How C.Ceramica attracts global manufacturers to Nigeria
C-Ceramica is ignoring several challenges in the Nigerian economy to drag many global and reputable ceramics and building products manufacturers into the economy.
The firm has already brought in players such as Eczacibasi Group and Canakcilar Group Company in Turkey as well as Dierre located in Italy into the Nigerian economy.
Currently, C-Ceramica, located at Akin Adesola Street in Victoria Island of Lagos, is the sole agent of these companies in Nigeria. But this is not the story. The interesting angle is that some of these companies are now thinking towards setting up plants in Africa’s largest economy where they have found a huge market.
“This is part of our agenda,” said Ozan Keskin, export manager for Eczacibasi Group, in an interview with Real Sector Watch, during the C.Ceramica showroom opening held in Lagos.
“Nigeria has natural resources, including human resources, oil and natural gas. We just opened two factories in Russia two years ago and we are doing one in India. And I think we should focus on Africa and I don’t see why it should not be Nigeria, ”Keskin said.
He said Eczacibasi Group is one of the biggest conglomerates in Turkey and is in the business of building materials and consumer business.
He pointed out that the company produces sanitary wares, tiles and other products, being one of the top five brands in the world, adding that it is willing to expand in Nigeria and create jobs for locals.
Judging from experience, the export manager said Nigerian consumers are open minded and are looking to get the best quality at most affordable prices.
“Nigerian consumers pay attention to price, quality and design ratio,” he added.
Cem Meric Yilmaz, export manager, Canakcilar Group, said his firm, which also supplies its products to C.Ceramica, exports to more than 60 countries in the world, including to America, China and other advanced markets.
Yilmaz said he could not speak exactly on the plan of Canakcilar Group in the Nigerian manufacturing sector, but added that setting up a local plant in Africa’s largest economy is possible in the future.
“In the future, why not? There is much potential in this market,” he said, when asked whether the company has an immediate plan to set up a local factory in Nigeria.
He further said the company has been working in Nigeria for five years, adding that the firm offers different types of products.
Aldo Pompei of Dierre, an Italian firm that produces doors and other security products sold by C.Ceramica, said his company has reliable products which Nigerian consumers can rely on.
The event was an opportunity for C.Ceramica’s customers to have a first-hand feel of quality ceramics and building products.
ODINAKA ANUDU