Mary-Ann Musangi emerged the overall winner of the Woman Industrialist of the Year at the Women in Manufacturing (WIM) Awards 2025. She is the Managing Director of HACO Industries.
The award presented by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), celebrates trailblazing women who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to industrial growth, sustainability, and economic empowerment.
Under Mary-Ann’s leadership, HACO Industries has evolved into a model of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth, strengthening its industrial footprint in Kenya and beyond.
Mary-Ann Musangi, had this to say, “This award is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the resilience, creativity, and tenacity of women in manufacturing. It reaffirms the power of leadership, sustainability, and value-driven business practices in transforming industries and empowering communities.”
Her leadership at HACO has been defined by bold and strategic decisions that have reshaped the company’s trajectory. She led the shift from contract manufacturing to localized production, ensuring greater control over quality and efficiency while supporting Kenya’s industrialization agenda.
With a keen focus on innovation, she oversaw the establishment of an in-house Research & Development department, enabling homegrown formulation capabilities that enhance product competitiveness. Further solidifying HACO’s commitment to sustainability, she commissioned a plastic manufacturing plant fully reliant on solar energy for its day operations.
This move reinforced circular economy practices by reducing reliance on imported plastic components and integrating post-consumer recycled materials into the production process. Beyond driving operational excellence, Mary-Ann has played a pivotal role in expanding HACO’s market penetration through strategic distributor partnerships, allowing the company’s brands to reach 10 key and emerging markets across East and Central Africa.
Her influence in the manufacturing space goes beyond HACO Industries. As Chairperson of the Women in Manufacturing (WIM) Program at KAM, she has been instrumental in advocating for increased participation of women in the sector. She has pushes for access to financing and market linkages for women-led businesses, and driving capacity-building initiatives through technical training and mentorship. Her leadership continues to inspire more women to break barriers, step into leadership roles, and shape the future of African manufacturing.