The firm is already in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Ethiopia and South Sudan and operates through a network of 48 branches, with 28 in Kenya/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 13 – Davis and Shirtliff is considering entry into the Democratic Republic of Congo market in the near future as part of its expansion plans in the central Africa region.
The firm’s outgoing Chief Executive Officer Alec Davis (who is moving to position of chairman), says DRC is an important option as it neighbour Zambia, which is a key market for the firm.
“We are keen into expanding into the Central Africa as we are already in the entire East African countries. However, we also want to increase our expansion in the countries we are in as well,” Davis told Capital FM Business.
The firm is already in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Ethiopia and South Sudan and operates through a network of 48 branches, with 28 in Kenya.
The company which was started in 1946 has grown from a small hydraulic engineering company to a water and energy solutions giant with over 600 staff and revenue of Sh7 billion.
Their main activity is the distribution of water pumps where it represents leading world suppliers including Grunfos, Pedrollo and Davey as well as supplying Dayliff, its own pump brand.
It is also a major provider of swimming pool, water treatment, solar and power generation equipment.
David Gatende, the firm’s deputy Chief Executive will take over as Chief Executive.
Davis is the son of the founder Eddie Davis and has been with the company since 1976 and as director since 1982.
The firm was on Friday celebrating its 70th Anniversary.
“Reaching 70 years is a significant achievement; and Davis and Shirtliff has through the years been the leading player in the industry. Few companies have such a long history of growth and success,” said Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General Abbas Gullet who was the chief guest at the celebrations.
