Multiprint expands packaging production in Cameroon

Multiprint Labels & Packaging is investing approximately US$5.1 million at its Douala production site as the Cameroonian manufacturer seeks to increase domestic packaging capacity and reduce reliance on imported labels and crown caps.

The expansion combines new printing equipment, metal closure production and renewable energy infrastructure, positioning the company to serve both the domestic market and customers across the wider Central African Economic and Monetary Community region.

Label capacity rises above 14 billion units

The largest part of the investment is a CFA 2 billion, or approximately US$3.4 million, Heidelberg Speedmaster CX 104 offset press capable of operating at speeds of up to 15,000 sheets per hour.

Multiprint says the equipment will increase annual label production capacity from around 3 billion units to more than 14 billion, providing capacity equivalent to approximately 150% of Cameroon’s current demand and close to 90% of regional CEMAC requirements.

Crown cap production moves closer to beverage customers

The company is also investing CFA 600 million, approximately US$1 million, in an Italian SACMI PMC300C crown cap production line.

The equipment is scheduled to begin production in December 2026 and will be capable of manufacturing around 3,000 caps per minute. The investment targets a Cameroonian crown cap market historically dependent on imports and valued at approximately CFA 23.7 billion.

Import substitution becomes a strategic objective

Multiprint supplies major food and beverage companies including Nestlé, Castel, UCB and Chococam. Expanding local production could allow these customers to shift a greater proportion of their packaging procurement away from international suppliers.

Reducing imports can shorten lead times, lower exposure to foreign exchange volatility and provide greater supply-chain resilience for brands operating across Cameroon and neighbouring markets.

Premium packaging market also targeted

The new Heidelberg press is intended to improve print quality and production consistency for higher-value packaging and label applications.

Multiprint estimates the premium packaging segment targeted by the investment at around CFA 24 billion, or approximately US$40.8 million, providing an additional growth opportunity alongside crown caps and mainstream label production.

Solar investment supports production stability

A further CFA 400 million, approximately US$680,000, is being invested in a photovoltaic installation designed to reduce dependence on Cameroon’s electricity grid.

The company estimates that the solar plant could avoid around 365 tonnes of carbon emissions annually while providing more reliable energy for high-speed printing and converting operations.

Expansion forms part of a larger industrial programme

The current investment represents the first phase of a broader CFA 10 billion three-year development programme, equivalent to approximately US$17 million.

This programme itself forms part of a longer-term CFA 25 billion investment strategy as Multiprint targets revenue of around CFA 70 billion by 2030.

Company records strong growth since 2019

Multiprint’s revenue increased from approximately CFA 5 billion in 2019 to CFA 17 billion in 2024, representing cumulative growth of more than 400%. The company also reported a further 15% increase in revenue during the first quarter of 2026.

Its Bonabéri operation currently employs more than 300 people, with additional manufacturing activity expected to create further skilled employment as the new production lines scale up.

Regional packaging capacity gains strategic importance

The investment illustrates the growing importance of domestic packaging manufacturing across African markets where consumer goods producers continue to depend heavily on imported materials and components.

By increasing label and closure capacity while investing in renewable energy, Multiprint is positioning itself as a more integrated regional supplier capable of supporting local brands and multinational customers with shorter supply chains and greater production security.