Daikin Industries, the world’s largest air conditioning manufacturer, has begun operations in Kenya as part of its global ambition to expand its foothold in emerging countries.
Kanwal Jeet Jawa, Chairman & Managing Director of Daikin India, said the East African market has enormous potential for air conditioning penetration, which will be backed by Daikin production facilities in India.
Daikin, according to Jawa, is offering cost-effective and dependable solutions to the East African market that are specially tailored for typical weather patterns and meet Kenya’s energy labelling regulations.
“We are strong believers in cost competitiveness, which is offering quality products at the right price through local partnerships, powered by advanced technology and with value-addition,” he said.
Despite being a price-sensitive market, Jawa believes East Africa has the potential to boost sales, which they will pursue using their volume zone strategy.
He claims that the company has various research and development labs across India that are always studying future-ready, eco-friendly, and inexpensive air conditioning goods.
He went on to say that the current manufacturing facility produces over 1 million air conditioning units per year, and that when the next site opens in a few years, Daikin’s total production capacity would be 2.5 million air conditioning units.
Daikin aims to duplicate India’s success model in all emerging markets, including East Africa, owing to price sensitivity similarities, and to establish a strong presence and prominence through People, Processes, Products, Distribution, and Brand, he said.
Jawa added; “We aim to develop our business in Africa, where long-term population is expected, using our products that are designed to operate stably in environments with unstable electrical power supply and after years of research and customised products, we are ready to work with our business partners and dealers to grow the air conditioning segment.”
Daikin intends to use Kenya as the gateway for its products and services to East Africa, serving its discerning clients. Kenya has the ability to operate as the economic, commercial, financial, and logistics centre for East Africa.
Kenya has been dubbed the “new hot zone” for corporate expansion around the world, and Daikin is ready to help with this economic and infrastructure development.