Firm reaffirms commitment to job creation 

Stationery provider, BIC, has reaffirmed commitment to providing more jobs for Nigerian youths.

General Manager, BIC Nigeria, Guillaume Groues, said this during a media tour of its factory in Ogun State. To also create employment for the local community, he said about 99 per cent of the firm’s employees are from the locality, with 100 per cent of their manufacturing materials locally sourced and 90 per cent locally produced.

In contributing to a healthier environment, he noted that the firm is investing to reduce impact on the environment by using recycled plastic and packaging. He also noted that they are taking measures to mitigate the prevalence of fake BIC products in the country.

We pride ourselves with our constantly growing operation and our impact on local communities, contributing towards the country’s socio-economic development. We look forward to further growth and investment in Nigeria,” he said.

Plant Director, Peter Ajakaiye, noted that road and port congestion, lack of infrastructure, access to forex and diesel price fluctuations have been major challenges they have faced, running operations.  He, however, noted that despite these challenges, they constantly search for innovative ways to surmount them and keep providing services to the people. He added that their production machines are fully kitted with safety devices and employees are actively trained on machine guarding to ensure safety.

He said in November 2020, BIC unveiled Horizon, a multi-year strategic plan designed to drive sustainable growth and maintain robust cash flow by reframing its historical core categories through a consumer lens.

While in 2018, he said the firm launched its sustainable development programme, ‘Writing the Future Together.’

The programme, he added, aims to drive BIC to achieve its five commitments – improving environmental and societal product footprint; acting against climate change; providing team members with a safe workplace; making supply chain more responsible and reinforcing commitment to education.