Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) says it has invested N$875 million into the installation of a new high-speed bottling line in Namibia capable of producing 27,000 bottles per hour.
The upgrade is expected to increase the plant’s output capacity by 30%. The new line comes equipped with advanced water treatment technology aimed at reducing water consumption.
It includes state-of-the-art water recovery systems as well as the integration of cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence, which will require specialised skills training for employees.
“We’ve ensured that this production line goes beyond output numbers. It’s about creating shared opportunities across the value chain. The increased production also provides a boost to local businesses that supply us with raw materials and services,” said Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Namibia General Manager Pottie de Bruyn.
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa CEO Sunil Gupta echoed the investment’s significance, stating: “This investment is a clear demonstration of our continued belief in the future of Namibia. Efficient operations allow us to offer faster delivery and superior service, propelling us towards our goal of excellence across the value chain.”
Gupta also highlighted CCBA’s broader goals. “As a customer-centric, digitally enabled, growth-driven business, we are committed to excellence across our value chain. Efficient operations allow us to offer faster delivery and superior service. This new production line is another step in our journey to achieve even greater levels of execution excellence.”
CCBA is the eighth-largest Coca-Cola bottling partner in the world by revenue, and the largest on the continent.
It accounts for over 40% of all Coca-Cola products sold in Africa by volume. With over 18,000 employees in Africa, CCBA services more than 720,000 customers with a host of international and local brands.
The group was formed in July 2016 after the successful combination of the southern and east Africa bottling operations of the non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages businesses of The Coca-Cola Company, SABMiller plc and Gutsche Family Investments.
CCBA shareholders are currently the Coca-Cola Company at 66.5% and the Gutsche Family Investments at 33.5%.
CCBA operates in 15 countries, including its six key markets of South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique and Namibia, as well as Tanzania, Botswana, Ghana, Zambia, the islands of Comoros and Mayotte, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Malawi.
