South African JSE-listed can maker Nampak Bevcan claims its Angola operations have topped expectations, prompting the installation of a second can line.
After two years of operations, Angolata Viana, Nampak Bevcan’s first greenfield investment outside South Africa, is operating self-sufficiently and continuously exceeding production and quality targets, said Nampak.
Beverage can sales volumes from Angolata are up by more than 20% from the year before, requiring imports from Nampak in South Africa.
Managing director Erik Smuts said Nampak is responding by raising production speed from 1,800 to 1,900 per minute.
“We are also in the process of installing a second can production line, which will more than double the production capacity of the plant,” he said.
Disposable incomes are rising in Angola in line with its economy.
“Cans are seen as servicing a growing market demand, offering good value based on the associated product freshness, convenience and safety,” said Smuts.
To overcome challenges from operating in a foreign country, Angolata Viana is self-sufficient in electricity; treats and uses all waste water for irrigation, including sewage; designs and upgrades equipment and processes internally; and maintains all services equipment in-house.
“At the centre of Angolata’s innovation and huge success is a world-class team that is dedicated to adhering to the highest standards, best practices and constant training and development by those onsite, who have years of can-making experience behind them,” he said.
With the opening of new filling lines in Angola, including in Catumbela in August, the reopening of Coca-Cola Bottling Luanda in Bom Jesus outside Luanda, and the expected start of production at CIF Brewery in 2014, more growth is expected.