BOTSWANA – Coca-Cola Beverages Botswana (CCBB) has unveiled a new state-of-the-art production line and water treatment plant today, representing a total investment of P310 million (US$24.4m).
The upgrade will significantly increase the factory’s production capacity and make the company fully compliant in ensuring that clean water is returned to the environment.
According to CCBB, the new production line is the most advanced polyethylene phthalate (PET) production line in the country, with a capacity of 13,500 bottles per hour and equipped with the latest industry technology.
The launch event was attended by Minister of Trade and Industry, Mmusi Kgafela, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) CEO, Jacques Vermeulen, Vice President of Coca-Cola East & Central Africa, Debra Mallowah and CCBB MD David Chait, among other dignitaries.
Commenting on the new plant, Vermeulen said: “This investment is a clear demonstration of our continued belief in the future of Botswana and a signal of our confidence in Botswana as an investment destination.
“Coca-Cola and CCBA have built a very strong local business in Botswana over more than 25 years. We are proud to work with small businesses throughout the country to serve the people of Botswana who choose to enjoy our products each day.
“We hire locally, manufacture and distribute our products locally and are increasingly sourcing locally. We already source plastic preforms locally and will also be sourcing shrink wrap and closures for our products locally.”
Mallowah noted that Coca-Cola is keen on Africa’s potential as the next growth engine of the global economy and the company is investing in new businesses to accelerate growth, expand its beverage offering and respond to consumer preferences.
“We are developing talent to drive our Africa growth plan and investing in communities to create shared opportunity and enhance the prosperity of our communities,” said Mallowah.
Meanwhile, David Chait reiterated CCBB’s efforts in working with other stakeholders to provide clean water in addition to adopting sustainable measures to ensure circularity.
“In a water-scarce country such as ours, we need to use water as efficiently as possible. CCBB’s investment in this water treatment plant ensures the water going back into the environment is clean,” explained Chait.
“The installation of our new PET line allows for faster and more efficient production of PET products, increasing productivity, while also producing bottles with higher clarity and strength.
“The new line is designed to be more energy efficient, reducing environmental impact and energy costs, and also incorporates improved safety features.”
Botswana is not the only country CCBA is investing in. Last month, CCBA in Kenya opened its new wastewater treatment plant at its Equator Bottlers Ltd plant in Kisumu, which will promote sustainable water use and help reduce the factory’s environmental impact.
Located in the lake city town of Kisumu, Equator Bottlers manufactures Coca-Cola beverages including Coca-Cola, Fanta, and Sprite for distribution in western Kenya counties including Kakamega, Busia, Siaya, Vihiga, Bomet, Kericho, and Kisumu.
Water for use at the plant is sourced from Lake Victoria and undergoes a series of primary and secondary treatments to achieve the potable water quality standard required for industrial use and human consumption.
After use in manufacturing, water from the plant is treated through the wastewater treatment plant before being discharged.
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