Jotun Egypt plans to invest more than EGP2 billion ($37 million) in new projects in 2027, expanding manufacturing capacity as the Norwegian paints and coatings group seeks to increase exports and strengthen its position in regional markets.

The investment will support production expansion and upgrades to manufacturing capabilities, Managing Director Ibrahim Alshami said. The move aligns with Egypt’s industrial strategy, which aims to increase domestic production, reduce import dependence and build the country’s manufacturing and export base.

Exports drive expansion plans

Jotun Egypt is targeting new international markets as it looks to increase exports to Africa and Asia. Exports currently account for more than 10% of the company’s total production, up from about 4% previously, Alshami said, highlighting the growing contribution of overseas markets to its business.

The company has also introduced local production of SteelMaster, its passive fire protection coating for structural steel. The product is designed for buildings and infrastructure, with Jotun providing customers with technical guidance and engineering support to meet fire safety requirements.

A $100 million manufacturing base

Jotun has operated in Egypt since 1986, building businesses across decorative, protective and marine coatings. Alshami said the company combines its international expertise with local manufacturing capabilities to develop products suited to Egyptian market requirements and serve customers across several industrial sectors.

Its manufacturing facility in 10th of Ramadan City represents a major part of that investment, with estimated capital expenditure of about $100 million and annual production capacity exceeding 72 million liters. The factory occupies a 94,000-square-meter site in the Zona Franca industrial zone and supports the company’s domestic and export operations.

Egypt’s regional importance

Jotun Group President and CEO Morten Fon said Egypt holds strategic importance within the company’s regional operations because of its economic scale, industrial base and position linking African and Middle Eastern markets.

The country provides a manufacturing platform from which the group can serve customers across a wider geographic area.

The Egyptian subsidiary operates across decorative, protective and marine coatings, supported by a nationwide network of more than 600 Jotun Multicolor Centres. The distribution network gives the company access to customers in the construction, infrastructure, industrial and maritime sectors.

Norwegian group eyes wider markets

Founded in Norway in 1926, Jotun operates in more than 100 countries and serves customers through four main business segments: decorative paints, marine coatings, protective coatings and powder coatings.

Its Egyptian expansion adds manufacturing capacity to a regional footprint that connects the group’s international operations with growing African and Middle Eastern markets.