By Ahmed Rahma
In order to meet the current demand of its consumers, Nigerian Breweries Plc has expanded its manufacturing footprint with the acquisition of a new ultra-modern automated PET bottling line worth N5.1 billion.
According to a statement by the brewing company, the PET bottling line launched at the Ijebu Ode plant is designed with the latest technology that meets world-class safety and quality standards and is expected to produce 24,000 bottles per hour.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Nigerian Breweries, Mr Kola Jamodu, stated that, “The construction of the production line was conceived in order to deepen the availability of non-alcoholic products in the country.”
Mr Jamodu added that “the bottling line means that the company now has the capacity to meet the current demand of its customers.”
The new PET bottling line would ultimately become a central supply and a critical enabler to the company’s plans to export its rich portfolio of drinks outside Nigeria to West Africa and beyond, said the Chief Executive Officer of NB Plc, Mr Jordi Borrut Bel, said.
He further noted that “the company would continue to invest huge resources to expand its businesses and help create more job opportunities for Nigerians.”
The Governor of Ogun State, Mr Dapo Abiodun, while commenting on the development, commended the company’s efforts in committing huge resources to the expansion of production lines in the factory, noting that the company’s possession of two major plants in Ijebu Ode and Ota makes it one of the largest taxpayers in the state, a major boost to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Mr further described the organisation’s investment as a welcome development for the people of Ogun state given the economic potentials involved.
He expressed confidence that the investment would, no doubt, assist in enhancing economic prosperity not only for the community but Ogun state as a whole.
He equally lauded Nigerian Breweries Plc for its generous support to the state particularly at the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic through the N50 million cash donation, provision of a vehicle, PPEs and non-alcoholic malt drinks to patients and health workers.
He further tasked the company to continue to partner with Ogun state on its journey to greatness in order to enhance prosperity both for the people and the state in general.
