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Tag: PZ

  • PZ Cussons streamlines operations to enhance returns

    PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc has embarked on a restructuring programme aimed at streamlining the operations of the conglomerate, minimise costs and unlock global synergies that could enhance performance and returns to shareholders.

    Chairman, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Chief Kola Jamodu, outlined the programme in a preview presented to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting of the company in Calabar, the Cross Rivers State capital.

    Shareholders at the meeting approved the distribution of N2.4 billion as final dividend, bringing total dividend for the year ended May 31, 2015 to N3.19 billion. The company had distributed interim dividend of N794 million.

    With the approval, shareholders will receive a final dividend per share of 61 kobo, in addition to interim dividend per share of 20 kobo, representing a total dividend per share 81 kobo, the same amount paid in the previous year. The final dividend becomes payable today.

    Jamodu said the company was geared towards meeting stakeholders’expectations by deploying the right strategic and tactical plans to deliver a strong performance in the years ahead.

    He outlined that the company, as part of the global PZ Cussons, is adapting its management structure to reposition as a consumer-led company.

    “The impact of this is that brands which have a global presence will be managed centrally, thus reducing the cost of implementing consumer relevant product innovations and offerings, and a similar approach will be adopted for regional brands. The supply chain is being integrated into a single structure across the globe and the sales function of will align across defined route to market strategies with consistent ways of working,” Jamodu said.

    He however added the centralisation will not undermine local insights as market peculiarities would still be taking into consideration on the company’s new product developments to ensure that consumers in the local markets are the driving force of the company’s investments.

    According to him, the optimisation of the company’s supply chain processes will continue while it will also continue to invest in its core brands and growth categories through its planned extension into new routes to market, thus minimising the cost base.

    He expressed optimism on the macroeconomic outlook noting that the events and developments since the emergence of the new government of President Muhammadu Buhari have strengthened the company’s confidence.

    Jamodu said PZ Cussons Nigeria has continued to brace the odds in delivering competitive results.

    Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of PZ Cussons Nigeria for the year ended May 31, 2015 showed that total sales rose marginally from N72.90 billion in 2014 to N73.12 billion in 2015. The company’s top-line cost of sales dropped by 1.9 per cent to N52.67 billion in 2015 as against N53.71 billion in 204. However, operating expenses increased by 7.1 per cent from N12.89 billion to N13.8 billion.

    The company also came under pressure from financing costs, which rose by 215.4 per cent from N141.05 million to N444.86 million. Consequently, profit before tax slipped by 5.66 percent from N6.95 billion to N6.56 billion. Profit after tax also declined by 10.7 per cent to N4.6 billion compared with N5.1 billion in the previous year. Earnings per share dropped by 11.72 per cent to N1.03 as against N1.16 in 2014. The conglomerate’s net assets, meanwhile, inched up 2.67 per cent from N42.54 billion in 2014 to N43.67 billion.

    “Overall, it is gratifying to note that after taking into account the impact of the tough operating conditions and competitive environment, our company performed satisfactorily against peers in the sector. We are also well poised to sustain and improve on this base going into the future,” Jamodu assured.

    He pointed out that the company had maintained a strong cash position despite accelerated payments to foreign suppliers in the wake of the continued weakening of the Naira.

  • PZ takes “Community Wash-A Thon” to consumers

    PZ takes “Community Wash-A Thon” to consumers

    PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc has begun a Pan-Nigeria consumer engagement campaign for Morning Fresh dish wash liquid tagged: “Community Wash-a-thon”. The initiative is part of efforts aimed at ushering a new era of hygiene and cleanliness into the Nigerian environment.

    Speaking during the activation in Abuja, Brand Manager, Ms. Iminabo Georgewill, explained that Morning Fresh comes in three variants: Original Fresh, the very first variant; Zesty Lemon for those who love to indulge in the lemon fragrance and Antibacterial–for the confidence of a germ-free kitchen.

     “Morning Fresh comes in a handy pack and is economical as it has a rich lather with superior grease-cutting ability, that removes oils easily from your dishes, pots and pans. “Morning Fresh takes pride in being the kitchen cleaning expert. For every Nigerian woman, there is a Morning Fresh,” she said.

    She noted that the campaign is being carried out in nine states-Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Enugu, Warri, Calabar, Lokoja and Minna, adding that as Nigeria’s No. 1 dish wash, there was need for everyone to experience its quality.

    “We are visiting communities to enable people experience morning fresh first-hand, and experience the fact that one drop of morning fresh can wash a lot more dishes than other dishwash liquids.”

    Area Sales Manager, Mr. Kevin Emeanuwa, noted that the company was committed to giving its consumers value for money. He added that for over a century, PZ Cussons had set a standard in the production of quality consumer products in the country, with a proven track record of satisfying the needs of its massive customer base.

    Emeanuwa explained that PZ Cussons was focused on  making lives better through quality, value and innovation. “The company is committed to giving its consumers new experiences and ensure the availability of the products because the kitchen is the heart of most homes and pride to every woman,” he said.

    Emeanuwa hailed the consumers for their patronage in making the product the No1 dish wash brand in Nigeria, while promising that the company will continue to offer superior product performance that will make the consumers proud of their choice.

  • PZ Cussons, Man City FC seal deal

    PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc has sealed a three-year partnership deal with Manchester City Football Club.

    The deal, which was announced during its public unveiling at Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, will see the club embedded in the Nigerian market and deliver increased fan base experience across Africa.

    PZ said it expects to drive the partnership deal through three of its leading brands – Premier, Olympic and Robb.

    Accordingly, PZ Cussons’ customers will by this partnership be given the opportunity to win a number of exclusive VIP match day experiences at the Etihad Stadium and opportunities to meet the players and watch private training sessions.

    Its Group Category & Brand Director, Mr. Tim Perman, noted that the company’s commitment to Africa goes beyond the provision of quality products but also has a focus at bringing real consumer value through relevant content and services by igniting exceptional experiences to consumers.

    “As a critical part of this strategy, we are pleased to be working closely with Manchester City Football Club in Nigeria to deliver on our consumer promise. There is a great fit between our brands in terms of heritage, values and a desire to win. We look forward to delighting our consumers with unique experiences from brands that they trust and a sport that they love,” he said.

    He also said the region’s growing Manchester City football club’s fan base will be propositioned with a number of experiences and prizes to get them closer to the club. VIP tickets and meet-and-greets will be made available to competition entrants in the coming months.

     

     

    Confirming the partnership, the Commercial Director, Manchester City Football Marketing, Omar Berrada, who brokers Manchester City’s commercial partnerships, said: “We are very pleased to add PZ Cussons to our existing partnerships in Africa. Nigeria, and Africa more broadly, are extremely important markets, where our fan base is continuing to grow. We will continue to build a strong relationship with PZ Cussons and are looking forward to providing fantastic experiences for their customers and our fans.”

    The partnership with Manchester City FC will see PZ Cussons associate its brands with Nigeria’s most-loved sport and the most popular sports competition in the country.

     

     

  • PZ Foundation upgrades facilities

    As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, PZ Cussons Foundation has renovated and handed over fully furnished block of four classrooms and a library to Okuta Dudu High School at Odo Ere in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State

    Its Chairman and former Minister of Industry, Chief (Dr.) Kola Jomodu, who spoke on the occasion, extoled the contribution of the company to the economy. He said the company has kept faith with the country in good and trying times since it started operation over a century ago.

    “PZ will continue to grow and expand its operation and will keep imparting technical and managerial skills on Nigerians,” Jomodu said, assuring that the company will consistently live to its mission of providing goods that will make life better.

    A member, Board of Trustee of the Foundation, Engr. Tunde Oyelola, said the Foundation has executed over 48 projects across the country. He said Kogi State has had its fair share with about five projects located at Lokoja, Isanlu and now Ode Ere. He urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the facilities and maintain them for the use of future generation of students. ‘This is the only way you can encourage us to do more’ he added.

    The Executive Governor of Kogi State, represented by the Commissioner of Culture and Tourism,  David K. Olowomoran expressed great appreciation for the gesture. He thanked the Foundation for taking interest in the educational development of the state and called on other corporate organisations to emulate the gesture.

    Communities in and around Odo Ere attended the event and were full of commendation for PZ Cussons.

    PZ Cussons Foundation is managed by a 15-member Board of Trustees and funded by PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC. The Foundation has been executing PZ CSR programme in education, provision of potable water, health and road rehabilitation.

  • PZ Wilmar gets ISO certification

    PZ Wilmar Nigeria Ltd, a palm oil processing, packaging and distribution company, has been awarded the International Standard Organisation (ISO) 22000:2005 Certification for food safety.

    At the presentation in Lagos, the Managing Director, West Africa, PZ Wilmar Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Santosh Pillai, said the certification is an affirmation of the firm’s commitment to delivering safe products.

    He said the certification makes the company the first palm oil processing, packaging and distribution company to achieve the feat without extension from any parent company or parent site.

    He said: “ISO 22000:2005 is an international standard on food safety that confirms that a company’s supply chain process is well under control, and safety and quality of all products from its factory down the value chain to the end consumer is guaranteed.

    “To provide a demonstrable food safety management system, PZ Wilmar Limited was subjected to rigorous stages one and two Certification Audit by Bureau Veritas, following documentation and implementation according to ISO 22000: 2005 standard.”

    Its Deputy Manager, Technical, Mr. Nana Damoah, said the company sought the ISO certification to ensure that its products are manufactured in line with international standards and are safe.

    Systems Certification Manager, Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification, Mrs. Adenike Akinbote, said the process for ISO certification was not easy and that PZ Wilmar made it after fulfilling all its criteria.

    She, however, said the certification could be withdrawn or suspended if the company’s food safety and quality standard fails in future.

    The feat, which is a demonstration of the company’s commitment to its organisation, food safety and quality policy, came on the heels of an investment of about $80 million in crude palm oil refinery.

    The investment, according to Pillai, was in line with the company’s backward integration aimed at developing local capacity of palm oil production and restoring Nigeria’s position and visibility as a global player in palm oil.

  • PZ presents prize to winner of Cussons baby moments

    PZ presents prize to winner of Cussons baby moments

    It was a dream come true for the family of Mr. Yinka and Mrs. Funmi Davies recently when the management of multinational, PZ, presented the prize of the Cussons Baby Moments to they and their daughter, Morireoluwa.

    At a presentation ceremony held at PZ’s office in Ilupeju, officials of the company stressed the need to actualise plans that can bring about the best in children.

    According to Cussons’ Brand Manager, Ayeni Oluwaseun, the competition gives parents the opportunity to showcase amazing things their babies are made of.

    “It made parents take amazing pictures of their babies. Children do interesting things when where are there and when we are not.”

    Ayeni added that the prize entailed supply of Cussons products to the family and an all-expense-paid trip abroad.

    Besides, Morireoluwa will be the face of the products in the next one year.

    Mr. Davies thanked PZ for giving the family the opportunity. He recalled that he and his wife registered for the competition last December, when they bought the products at the Ikeja Shopping Mall in Lagos.

    Also commending PZ, Morireoluwa’s mother said: “Whatever our daughter becomes in life, she will always remember that when she was a year old, she won this award. This is a great platform to start from.”

    On the impact of the competition on the brand, Ayeni said it had improved on people’s awareness about Cussons as many want to associate with caring for children.

  • PZ Wilmar invests $650m in oil palm estates

    PZ Wilmar invests $650m in oil palm estates

    Efforts by Nigeria to reclaim its lost glory as the number one producer and exporter of palm oil and other palm produce in the world which she lost to Malaysia when crude oil was discovered in Nigeria may soon be realised. This will be made more possible as international companies are taking keen interest in the agricultural sector of the nation’s economy.

    A joint venture between two international companies working in collaboration with the Cross River State government is set to fully plant 26,000 hectares of land in the state with high yielding palm fruit nuts. The Joint Venture partners are PZ CUSSONS and Wilmar International Limited. They formed PZ Wilmar JV in 2010.

    Though the partnership is investing a total of $650 million in the farms and associated business, they however said they need federal government’s assistance.

    The company wants the federal government to extend the’ backward integration initiative’ which it introduced in the cement, sugar, rice and other sectors to the agricultural sector especially the palm oil sector. This is important because it has the capacity to return Nigeria to its pride of place as the number one producer and exporter of the money spinning and employment generating sector and to assist investors like them who are out to revitalise the palm oil sector as it has the capacity of turning the economy of the country around.

    The core leadership of the partnership, PZ Wilmar JV, is made up of people from the Asian countries like Malaysia and India and they are positioning themselves to tap into the federal government’s agricultural revival policy. They are positioning themselves to reap from the envisage world population explosion and increased demands for palm oil and its other palm produce world-wide.

    The company which already has  a state-of-the-art refinery in Lagos
    State where they produce and package a high-quality Nigerian cooking oil brand, Mamador, and also carries out local production of the internationally-acclaimed Devon King’s brand  said they are forced to import so much of the main raw material, crude palm oil, from other countries including some West African countries, pay high clearing fees plus other charges whereas more than enough of their crude palm oil needs could be produced in the country and much more for export.

    As a result of the envisaged explosion in world population, the Joint Venture partnership Managing Director said the company has decided to take steps to support the government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda to meet its food needs.

    The J V acquired over 26,000 hectares of plantation land in four estates  in Cross River state much of which was previously State-owned plantation land which was abandoned for years to become thick forest, are now working to revitalise.

    “Building a sustainable future for domestic palm oil from plantation and refinery to plate will be good for the economy, good for communities and good for Nigeria’s international reputation. To make this happen, it will require the government, the private companies, groups  and individuals  working together to the benefit of industry and Nigeria,” the Joint Venture Managing Director, Mr. Santosh Pillai, told the Federal government when the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwummi Adesina, visited the expansive farm for inspection.

    Expatiating, Pillai said: “Palm oil which is used in most Nigerian cooking is also used in the production of almost half of the world’s consumer products, from soaps and detergents to cake, crisps and chocolate.

    “For now, the global market demand for palm oil is around 50m tonnes and some estimates predict that this will double by 2020. The world needs to grow more oil palm to meet this demand. If we invest now it will give us a great opportunity to be leaders in sustainable palm oil development.

    “Nigeria now imports significant quantities of palm oil, more than 350,000tonnes yearly though she was once the world’s biggest exporter, this is an issue that needs to be addressed urgently.”

    Nigeria, Mr Pillai noted: “Has a very strong history in creating that form of investment to spur industry, in particular through backward integration. The Nigerian cement industry is a perfect illustration of how the Federal Government’s policy of backward integration can turn an industry around.”

    If assisted, PZ Wilmar, a global beacon agricultural project, said their investment of $650 million will create up to 30,000 direct and indirect jobs. “Over 2,500 direct jobs have been created already in the last 36 months since we started operations in the country,” Pillai stressed.

  • PZ offers 2,000 Ibadan traders free medical check-up

    PZ offers 2,000 Ibadan traders free medical check-up

    The queues to the Hot Robb Mobile Relief Centre were long. Those in the queue were mainly traders who came to partake in the free medical check-ups.

    It was a ceremony by PZ Cussons to activate one of its premier products, Hot Robb, at the famous Gbagi Market in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

    The events included massaging of the joints and other parts of the body with the Robb, blood pressure (BP) check, free consultations and enlightenment on health-related issues from medics.

    Laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, doctors and nurses attended to ‘patients’.

    Products’ sampling, stole the show off other activities in the market, stalling trading as traders and members of the neighbourhood were enwrapped in the exercise.

    Scintillating fuji tunes wafted live from famous artiste, Saheed Osupa, who is well known in the city.

    Hot Robb, a premium pain-relieving ointment, was used to massage hundreds of volunteers for all manner of pains under the watchful eyes of a physiotherapist.

    Oover 2, 000 benefited from the free medical check-ups.

    Dr. Sekinat Adebola, one of the Medical Consultants, who led the centre, could not hide her feelings about the good work of PZ Cussons and Hot Rob.

    In her words: “Providing the unique platform of a Medical Relief Centre for free medical check-ups in a place like this is a charitable  gesture for which PZ Cussons’ Hot Robb should be applauded.  It is good for the public, especially traders, who hardly go on holidays, to enjoy this type of service; they need to know their health status, what to do or medications to apply, where necessary. Any platform that can afford them free access to medical enlightenment as this is a commendable corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative that other institutions should emulate.”

    A trader in the market and a beneficiary of the free medical check-up, Alhaji Oladimeji Abdulganiyu, lauded the Hot Robb exercise, describing the free medical services as laudable.

    He said though the exercise impeded trading, whatever they lost in sales they gained in the free medical services.

    Mrs. Racheal Olalekan, a resident of Bodija, said: “From now on, I will be applying all I have been told here today. The medical people have advised me on the need for regular walkout and active healthy lifestyle, among others, which I hope to imbibe, the turnout is unbelievable and they attended to us all, we are grateful to PZ and Hot Robb.”

    James Oladipo, another trader in the Gbagi Market, who got massaged, said: “I am most grateful to Hot Robb. I feel more relief now. I have been struggling with the pains around my right knee for days; it is certain that if I continue to apply Hot Robb the way they have done and instructed me now, the pain will go forever.”

    Mr. Oladimeji Muyideen, a computer accessory dealer in the market, said: “This PZ Cussons’ Hot Robb activation is innovative and great. We now know that the company has the love of traders and buyers at heart; apart from the musician they have brought here to entertain us and afford us the opportunity to relax and enjoy ourselves, the free medical check-up and consultations are wonderful, they did their homework very well, bringing these things to our door steps the way they have done is innovative, you can see the mammoth crowd here, we are grateful to them.”

    Brand Manager, Robb, Mr. Aro Olalekan, said the Mobile Relief Centre was designed to further bring the unique values and promises of Hot Robb to the public, adding that the free product sampling and massaging was meant to assure the consumers that the brand can deliver on its promises.

    “Hot Robb,” he said, “is specially made for muscular aches and pains while Robb Original is for cold, nasal congestion and mild pain.”

    Also, Marketing Manager, PZ Cussons, Mr. Charles Nnochiri, who said the campaign would be taken to other parts of the country, assured that Hot Robb will be available to all, adding that the ointment has given consumers quality choice that would deliver on their expectations.

    “Robb Original, as we all knows it to be, is a medicated ointment to give relief from symptoms of cold and nasal congestion and relief from mild aches and pain. Hot Robb is the hot balm that uses fast penetrating and deep-reaching heat to give relief from aches and pains, Hot Robb is positioned as the balm for cold, nasal congestion and mild pain, those, who don’t like massive heat, may use Robb Original while those who prefer faster penetration should go for Hot Robb,” Nnochiri advised.

    He added that the PZ Cussons’ Robb is the leading brand in the medical segment.

  • PZ chemistry challenge winners begin internship

    PZ chemistry challenge winners begin internship

    The top four winners of the inaugural edition of the PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge have begun their three-month internship with the company.

    Emmanuel Ejiogu Onyekachi of Miketoy College, Ikotun, Lagos State, who won the inaugural edition of the competition last year, said he has learnt a lot as an intern.

    “I feel so much joy in my heart. I have confidence in myself and proud to be here because what I have been taught within this short span cannot be quantified. This training has geared me not just participate in similar competitions but to win them as well as be a first class student at the university,” said Onyekachi, who now wants to become a Chemical Engineer.

    Second runner-up in the competition, Mgbemena Thank God of Leeland International College, Oregun-Ikeja, is also having a time of his life improving his understanding of what he was taught in school.

    “I just have to thank God I am part of this success story and likewise express my profound gratitude to PZ Cussons for having such a wonderful initiative to encourage young scholars to understand the basis of what they are being taught in the classrooms and put them into good practice,” he said.

    The other two interns are Obi Uchenna David of Barachel College, Ifako-Agege (first runner-up); and Victor Ike-Okoro of Top Grade Secondary School, Surulere (third runner-up).

    The quartet completed their secondary education this month.

    Pieter Stroek, Head of Research, Development and Innovation at PZ, said during the training, the interns would work on several projects.

    Mrs Yomi Ifaturoti, Corporate Affairs Director of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, said the internship is in line with the overall objective of the competition to deepen their understanding of the subject.

    “When they go back to school, they can fall back on what they had learnt during their practical training,” she further said.

    This year’s edition has been renamed the Premier Chemistry Challenge, after the Premier Toilet bar, a brand of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc.  It is open to SS2 and SS3 public and private school pupils in Lagos.

     

  • Jaywon confirms deal with PZ

    Jaywon confirms deal with PZ

    KENNIS Music artiste, James Oluwajuwonlo Edahi, alias Jaywon, has confirmed a deal worth several millions of naira with PZ Cool.

    The contract, according to findings, will enable the company to use his hit song, This Year, for promotional purposes.

    “Yes, it is true that I have signed a deal with PZ,” Jaywon said.

    The young artiste, who grew up in Kogi and Kwara States, came into the music industry with a track, File Be. He studied at the Federal Polytechnic Bida for his National Diploma before proceeding to Lagos, where he completed his industrial training.

    He has been nominated for several awards and has won the Nigeria Music Video Award (NMVA) for the Best New Video in 2009.

    For some time now, the File Be crooner is rumoured to be having issues with his record label, Kennis Music headed by Kenny Ogungbe.