Oman Refreshment Company (ORC) has launched three new formats for PET bottles in order to meet changes in consumer demand. Sidel, its trusted OEM, completed the line conversion within a reduced lead time. These formats are now operating with improved rated speed to satisfy consumer demand in Oman.
Established in 1974 and currently employing more than 900 people, ORC is one of the pioneers and market leaders in the Omani manufacturing sector. As a franchisee of PepsiCo International, the company operates in food and beverage sectors with brands like Pepsi, Topfruit and Aquafina Water. It has an overall annual beverage production capacity of around 500 million litres. The company is expanding its manufacturing and distribution capabilities to meet growing demand for its products and also to respond to diverse consumer preferences.
To maintain market share and adapt to healthier consumer habits, ORC approached Sidel to launch three new PET bottle formats (0.25 L, 1 L and 1.5 L).
ORC has operated a Sidel MatrixTM Combi12 line since 2015 and Sidel’s project was to adapt this very same line. When the order was received in June 2019, a 14-week lead time was established to meet the market launch date.
“Sidel’s challenge was to finish the project within a very tight schedule. Sidel took swift action in manufacturing the required adaptation kits then shipping them in the fastest lead time possible. Installation, testing, and commissioning are the most challenging activities of the project wherein Sidel was able to excel by sending the best team,” says Youssef Ezzikhe, CEO at ORC.
Sidel finished the line conversion project at the end of August 2019, allowing ORC to fulfill their market commitment. Moreover, the rated speed of the filler on each format was increased: 0.25 L – 24,000 bottles per hour (bph), 1L – 22,500 bph and 1.5 L – 22,000 bph. The project was completed in record time and new package sizes were launched onto the market with the production line proving to be highly efficient. “I appreciate Sidel’s flexibility and proactiveness,” says Youssef Ezzikhe, CEO at ORC.
“With Sidel’s excellent history of service support, we are proud that ORC selected Sidel for line conversion service. This proves that we are fully trusted by customers and our outstanding service is key to their loyalty,” says Samuel Gobbe, Vice President of Services for the Middle East and Africa region at Sidel.