FINLAND-based sustainable packaging provider Huhtamaki is setting up a new manufacturing unit in KwaZulu-Natal to serve its existing and new egg packaging customers.
Eric le Lay, President, Fibre Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania said the new facility would be located close to one of South Africa’s main export ports, enabling competitive exports of egg packaging for customers across East Africa.
While he did not name the port, KZN Industrial & Business News understands that it is Durban.
“The addition of a unit in KwaZulu-Natal is an important addition to our fibre packaging footprint in South Africa not only providing efficiencies in our service to customers in South Africa but an additional benefit in terms of proximity to a major port which will drive access to markets across East Africa,” Le Lay said.
“The new facility sets us up to better meet the growth of the fibre packaging sector and future demand for sustainable packaging. It also strengthens our position in the region significantly.”
He said the investment underlined Huhtamaki´s strong commitment to the growing customer base in South Africa and East Africa and that the addition of several new lines allow a significant increase in capacity. Manufacturing operations are expected to begin during the fourth quarter in 2021 and the facility is expected to employ approximately 30 people when fully operational.
The company has operated in South Africa since 2000. The company currently employs approximately 530 people across four manufacturing units and manufactures fibre packaging for eggs and fruits, foodservice packaging, and flexible packaging.
Huhtamaki South Africa has a level 4 rating in the B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) program
