Riley Industries, a Ugandan firm making packaging materials is set to open a $13million plant in September, making it the biggest in the region.

The company situated in Mukono district, 20 kilometres from Kampala has a built up area of 150,000 square feet and is the widest single span factory in East Africa.

Riley industries has been producing corrugated boxes in Uganda for over six years.

"Now we are going to another level. This is the first of its kind in the region with high quality corrugated boxes," said Mr. Ashish Thakrar, the compan's managing director.

Uganda imports 20% of the total market requirements which averages between $118, 000 (Ush200 million) to $178, 000 (Ush300 million) every month.

Broken down this means, Uganda spends anywhere between $1.5 million (Ush2.4 billion) and $2.14 million (Ush3.6 billion) yearly on imported corrugated boxes.

Riley has commenced intensive training courses for the staff who are expected to manage operations once the company is up and running. The company, co-owned by Mukwano Industries employs close to 200 people.

Currently, the Uganda market absorbs 1500 tonnes, but Riley will increase production to 2,500 tonnes.

Riley becomes one of the main investment plants outside Kampala city, a timely move that should ease congestion in the city centre.

"We have land of over 8 acres for future expansion in packaging and printing, which we expect to utilise within the next year. This will enable us to act as a one stop shop for our customers," said Ashish.

Riley makes packaging materials used in packing fish, food stuffs, flowers, biscuits and distillers.

Dr Maggie Kigozi, the executive director of Uganda Investment Authority said the printing and packaging sector is one of the sectors that government prioritised in 2000 for elevation.

"As Ugandans, we become exporters with these products. Even if the products are good, if the packaging is not competitive, no one will buy them," said Kigozi.

Source