The payment follows a second quarter in which revenue rose 5% to US$981 million, while orders reached US$1.03 billion.
The agreement comes as exporters face delays linked to inspections, veterinary approvals, cold-chain capacity and cargo handling.
The new COO joins the livestock equipment supplier after serving in senior roles at Thyssenkrupp Uhde, Siemens Energy and Osram Lighting Solutions.
Seven more factories are expected to gain autonomy within two months as Kenya expands tea export markets and promotes value addition.
The food giant is increasing investments to $700 million as it targets improved sales performance and earnings under CEO Steve Cahillane’s turnaround strategy.