US firm opens plant that will create 6,000 jobs
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Kimberly-Clark, a diaper manufacturer based in Texas, has opened a $100 million plant in Lagos that has capacity to create 6,000 jobs – 1,000 direct and 5,000 indirect – and produce nappies for Nigeria’s booming babies from its commercial hub.
The company says the factory, located in the Ikorodu area of the state, has the potential to scale over the next three to five years of operation.
Kimberly-Clark Corporation is an American multinational personal care entity that produces mostly paper-based consumer products. It manufactures sanitary paper products and surgical and medical instruments, according to Wikipedia.
Its brand name products include Kleenex facial tissue, Kotex feminine hygiene products, Cottonelle, Scott and Andrex toilet paper, Wypall utility wipes, KimWipes, scientific cleaning wipes, Huggies disposable diapers, and baby wipes.
The companies says on its website that it is “a trusted part of life in more than 175 countries and locations” and its products are “essential to one-quarter of the world every day.”
Some of its products are currently imported and sold in Nigeria.
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Inviting US businesses
United States Consul General Claire Pierangelo reiterated at the commissioning of the factory that Nigeria is a critical market for Americans and improving the investment climate would result in more milestones for both countries.
“U.S. Mission to Nigeria continues to work with our counterparts in the Nigerian government to promote an environment that is inviting to U.S. businesses.
“Through this model of cooperation, we will realise mutually beneficial outcomes – increasing investment, capacities for job creation, and partnerships while improving the lives of workers and consumers,” she said.
The facility showcases the commitment of the US to deepen trade and investment in Nigeria, she stressed, adding that Kimberly-Clark’s investment will contribute to improving hygiene and the health of Nigerians.
Others present at the event included Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Nigerian background
Kimberly-Clark began operations in Nigeria in 2012 and introduced Huggies® diapers into the Nigerian market in 2015 and Kotex® sanitary pads in 2019.
It said the Ikorodu factory will manufacture diapers under the Huggies brand name with focus on quality products for mothers and babies.
