Plascon MD Gumte outlines roadmap for sustainable market consolidation

KAMPALA, Uganda — Kansai Plascon Managing Director Santosh Gumte has outlined a strategic roadmap for 2026 focused on market consolidation through sustainable innovation and deepened institutional partnerships.

Speaking at the annual Partners’ Gala at the Kampala Serena Hotel, Gumte told stakeholders that the company is transitioning from a phase of rapid expansion to one of systemic stability. Under the theme The Colours of Partnership, the paint manufacturer signaled that its future growth will be anchored in smarter business solutions and more resilient distribution frameworks.

As we grow, our focus is not just on expanding the business, but on deepening these relationships, Gumte said. We are investing in smarter solutions, more sustainable products, and stronger systems.

Gumte emphasized that the company’s ability to maintain its market lead depends on the integration of these sustainable practices across its entire supply chain. He described the company’s network of distributors not as external vendors, but as a critical component of a unified corporate identity.

The consolidation strategy involves a heavy reliance on the company’s existing dealer infrastructure to navigate a tightening economic landscape. Head of Sales Moses Kato noted that the success of this roadmap depends on practical, day-to-day execution and shared accountability in the market.

Partnership is in the way we show up for each other in the market, the way we solve challenges together, and the way we keep pushing for better results, Kato said.

The company used the gala to reward the partners central to this consolidation plan. Awards were presented to top dealers across several categories, including Best Regional Performers and Largest Upcountry Dealer, highlighting the geographical reach of the company’s distribution network.

The event featured performances by the Ghetto Kids and Kenneth Mugabi & Friends, alongside a synchronized fireworks display. By aligning high-production stakeholder engagement with its long-term corporate objectives, Kansai Plascon is positioning itself to turn established dealer loyalties into a sustainable competitive advantage for the coming year.