Schweppes invests US$15m in new plant

Schweppes marketing and public affairs executive Ms Unaiswi Nleya said.
German company Krones AG has been contracted to set up the plant. The company has also installed similar bottling lines for Delta Corporation, which owns 49 percent shareholding in Schweppes.
“It (plant capacity) to double our current capacity with the additional advantage to produce preservative-free juice containing products,” she said.
The rated capacity on the new plant is 18 000 bottles per hour. Schweppes Zimbabwe manufactures and distributes various brands under a franchise agreement with the Coca-Cola Company.
Ms Nleya said the US$14,5 million investment includes civil plant works. She said the new plant features the latest blower-filler technology that is in line with current international production standards.
“There will be an increase in the number of people employed in the production department to operate the new line and in sales and distribution departments to cover the market adequately as we supply new products and more of our current portfolio,” said Ms Nleya.
“We are very ambitious and have aggressive growth plans supported by a very robust innovation pipeline having grown our volumes by 27 percent in 2011.
“This positive performance is attributed to our strong brand portfolio, namely Mazoe, Schweppes Water, Minute Maid, Ripe ‘n’ Ready as well as experienced management team and committed employees,” she added.
Going forward, Ms Nleya said the company would introduce various juice-containing products in the next three to five years and will make the necessary investments to fully meet domestic demand.
The company will also take advantage of regional export opportunities. Schweppes is one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of soft drinks, cordials and bottled water in Zimbabwe.
Schweppes was one of the companies that has been taken over by workers and management through an empowerment deal that gave them a 51 percent stake in the business.
The Coca-Cola Company, the previous owners, however continues to own the brands and trademarks.