Harris Paints Guyana marked a significant milestone in its 30-year history with the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant and flagship Pro Paint Centre at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on November 27, 2024, was attended by key stakeholders, industry partners, and government officials, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s ongoing commitment to quality, innovation, and local economic development.
Notable persons in attendance were Mr. Ramsay Ali, President of Guyana Manufacturers Association & Mr. John Edghill, Senior Director of Investment, Guyana Office for Investment who both offered congratulatory remarks, alongside Marguerite Desir, Chief Operating Officer of Harris Paints International Limited and Vinroy Johnson, Owner Str8edge Superior Painting who led the ceremonial ribbon cutting activity.
The new 10,000-square-foot manufacturing facility is strategically designed to enhance Harris Paints’ ability to meet growing demand both locally and regionally.
With a production area that includes raw material selection, mixing, filling, and packaging, the plant will allow Harris Paints to better serve the needs of customers in Guyana and beyond.
“We are thrilled to open this new manufacturing plant, which will significantly increase our ability to provide high-quality products and improve delivery times for both local and export markets,” said Marguerite Desir, Chief Operating Officer of Harris Paints International.
“This investment highlights our strong belief in Guyana’s potential and our commitment to supporting its continued growth,” she added.
The plant is certified under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 9001), ensuring that it meets the highest global standards for quality management. The facility will also enable Harris Paints to provide more customized solutions for specific projects, reinforcing its reputation for innovation and superior performance.
Harris Paints is equally committed to sustainability. The new plant incorporates eco-friendly practices, including rainwater harvesting to support the paint production process.
The facility aims to collect up to 48,000 gallons of rainwater annually, minimizing its reliance on public water sources. Additionally, the plant will treat wastewater for reuse, reflecting the company’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint.
With the expansion, Harris Paints is set to create more than 20 new jobs in manufacturing, retail, and support functions. The company is also investing in staff training and development, offering competitive packages and career growth opportunities. The move underscores Harris Paints’ long-term commitment to Guyana’s economic development and its goal of becoming a leading regional hub for the paint industry.
In addition to its manufacturing capabilities, the new facility also houses the Harris Pro Paint Centre, a modern flagship store offering a wide range of high-quality paints and supplies.
The store provides expert advice, project guidance, and specialty solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial needs, including waterproofing and roofing solutions. The Pro Paint Centre also serves as a key distribution point for the marine, oil, and gas sectors, providing internationally certified protective coatings.
“The Pro Paint Centre is more than just a retail store; it is a destination for anyone looking for expert advice, premium products, and tailored solutions,” said Marguerite Desir.
“This new center represents Harris Paints’ dedication to meeting the growing demand for high-performance paint solutions in Guyana and the wider Caribbean.”
Harris Paints continues to build on its legacy of excellence and innovation, having expanded its operations to 15 countries across the Caribbean, with plans for further expansion into Latin America. The new facility in Guyana positions the company for exponential growth in both production capacity and market reach.
“We are excited to play a part in Guyana’s remarkable transformation, offering products that meet the highest international standards,” said Desir.
“Our new manufacturing plant and flagship store reflect Harris Paints’ dedication to Guyana’s growth, as well as our commitment to delivering top-tier paint products and services.”
