Mmegi

COCA- COLA BEVERAGES BOTSWANA INCREASES PRODUCTION CAPACITY

Opening of the state- of- the- art PET production line and water treatment plant

Coca- Cola Beverages Botswana ( CCBB) has opened its new state of the art PET production line and water treatment plant to increase the factory’s production capacity. The new production line is the most advanced polyethylene phthalate ( PET) in the country and equipped with the latest industry technology.

Representing a total investment of P310 million for the upgrade, the production line has a capacity of 13,500 bottles per hour.

Speaking at the official unveiling on Thursday, May, 25th in Gaborone , CCBB General Manager David Chait said the new developments are important for the company’s entire value chain in the country.

“This is a new chapter in this company’s story as we continue to grow with this country. With the opening of the new water treatment plant this places us as the only manufacturer in Botswana that is fully effluent compliant and can ensure that clean water is returned into the environment,” he said.

CCBB produces a range of drinks including soft drinks with immediate plans to add juices, energy drinks and sparkling drinks to the line of products. “The installation of the new PET line allows for faster and more efficient production of PET products , increasing productivity while at the same time producing bottles with higher clarity and strength. The new plant will ensure adequate local production to meet the demand that has always been met through imports. Thus contributing to import substitution which has always been a cry of the government. The country needs self sufficiency in all that it produces therefore continue to do that so that we reach surplus production for bourgeoning exports, “said Minister of Trade and Industry Mmusi Kgafela, challenging the company to increase its product lines and types of PET bottles to sell to other companies which currently import such.

CCBB and Coca- Cola Beverages Africa( CCBA) have built a strong business presence in Botswana over more than 25 years with this huge investment a clear demonstration of the confidence the two has in the country.

According to CCBA chief executive officer, Jacques Vermeulen, there are many years of growth and development ahead for the company and country as they look forward to creating continued shared opportunity.

“Our aim is to create greater shared opportunity for the business and our host communities across the value chain. Opportunity is more than just money , its about a better future for people and their communities everywhere on the African continent where we operate. When we grow our business the right way , not just the easy way, we help create inclusive growth opportunities for our communities , women, youth, customers, employees and shareholders for a better shared future, “said Vermeulen emphasising their belief in the positive growth and investment potential of Botswana.

For her part, Vice President for East & Central Africa franchise, Debra Mallowah said the new developments exemplify a commitment to Botswana and its potential to drive business growth in Africa. “Coca- Cola recognises the immense potential of the Southern Africa region as a key market in Africa, thanks to the country’s growing population, stable political landscape and consistent economic growth. This emerging market attracts us with its increasing middle class and growing demand for consumer goods including our cherished beverages. Expanding our presence here means we aim to tap into this promising market , reinforcing our position as a leading beverage company in the region and in Africa,” said Mallowah.

CCBA of which CCBB is a subsidiary, is the eighth largest Coca- Cola bottling partner worldwide by revenue and the biggest on the continent accounting for about 40% of all Coca- Cola volumes sold in Africa.

BGNEWS

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2023-06-09T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-06-09T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://enews.mmegi.bw/article/281702619111413

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