Beverage company adds new plant for production

POLOKWANE – Coca-Cola Fortune, the bottling partner of Coca-Cola South Africa opened a new plant worth R273 million at its Polokwane beverage production plant recently.

Among those present at the opening were the Polokwane mayor, Freddy Greaver and several Coca-Cola Sabco and Coca-Cola Fortune executives.

Philip Nieman, the managing director of Coca-Cola Fortune welcomed guests and introduced the new plant.

“The expansion has already seen the creation of 17 new permanent roles and we look forward to more job creation with the continuous increase in volume as a result of the new line. We are excited to tangibly contribute to our global goals not only in terms of business growth, but in terms of having a positive impact on the communities where we operate in,” said Nieman.

Rob Webster, the supply chain manager for Coca-Cola Sabco gave an overview of the new project, while Zanosi Kunene, the chairperson of the Coca-Cola Fortune board talked about the company’s growth commitment and how the company started.

“The new facility will include a Pet-line with a production speed of 32 500 bottles per hour. The 12 800m² plant expansion is illustrative of Coca-Cola Fortune’s commitment to increasing its beverage bottling capacity and market penetration as consumer demand for its products in Limpopo and surrounding areas continues to grow. The expansion also enables Coca-Cola Fortune to produce a significant amount of its product in recyclable Pet-packaging,” read a press release.

“The company will also partner with Petco and work with local communities to launch recycling and environmental management initiatives in line with its sustainability model.

“Coca-Cola Fortune together with the Coca-Cola Company are committed to recycling 75% of the bottles and cans placed into markets by 2020.”