2.2. 2012
In line with the objective of continuous improvement on production and efficiency, Bata Kenya has made several investments on factory machinery and equipment in the last four months.
New CAD/CAM system
Our designers can now make use of the new Computer Aided Design (CAD/CAM) system that has been recently installed.
The Product Development department, is now equipped with a full CAD/CAM system that will enable the designers to engineer and manipulate lasts, patterns and styles in 2D and 3D softwares, hence, increasing the speed of designing. The system includes a High resolution, high speed, Scanny 3D Scanner for scanning lasts and shoes, a Cutting Plotter for drawing and cutting engineered and manipulated patterns directly from the computer, the Shoemaster software for manipulating lasts, 2D Patterns and styles, and an Interactive Pen Display, which is a touch pad screen that allows sketching using a specialized pen and automates the sketches drawn on a last or pattern, when coming up with a new design.
There was a week long training for the designers facilitated by technician Raffaele Pauroso from Torielli, Italy. The system has been in use for the last one week, having been commissioned for use, towards the end of January 2012. 
Designer, Esther Kute receives her certificate from the trainer Raffaele Pauroso. Looking on is Bata Kenya MD, Nasir Rafique and Product Development manager Monzur Morshed (Extreme left)
Leather factory
The leather factory got upgrades in terms of driers for water based cement, which the Bata factory is now using, being the more environmental friendly choice.
In addition, a two-station injection machine for use in the soling of military shoes was installed. Several sewing machines and hook riveting machines were also added together with PVC granule pre-heaters and insulated storage chambers.
The two-station injection machine
The tannery
We have invested in a new vacuum dryer in addition to one that had already been in use. A vacuum dryer is used for flattening and smoothening leather which is part of the elaborate tanning process. The additional machine , sourced from Finvac , Finland, will lead to increased efficiency and productivity at the tannery. The effluent plant also got a boost in terms of new aerators.
Other than that, forklifts have been acquired for use in both the tannery and the purchasing department.
Warehouse
The Limuru warehouse is currently undergoing expansion. It is scheduled to be completed towards the end of May. Once complete, the warehouse will have a capacity of 1.7million pairs.
