENGTHENING THE REGIONAL PLATFORM
The combination of local manufacturing, technical training and access to LATICRETE’s global technologies has given the Kenya business a stronger platform for regional growth. From its base in Kenya, the company is able to support customers across East Africa while extending technical expertise and selected solutions into other African markets.
Reflecting on LATICRETE’s development in Kenya, Joseph Dacosta said progress had been shaped by investment, resilience and the support of customers and partners.
“Five years ago, we started with a dream to build something meaningful in Kenya and East Africa. It has not always been easy, but through hard work, resilience and the trust of our customers and partners, we have grown stronger,” he said.
Dacosta added that LATICRETE Kenya has recorded annual growth of not less than 70 percent since it began operations, with the business continuing to focus on innovation, quality and customer service as it expands its presence in the region.
BUILDING ON THE MOMENTUM
As LATICRETE looks beyond its 70-year global milestone, the focus is on building further from the platform already established in Kenya and across the region. With local manufacturing, access to global research and development, technical expertise and practical training, the company is positioned to deepen its presence in East Africa while continuing to support selected markets across the wider continent.
