SOUTH AFRICA – Global supplier of sustainable packaging solutions, Ardagh Group has announced plans to develop a global Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Cape Town, South Africa.
The new CoE will offer some information technology (IT) services to the company’s businesses across Europe, the Americas, and Africa.
Ardagh Group chairman Paul Coulson said: “With world-class technology skills and an established infrastructure, Cape Town provides the perfect home for Ardagh’s new Centre of Excellence. We look forward to growing our presence to support our global business objectives.”
Ardagh sees this as a pioneering opportunity to make a positive difference by developing skills and growing jobs for South African youth in the increasingly important field of technology.
According to the company, the center will be essential for a range of positive social impact investments in South Africa, in particular Cape Town.
In addition, Ardagh will work with local charities to support local communities around Cape Town.
Paul Coulson added: “With social development at the core of our sustainability strategy, our Centre of Excellence in Africa will help to empower local youth as well as underpin Ardagh’s future in, and commitment to, the region.
“We recognize the critical role education and access to education plays in ensuring equal opportunities and in building successful communities.
“This initiative aligns closely to Ardagh’s program to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education among our communities.”
In addition to the CoE, Ardagh will work alongside several local charities as a means of giving back to the local communities around Cape Town and to underline Ardagh’s commitment to the region.
The company has been expanding its footprint in |South Africa since closing the acquisition of Consol Glass, which it renamed as Ardagh Glass Packaging – Africa (AGP – Africa), in 2022.
The business manufactures a range of glass packaging from its seven production facilities in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia.
In November last year, AGP – Africa announced an investment to increase the capacity of its Nigel production facility in Gauteng, South Africa.
The company will add a third furnace to the facility to help it provide sustainable glass packaging to meet expected demand over the next few years.
In line with AGP – Africa’s efforts to decarbonize the glass production process and reduce emissions, the new furnace is expected to offer significant energy, water efficiency and environmental benefits.
For all the latest packaging and printing industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
