KENYA – Bidco Africa Limited, leading consumer good company in East Africa has partnered with Schneider Electric, provider of energy and automation digital solutions, to install a smart electrification solution at its latest production site at Industrial Park in Ruiru-Kiambu county, Kenya.

For the past three years, Bidco has set out to build one of the largest production facilities in the region using latest technology on 80-acre industrial park on the outskirts of Nairobi.

The factory is home to the company’s instant noodles, Nitrofilled Juices, Sodas, Energy drinks and Mineral water.

To scale up its operations, boost efficiency and ensure sustainability, Bidco is putting in place an electrical infrastructure that would power and maintain the factory’s existing production lines.

It will also ensure the facility is future-ready and is able to integrate renewable power sources with Internet-of-Things functionality.

“We were looking for electrical technologies that would create efficiency and allow for scalability as we look towards increasing the facility’s site and operations,” said Group Chairman, Mr. Vimal Shah.

“We found the excellent partner in Schneider Electric who implemented a solution that adapted to our needs, was able to operate a robust electrical backbone that is fault tolerant and future ready to support our operations,” he added.

According to reports by Citizen Kenya, Schneider Electric has provided and installed a suite of hardware and software based on its EcoStruxure platform.

The EcoStruxure Substation Operation, is a digital backbone connecting best-in-class operational technology (OT) solutions with the latest in IT technology to unlock trapped value in operations and leverage the true potential of the Internet of Things.

It will improve how the site’s substation infrastructure is operated, maintained, protected and monitored.

The hardware includes internet-enabled primary and secondary medium voltage distribution equipment, as well as electrification products for automation.

“We found the excellent partner in Schneider Electric who implemented a solution that adapted to our needs, was able to operate a robust electrical backbone that is fault tolerant and future ready to support our operations.”

Bidco Africa Limited Chairman – Mr. Vimal Shah

The next stage for Bidco is to connect all its manufacturing plants to be able to monitor production levels and anticipate and mitigate downtime before it happens.

“This FMCG facility is one of the best developed, and most futuristic that we’ve seen in East Africa, and we’re proud to be able to play our part in helping ensure its going to maintain its technology edge thanks to its state-of-the-art electrical infrastructure,” said Carol Koech, Schneider Electric, Country President East Africa.

“Our technology will provide a safe, reliable, and standardized electrical distribution network for BIDCO today, whilst being ready for the company’s future growth with concepts such as being Internet-of-Things-ready.”

Started in 1985 as a soap manufacturing plant in Nairobi, Bidco Africa has continuously grown over the years to be the home to some of Africa’s most popular brands across the Food and Beverage, Edible oils & Fats, Hygiene and Personal care.

Mid this year, the food processor inaugurated US$2.5 million (Ksh.267 million) juice production line in partnership with Danish firm partner, Co-Ro foods.

The new juice line is producing Sunquick brand, trading under BidCoRo, with the beverage targeting both local and export markets.

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