Nampula – A USD14 million investment in a new polyethylene phthalate (PET) plastic bottle production line at Coca-Cola Beverages Africa’s (CCBA) Nampula factory in Mozambique will contribute to employment creation and economic development in the region and cater to a consumer preference for lighter plastic bottles which are easier to carry than glass.
Before the new plant was built, the Northern region relied on product manufactured in the Central region, over 1 000km away. CCBA’s Nampula plant now produces approximately 14,400 bottles of 200ml PET bottles per hour, cutting down on transport costs and CO2 emissions.
“We believe that with the installation of the new line there will be greater availability and diversity of products for our consumers. It will also eliminate the basic logistical problems of transporting product from other factories to the Nampula factory,” said CCBA in Mozambique managing director, Duncan Wyness.
“Our investment reflects the vision of CCBA to refresh Africa every day and make it a better continent for all. We saw a need, and this line will enable us to cater to the preferences of our consumers. With the completion of the line expansion came the requirement to expand our offices by increasing the number of staff and warehouses to store our products.
“Besides expanding the production and distribution chain in the company, this investment will also promote employment in the region, bringing gains not only for our organisation, but also for the country,” said Wyness.
“At CCBA, we are a proud industry leader in developing increasingly sustainable ways to manufacture, distribute and sell our products.
“We use our industry leadership to be part of the solution to achieve positive change in the world and to build a more sustainable future for our planet.
“Our aim is to create greater shared opportunity for the business and the communities we serve across the value-chain. Opportunity is more than just money, it’s about a better future for people and their communities everywhere on the African continent.”
