In an industrial landscape where power outages can stall production, Royal Castle Ceramic Company Limited is setting the pace by taking control of its energy future.
Under the leadership of managing director and CEO Qian Jin, the company has made a bold and strategic move, investing in a 14.8MW gas power plant in partnership with Clarke Energy. The result? Greater energy reliability, lower operational costs, and a cleaner, more sustainable production process.
For years, Royal Castle Ceramic Company Limited, one of Nigeria’s key players in the ceramic manufacturing space, struggled with the same problems plaguing most manufacturers: unreliable grid supply and an overreliance on diesel generators.
“Power supply has been a major issue,” Jin said. “We’ve faced frequent outages from the national grid, which disrupt production schedules and increase costs.”
Recognising that consistent energy is critical to quality and competitiveness, the company took matters into its own hands by building its gas-powered plant.
The 14.8MW facility now provides Royal Castle with stable, efficient, and significantly more affordable power.
“Unlike the unreliable national grid and the high cost of diesel, gas power plants provide a more stable and uninterrupted power supply, which is vital for our sensitive manufacturing equipment,” Jin explained.
But it was not just about operational stability; it was also about sustainability.
Gas, a cleaner-burning fossil fuel, helps Royal Castle reduce its carbon footprint.
“This investment aligns with our environmental goals and increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly practices,” Jin noted.
The shift to gas was made possible through a strategic partnership with Clarke Energy, the exclusive distributor of INNIO Jenbacher gas engines in Nigeria.
Jin lauded Clarke Energy for their technical expertise, reliable equipment, and ability to deliver a turnkey solution tailored to Nigeria’s unique business climate.
“We selected Clarke Energy for their proven expertise in gas power solutions. During commissioning, they provided timely technical support, trained our staff, and developed a proactive maintenance schedule that keeps us running efficiently,” he said.
The results speak volumes. Jin reports significant cost savings since transitioning to gas. These savings are being reinvested into the business, allowing Royal Castle to price products more competitively, boost capacity, and explore new market opportunities.
“Our production is now more cost-effective, and that directly improves our competitiveness in both local and international markets,” he said.
Yiannis Tsantilas, Managing Director of Clarke Energy for Sub-Saharan Africa, commended Royal Castle Ceramic Company Limited for its outstanding leadership in adopting resilient, cleaner, and cost-effective energy solutions—an approach that is transforming Nigeria’s manufacturing landscape.
“As the manufacturing sector embraces more reliable and environmentally sustainable power generation alternatives, it positions itself for long-term productivity and growth,” said Tsantilas. “However, the real driver of this transformation is the strategic excellence of the leadership teams behind these decisions.”
Royal Castle Ceramic Company Limited has emerged as a shining example of this principle. Under its visionary leadership, the company has significantly enhanced access to high-quality ceramic tiles in local markets, contributed to job creation, and maintained a strong commitment to deepening its investments in Nigeria’s economy.
“This is more than just a business success story—it’s a demonstration of how purposeful leadership and sustainable energy choices can deliver tangible socio-economic value,” Tsantilas added.
Clarke Energy remains committed to supporting forward-thinking manufacturers, such as Royal Castle Ceramic Company Limited, in their journey toward cleaner, more resilient energy solutions.
Operating in Nigeria, however, still comes with its fair share of challenges. From inadequate transportation infrastructure to complex regulatory requirements and tough competition from both local and international brands, manufacturers like Royal Castle must continuously innovate to stay ahead.
Jin emphasised that despite these obstacles, the Nigerian market remains one of immense potential. “Nigeria offers a large and growing market for ceramic products, driven by urbanisation and infrastructure development,” he said.
Royal Castle’s long-term commitment to Nigeria is underscored by its continuous investment in capacity expansion, job creation, and local sourcing.
“We create numerous job opportunities, from factory workers to professionals, helping to tackle unemployment. By sourcing raw materials locally where possible, we also support domestic suppliers and strengthen the local value chain,” Jin explained.
When it comes to raw material sourcing, Royal Castle has taken steps to ensure stability and cost efficiency. The company has established relationships with local suppliers of key materials like clay and silica. For gas supply, the company relies on long-term contracts with local producers, ensuring a steady stream of fuel to keep its power plant running smoothly.
The impact of the 14.8MW gas plant is also evident in Royal Castle’s ability to scale its operations and reach new markets.
“We’re adapting our designs to suit international trends and building partnerships with distributors across Africa. We also participate in international trade fairs to grow our global footprint,” said Jin.
Distribution, though, remains a challenge, especially in reaching underserved regions and handling exports. Poor road conditions and customs delays are still issues the company must navigate. But with reliable power now secured, Royal Castle can better manage these logistics and expand more strategically.
At a time when many Nigerian manufacturers are shrinking operations or folding under the weight of energy costs, Royal Castle has cracked the power puzzle, positioning itself not just as a resilient player but as an energy-conscious, forward-thinking force in the ceramic industry.
“We didn’t wait for the grid; we built our own future,” Jin concluded. “And that decision is powering our growth today.”
