Coca-Cola bolsters capacity at Midrand plant

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) has invested R365mn (US$20mn) in a new state-of-the-art bottling line at its Midrand plant in South Africa

The high-speed production line is capable of producing 72,000 bottles per hour and marks a South African first, producing Bonaqua Pump Still 750ml and Powerade 500ml packs with a sports bottle cap.

It marks the next step in the global drinks corporation’s ambitions for Africa, where it has pledged to massively hike investment in the coming years.

“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), a company in the CCBA group.

He said the new production line represents a key step in the group’s growth plans across all its African markets in the years ahead, including deepening its commitment to bolster local production and distribution efforts.

“Importantly, this investment reaffirms the Coca-Cola system’s local approach – we produce locally, distribute locally and, where possible, source locally.”

The group is expanding its footprint in other key markets as well.

Last year, Nigeria’s presidency disclosed that the US-based corporation planned to invest US$1bn in the West African state over five years following meetings between President Bola Tinubu and senior executives of the soft drinks company.

In April, CCBA invested US$15mn in a new state-of-the art production line in Lilongwe through its subsidiary Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi Limited (CCBM).

In South Africa, the new production line will also produce Bonaqua Still in 330ml and 500ml packs, further driving the company’s efforts to expand its hydration category.

It will additionally produce the recently launched Powerade Springboks Edition.

To support environmental goals, the new production line features technology to optimise water and energy use.

“At CCBA, our passion for refreshing the continent drives everything we do,” said Sunil Gupta, chief executive officer at CCBA.

“This new production line in South Africa represents a key step in our ambitious growth plans in all our markets on the continent. It enhances our ability to meet consumer needs while reinforcing our commitment to delivering reliability and top-quality beverages across Africa.”

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