H.B. Fuller grows footprint in Africa

Founded in 1996, Continental Products develops adhesives for a wide range of industries, including paper converting, printing and packaging, labeling, laminating, bookbinding, automotive assembly, footwear and construction. Continental Products has been H.B. Fuller's agent in the region since 2003.

Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Continental Products is to be included in H.B. Fuller's Europe, India, Middle East, Africa (EIMEA) operating segment after the takeover.

H.B. Fuller said the acquisition of Continental Products will enable it to capitalize on access to local infrastructure in Kenya, and to fully leverage its broad-based technology portfolio much more effectively in a strategically important geography.

Steve Kenny, senior vice-president for EIMEA at HB Fuller, said: ‘With this acquisition, we will take a significant step forward in our plan to grow in Africa.

‘H.B. Fuller has a strategic focus on growth in emerging markets, and the Continental Products business will enable us to deliver specialty adhesive products to key customers in the East and Central African regions.

‘The Continental Products team has developed extensive market knowledge and exceptionally strong customer relationships, and coupled with its local manufacturing capabilities, H.B. Fuller will be able to further enhance partnerships with its customers to develop and produce new and better products for their customers.’