• Uganda’s paint industry in for investment boost
• New paint manufacturing plant to be set up; jobs created

Kampala, Uganda. September 28, 2017. Uganda’s number one paint brand, Sadolin has today relaunched in the market and announced a new local partner to oversee its sales and distribution network. The development comes on the heels of AkzoNobel’s (Sadolin brand owner) commitment to the East African region and the continuation of its Decorative brand in Uganda.

Speaking at the relaunch, Johann Smidt, Director for AkzoNobel Decorative Paints in Sub Saharan Africa said, “We are delighted to relaunch Uganda’s number one paint brand and once again assure our customers that the brand they love is here to stay. We will offer global standard quality paint that the Ugandan people can enjoy.”

Mr. Smidt also added that the relaunch will see major investment in excess of 10 billion Ugandan Shillings (over Ugx10b) in 2017 alone. This has been directed to the set-up of a new world class manufacturing plant, advanced technology and job creation which will further stimulate the Ugandan economy.

He explained, “Our Sadolin plant in the Namanve Industrial Park will be the primary site for manufacturing and distribution of Sadolin.  We are confident that in partnership with Regal Paints, a 100% owned subsidiary Crown Paints East Africa, our new sales and distribution partner, we will service Uganda and the region with excellence.”

Mr. Rakesh Rao, the Chief Executive Office for Crown Paints East Africa commented saying that the partnership signals a strong statement on the investment by AkzoNobel and continuity of the Sadolin brand in Uganda and the whole region.

“The Sadolin brand has been a household name for many years. We embrace the level of professionalism, quality and global best practices that the brand enforces and are thrilled to enter into this partnership and facilitate the continued supply of Sadolin in Uganda and the region,” Mr. Rao said.

Moses Samuel, General Manager for Regal Paints Uganda concluded, “We would like to thank our customers and our partners for all their support as we play an integral part to the reintroduction of the Sadolin brand in accordance with AkzoNobel’s requirements and standards.”

Sadolin is Uganda’s number one paint brand offering quality paints to Ugandan homes and businesses. In recent developments, Sadolin recently cancelled its license agreement with former partner and reassures Uganda of the continued supply of the Sadolin brand – Sadolin is here to stay. 

About Sadolin’

Sadolin has a rich history that started when Gunnar Sadolin founded Sadolin Farver in 1907 – a concern focused on artist’s paints and printing inks.  Five years later in 1912, Sadolin Farver merged with Holmblad to create an organisation with paint manufacturing capabilities.  Between 1912 and 1987, Sadolin & Holmblad underwent significant expansion – first through the production of synthetic organic pigments in 1923 followed by the introduction of a chain of independent paint shops to drive the growth of the Sadolin brand.  Akzonobel – previously known as Nobel Industries – acquired Sadolin & Holmblad in 1987 and is the proud custodian of the Sadolin brand in East Africa and across multiple markets internationally.

About AkzoNobel

AkzoNobel creates everyday essentials to make people’s lives more liveable and inspiring. As a leading global paints and Coatings Company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, we supply essential ingredients, essential protection and essential color to industries and consumers worldwide. Backed by a pioneering heritage, our innovative products and sustainable technologies are designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet, while making life easier. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we have approximately 46,000 people in around 80 countries, while our portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka. Consistently ranked as a leader in sustainability, we are dedicated to energizing cities and communities while creating a protected, colorful world where life is improved by what we do.

AkzoNobel the brand owners of Sadolin Paints have announced cancelation of their Licence Agreement with Kansai Plascon, who recently acquired Sadolin Paints (East Africa), citing breach of the agreement. Johann Smidt, the Managing Director AkzoNobel Decorative Paints in Sub-Sahara Africa says the cancellation takes immediate effect although it was supposed to last a few more months. By the agreement, after acquiring Sadolin, Plascon were obliged to continue producing, selling and marketing the Sadolin Brand until the end of January next year.

These however, immediately after the acquisition, renamed the brand to Plascon. “We have made multiple attempts to engage Kansai Plascon to ensure continued supply of the Sadolin brand to the market,” said Smidt in a statement. “This responsibility has not been upheld and actions by Kansai Plascon indicate deliberate breaches of the contract as evident in the over-labelling of Sadolin packs with Plascon labels.” He added, “This behavior, amongst other activities, has left us with no choice but to cancel the agreement with immediate effect to protect our Sadolin brand and ensure supply to the Ugandan people.”

AkzoNobel recently won a court order allowing them to retain ownership of the Sadolin Brand, and have since committed to partner with other paint manufacturers in East Africa to resume production of paints under the Sadolin name. Mr Smidt says progress has been made so far to this effect. He further dismissed Plascon media advisements that they were “migrating from Sadolin to Plascon” as misleading.

“Sadolin has been owned by AkzoNobel since 1987 and was founded by Gunnar Sadolin in 1907. It was never owned by the local licensee, Sadolin Paints East Africa. The licensee was purely manufacturing, selling and distributing the Sadolin brand on behalf of AkzoNobel.”