About Us
Welcome to Unified Chemicals
Unified Chemicals is a large manufacturing company in southern Africa with our base of operations in Lusaka, Zambia. We are the proud producers of the highest-grade edible oil and soaps.
Brief History
The Unified Chemical Company was founded and incorporated in Zambia in 1979, to help meet shortages of essential commodities occurring at that time. Over the years the company has established a name for producing high-quality products at low prices. Recognizing a need for locally produced vegetable oil, the company began the construction of a new, modern vegetable oil refining center to continue its tradition of high-quality products.
During the period, 1998 – 2003, the company went through a major rehabilitation of its plant and facilities culminating in the establishment of a modern plant along Katanga Road in the industrial area of Lusaka for the refining of crude soya oil and the manufacturing of soaps and detergents.
The plant and technology for the refinery were supplied by a company who is the world leader in edible oil refining technology. The oil refinery was commissioned in June 2004 and the soap plant was commissioned in December 2014. The market share of the company in the domestic sector is steadily increasing and limited quantities are being exported to neighboring countries.
Our Vision
To have our products represented and used in every household in Zambia and region.
Our Mission Statement
We endeavor to make our products a part of your daily life experience, by consistently providing quality, easily accessible and reliable products on the Zambian Markets and region.
Our Core Values
- Product Development, Quality and Customer retention is at the center of our business.
- Our Employee are our assets. Systems and HR efficiency. One Company, One Team.
- Team Work and Responsiveness to change.
- Corporate social responsibilities.
Founders
Late Mr. Harshad A. Patel
Co-FounderMr. Harshad Patel was a successful businessman and had 34+ years experience in the manufacturing industry and corporate management. Unified Chemicals and its position as a market leader can be attributed based on the vision and management of Mr. Patel. Unified Chemicals is part of a conglomerate which was led by Mr. Patel in conjunction with 3 other large manufacturing plants: Industrial Cartons of Zambia, Proton, and Polycor Limited. His vision to develop an organization with quality and affordable products along with philanthropic initiatives are the founding values that the company was built on and believes in to this day.
Dr. Walter Bleeker
Co-Founder/Technical DirectorDr. Bleecker is an Architect and Biochemical Geneticist with 30+ years experience in the manufacture of soaps and detergents and the refining of vegetable oils. An American that can trace his roots to Zambia as far back as the 1960’s, he came to call Zambia home with a strong passion to deliver value to the community and industry. The birth of Unified Chemicals and its product development can be largely attributed to his vision.