Kimberly-Clark recently opened a new facility that will manufacture Huggies baby diapers and Kotex feminine care products in Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria, according to local reports. The new $100 million state of the art manufacturing plant is equipped with enhanced technology and capabilities to better serve its consumers. The additional manufacturing capacity is expected to meet the increasing demand for quality and safe baby care and feminine products in the region. Operations began during the last quarter of 2021.

In 2019, Kimberly-Clark announced plans to shut down its factory in Nigeria, saying that it would build a new factory in its place.

“Nigeria is one of our top priority markets,” says Fernando Baticon, acting vice president, chief financial officer, Kimberly-Clark, Middle East and Africa. “This is one of our most substantial investments on the continent, to increase and strengthen our presence here. Our new state-of-the-art mill is a symbol of our commitment to this country and the opportunity for growth that exists.” 

Kimberly-Clark Nigeria general manager Vani Malik adds: “It has been our long-term objective to strengthen our organization’s presence and investments in Nigeria, and today, almost 10 years on, with over $100 million in FDI, we are proud to unveil our new factory here in Ikorodu, Lagos state. Employing over 200 people, it will not only help us serve Nigeria better, but also allow us to serve as an export hub for Africa in the near future. As an important step forward in our commitment to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, we look forward to continued success and support. We remain committed to the implementation of Nigeria’s national roadmap for industrialization – to create jobs, substitute imports and boost exports. This is a symbol of our commitment to our global vision of providing Better Care for a Better World. In Nigeria, we fulfil that vision by supporting babies, women, mothers and young girls.”

K-C began operations in Nigeria in 2012, with the introduction of Huggies diapers into the Nigerian market in 2015 and Kotex sanitary pads in 2019.