A JOURNEY OF QUALITY AND DIVERSIFICATION
NTAKE EDIBLE OIL REFINERY
The Evolution of Ntake Bakery and Company Limited.
In 1978, Ntake Bakery and Company Limited embarked on its journey as a small family bakery, founded by the husband-and-wife duo Dr. Canon Gaster Lule and Edith Lule. Spotting a gap in the Ugandan market, they rolled up their sleeves and got to work baking and selling breakfast cakes. Fast forward nearly 40 years, and Ntake Bakery and Company Limited has risen to the occasion, evolving into a formidable multi-faceted enterprise with a finger in many pies across the food industry and beyond.
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Ntake Bakery and Company Limited began its journey in 1978, initially supplying breakfast cakes for two years before spreading its wings and branching out into a wider range of bread products. Their production capabilities took off, skyrocketing from a mere 2 kilograms of wheat flour per day to an impressive 25 metric tons daily, alongside their diverse range of products and services.
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Between 1984 and 1987, the growing demand for their offerings drove them to move to a larger facility, a decision that proved to be a game changer. This pivotal relocation allowed Ntake Bakery and Company Limited to transition from cakes to becoming a fully-fledged bakery, despite starting with a modest team of only 15 employees. This journey from humble beginnings to a bustling enterprise truly illustrates how they have risen to the occasion and seized opportunities along the way.
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A FAMILY-ORIENTED APPROACH TO GROWTH AND EXCELLENCE.
NTAKE BAKERY & COMPANY LTD: A BEACON OF EXCELLENCE.
Ntake Bakery & Company Ltd stands out as a distinguished and multifaceted enterprise, widely recognized as a leader in the East African region. Our journey began with a vision rooted in quality, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, which has been the driving force behind our growth and diversification across multiple sectors.
At the heart of our business are our flagship bakery operations, supported by a network of state-of-the-art facilities strategically located across Uganda in cities like Kampala, Jinja, Mbarara, Lira, Masaka, and Mbale. These bakeries, each a testament to our dedication, have truly made their mark, earning a solid reputation for producing a diverse range of high-quality baked goods that cater to both local and regional markets. We have built a trusted name in the industry, consistently delivering products that meet and exceed the expectations of our customers.
In short, Ntake Bakery & Company Ltd is not just another player in the market; we are setting the standard and raising the bar for quality and service in the baking industry.
To ensure product quality, Ntake Bakery and Company Limited firmly believes that a company is only as good as its employees. Dr. Canon Gaster Lule emphasizes the family-oriented culture within the organization, where employees are treated like family. With no formal educational institutions for the baking industry in Uganda, Ntake Bakery and Company Limited invests heavily in training its production staff, relying on their dedication and expertise to uphold the company's high standards. The team includes seasoned millers, with several having received professional training in the United Kingdom and Switzerland.
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This family-centric approach extends beyond the employees and into Ntake Bakery and Company Limited’s relationships with customers. Dr. Lule fondly recalls supplying quality products to students who are now parents themselves, demonstrating the company’s commitment to building long-lasting relationships. "We've come full circle," he says, underscoring the loyalty and trust that have been cultivated over the years.
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As Ntake Bakery and Company Limited continues to flourish, Dr. Canon Gaster Lule remains resolute in his determination not to rest on his laurels. The dedicated sales and marketing department is consistently on the lookout for new product opportunities. Recently, the group successfully installed a 300-metric ton twin wheat mill and finalized the construction of an 18-floor commercial building in the bustling Kampala Business Centre.
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Additionally, Ntake Bakery further opened a new bakery branch in Jinja Town, with investments supported by Standard Chartered Bank and the company’s own assets. These strategic initiatives underscore that Ntake Bakery and Company Limited is not merely keeping pace with industry standards; it is actively setting the pace for innovation and excellence in the sector.
STRATEGIC DIVERSIFICATION AND MILLING OPERATIONS.
As Ntake Bakery and Company Limited continued to grow between 1988 and 1995, so did the demand for wheat flour. To safeguard their assets, the company made a savvy move by strategically diversifying into real estate, anticipating potential supply chain hiccups in Uganda. This decision proved to be a blessing in disguise, as the demand for their bakery products surged alongside raw material supply challenges, particularly with sugar, baking fat, and wheat flour.
Recognizing the reliability issues of imported wheat flour and the competitive disadvantages posed by import taxes, Ntake Bakery and Company Limited decided to take the bull by the horns and invest in milling operations to stay ahead of the competition. In 1997, they began milling wheat flour, initially establishing a production plan of 50 metric tons per day. The quality of their flour quickly gained recognition, leading to further investments in milling capabilities. This included a 200-metric ton mill from Buhler in 1999 and a more recent installation of a 300-metric ton machine, solidifying their reputation in the industry.
Beyond our core bakery operations, we have successfully expanded into flour milling with a cutting-edge facility at our Nalukolongo headquarters. This modern mill ensures a steady supply of premium Kaswa flour, not only supporting our bakery operations but also serving various industries that depend on our top-notch products.
EXPANDING HORIZONS: OUR INFLUENCE IN REAL ESTATE AND BEYOND.
At Ntake Bakery & Company Ltd, our influence extends further into the real estate sector, where our Concrete Batching Plant and Real Estates division plays a pivotal role in supporting the company’s infrastructure needs while contributing to regional development. Recognizing that a solid foundation is crucial for growth, we have made strategic investments in this area, ensuring that our operations run like a well-oiled machine.
Moreover, Gadith Investments, a key subsidiary based in Nalukolongo, serves as the cherry on top of our diverse portfolio. By driving growth and fostering innovation across all sectors in which we operate, Gadith Investments embodies our commitment to staying ahead of the curve and adapting to the ever-evolving market landscape. Together, these ventures not only bolster our business operations but also enrich the communities we serve, solidifying our status as a beacon of progress and development in the region.
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY: THE TISSUES FACTORY (AAA).
At Ntake Bakery & Company Ltd, we place a premium on sustainability and innovation, which is why we established the Tissues Factory (AAA) in Nalukolongo. This factory focuses on paper recycling and the production of premium tissues and serviettes under the esteemed Maxisoft brand. By turning waste into valuable products, we are not just thinking outside the box—we're rewriting the playbook on how to be environmentally conscious.
This initiative not only broadens our product offerings but also aligns with our unwavering dedication to environmentally responsible practices. We understand that in today’s world, it’s not just about staying afloat; it’s about making waves in the right direction. By investing in sustainable production methods, we ensure our operations leave a positive footprint while meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly products. Our Tissues Factory stands as a testament to our belief that profit and planet can go hand in hand, creating a win-win situation for both our business and the environment. In every endeavor, we’re committed to making a difference and keeping our commitment to sustainability front and center.