India: Amcor, the global packaging leader, has invested in a new plant in Bharuch following a seven-year agreement with Unilever signed in 2017, under which the new plant will produce packaging for Unilever.
Amcor’s “efficient” new factory in Bharuch, Gujarat, in the Western region of India started operations in March after an official ceremonial event in October with executives from both companies.
“Across all home-care categories, consumers in India are choosing products with packaging that provide them with the most convenience,” said Michael Zacka, president of Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific, who attended the ceremony.
Zacka said the site brings new- technology flexographic printing to the Indian market, and will be “a centre of excellence for product development and sustainable packaging solutions.”
The 8,000-square-metre plant has three lines that will run 24 hours a day, producing flexible packaging using advanced flexographic tech- nology. From initial employment of 50 people, Amcor anticipates the team in Bharuch to grow to 180 by December 2019.
“The hub model, and the innovative ways of working it, is the first of its kind in packaging for Unilever and represents another significant commitment in this long-term partnership. The hub will enhance the capabilities of both companies to further delight consumers with sustainable and innovative packaging solutions,” said Henk Sijbring, VP, packaging procurement, Unilever.