ON a visit to KwaZulu-Natal on 4 April, President Cyril Ramaphosa officially reopened Tetra Pak’s plant in Pinetown following an upgrade and expansion programme valued at nearly R500 million.
The upgrade was directed towards improving the plant’s production capabilities to allow the company to extend its services to more customers across southern Africa.
In his keynote address, Ramaphosa said: “Government welcomes Tetra Pak’s investment into the manufacturing industry which aligns with ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen the sector. Our commitment to building industries, expanding industrial capacity, and investing in infrastructure is paramount. By doing this, together with the private sector we strengthen our economic competitiveness, expand the South African footprint globally and foster sustainable, growth for all. A local manufacturing facility means greater exports and a boost for South Africa’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. As Government, we remain steadfast in rebuilding our manufacturing sector and welcome and support efforts to revive South Africa’s local manufacturing sector.”
The extensive two-year upgrade was strategically aimed at enhancing and expanding the production capabilities of the Pinetown facility, enabling Tetra Pak to diversify its packaging formats and introduce plant-based packages. This advancement not only empowers Tetra Pak to cater to a wider range of customer needs but also elevates the quality and value of services provided to customers throughout South Africa.
Klaus Plenge, MD of Tetra Pak South Africa said that this investment marks a significant milestone in Tetra Pak’s dedication to bolstering the South African economy and supporting its customers. The upgrade is set to deliver tangible benefits to customers through localized production, quicker time-to-market, sustainable packaging solutions, and various innovative offerings.
In line with the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction, Plenge highlighted the importance of swift problem-solving and stressed the collective effort required to promote local sourcing and the exploration of export opportunities. He underlined the company’s belief in collaboration and recognised the essential role of the government in fostering a business-friendly environment conducive to innovation and economic progress.
Furthermore, Plenge expressed gratitude for governmental support in promoting local sourcing and encouraged the establishment of a regulatory framework that fosters innovation and economic growth.
Tetra Pak’s endorsement and membership in the Proudly South Africa organization underscore the significance of maintaining a local manufacturing presence to better serve customers and contribute to the local economy.
The reopening of Tetra Pak’s upgraded plant in Pinetown signifies a pivotal milestone for the company and stands as a testament to its steadfast dedication to fostering prosperity and sustainability in South Africa.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment and dedication of our exceptional team. I am incredibly proud of our Tetra Pak team for their tireless effort and unwavering dedication.
“We eagerly anticipate harnessing partnerships, forging more profound collaborations, and further strengthening our relationships with stakeholders to drive innovation, promote sustainable practices, and deliver enhanced value to our customers,” said Plenge.
