Coca-Cola Beverages Africa invests US$20.33M in high-speed bottling line in South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA – Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) has invested R365 million in a cutting-edge bottling line at its Midrand facility, strengthening its production capabilities and reaffirming its commitment to local manufacturing.

The new line is capable of producing 72,000 bottles per hour and is the first of its kind in South Africa.

The high-speed line will initially produce Bonaqua Pump Still 750ml and Powerade 500ml in new sports cap bottles.

It will also manufacture Bonaqua Still in 330ml and 500ml formats and the recently launched Powerade Springboks Edition, reflecting CCBA’s strategy to expand its hydration product portfolio.

“By launching this new line, we strengthen our ability to meet growing consumer demand and create shared value across the local value chain, including for our customers and communities,” said Moses Lubisi, Manufacturing and Technical Director at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), part of the CCBA group.

Lubisi emphasized the company’s commitment to local sourcing and operations, “This investment reaffirms the Coca-Cola system’s local approach, we produce locally, distribute locally and, where possible, source locally.”

Sunil Gupta, CEO of CCBA, added, “This new production line in South Africa represents a key step in our ambitious growth plans across the continent. It enhances our ability to meet evolving consumer needs while reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality beverages reliably.”

This investment comes on the heels of a US$14.9 million expansion by Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi Limited (CCBM), a CCBA subsidiary.

The new line in Malawi boosts CCBM’s production capacity, enabling it to bottle Coca-Cola trademark beverages and the iconic local brand Sobo on the same platform.

With a capacity of 19,200 bottles per hour in sizes ranging from 300ml to 2 litres, the Malawi plant also positions the company to export to neighbouring Zambia.

The line incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and resolve operational issues proactively, reducing downtime and cutting costs.

Beyond production, the introduction of AI and advanced technology has created upskilling opportunities for employees, preparing a future-ready workforce in both South Africa and Malawi.

“This investment goes beyond numbers,” said Neil French, General Manager of CCBM. “It’s about creating shared opportunities across the value chain.”

Gupta echoed this sentiment, stating, “As a customer-centric, digitally enabled, growth-driven business, we are committed to excellence. Efficient operations allow us to deliver faster and serve better. This new line is another milestone in our journey towards execution excellence.”

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