High-Tech Paint Plant Powers Isuzu Output To 18,000 Vehicles

Electro-Deposition Paint Plant launched launched by Isuzu East Africa is expected  to increase the assembly capacity for the local automotive industry. The paint plant increases Isuzu’s production capacity by more than 60% – from 11,000 vehicles per year to 18,000 vehicles.

Isuzu East Africa’s Managing Director, Ms Rita Kavashe, said the the ultra-modern Electro-Deposition Paint technology, officially launched by President William Ruto on 7^th June, is the first in sub-Saharan Africa outside of South Africa.

Electro-Deposition is a method of painting that uses electric current to ensure that paint reaches all surfaces of a vehicle, giving it a smooth finish. “The Isuzu Electro-Deposition Paint Plant will also be available to other auto manufacturers including motorcycle and three-wheeler assemblers,” Ms Kavashe said.

She lauded the Government’s vehicle leasing programme, Buy Kenya Build Kenya initiative and the revised assembly regulations for being instrumental in nearly doubling vehicle production in Kenya. This has moved the industry from 7,000 units to 12,000 units per annum in just 4 years, while creating 10,000 jobs across the Isuzu EA value chain.

“The full implementation of KS1515 Standard will be a game-changer for the automotive industry, doubling production of commercial vehicles from 12,000 per annum to 24,000 in two years and creating an additional 10,000 jobs,” she said.

In his address, President Ruto said the Electro-Deposition Paint Plant is also in line with the government’s commitment to empowering manufacturing companies. “Our incentive package for the manufacturing sector is aimed at increasing the industry’s contribution to the national GDP to 20 per cent by 2030,” Mr Ruto stated.

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Over the last five years, Isuzu EA has invested Ksh3 billion in its facility upgrades, consisting of a Dynamic Test Center, Water Leak Test Booth, a new pickup assembly line including the Electro-Deposition Paint Plant.

Ms Kavashe said these investments are geared to prepare Isuzu EA to play a significant role in the African Continental Free Trade Area. Going forward, Isuzu EA will continue to strengthen and tailor local production as its contribution to the development of the automotive industry in Africa.

Isuzu East Africa is one of the leading motor vehicle assemblers in East Africa, selling a wide range of Isuzu vehicles. The brand has attained strong leadership in this market, selling over 150,000 units since the first Isuzu vehicle rolled out of its Nairobi assembly plant in 1977. With over 15 models in its line-up, Isuzu has dominated the new vehicle segment for eleven years in a row since 2012, achieving a market share of 51.8% by end of 2022.