Chinese Roofing Giant Opens Factory in Machakos

Sinoma Roofing Systems, a subsidiary of the China National Building Material Group Corporation, has opened a new factory in Machakos as it seeks to produce affordable, durable, and eco-friendly roofing materials for the local market.

According to the company’s general manager, Wu Shuang, the factory, whose construction began last year, will produce four million stone-coated roofing tiles and three million meters of iron sheets annually.

The factory is expected to improve Kenya’s manufacturing level through localized solutions to provide quality roofing system products and services to the market.

“We are committed to providing affordable, quality materials that will meet the needs of the Kenyan people,” Wu said during the factory launch on June 18.

Besides manufacturing, the factory, expected to create 200 jobs, will also train students to equip them with skills and knowledge of innovative roofing systems.

“The factory will be a learning centre for advanced technologies used in the manufacturing of roofing products,” he added.

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Wu highlighted that the company’s roofing tiles are designed to last nearly 60 years and withstand strong winds and other natural disasters.

“They are also easy to install, and the materials used can be recycled, protecting the environment,” the general manager said.

During the event, Machakos governor Wavinya Ndeti expressed enthusiasm for the new factory, highlighting its ability to transfer technical skills to Kenyans.

“We are happy that the technology being used will change how roofing is done, and that the factory will allow young people to come and learn how this technology works,” Ms Ndeti said.

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The governor urged the factory to create customized products that fit well with the climatic and environmental conditions across different parts of the country.

“The current global warming necessitates cutting-edge technologies that will create a good environment for various house designs, hence the need for continuous scientific research,” she said.

Sinoma’s new factory comes when Kenya is undertaking an ambitious national plan to provide affordable housing units in cities and metropolitan areas.

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