Under the theme, Unlocking South African Growth, President Cyril Ramaphosa, along with Klaus Plenge, Managing Director Southern Africa, and Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, officially reopened Tetra Pak’s plant in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal. This factory upgrade forms part of a R500 million investment by Tetra Pak in the South African economy, that in turn forms part of the Presidential Investment Mobilisation Drive.
Tetra Pak is a global leader in packaging and processing solutions for the food industry and has had a presence and manufacturing footprint in South Africa since 1963.
The factory was originally built 45 years ago in 1979, and its longevity is testament to the power of innovation. 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.
While delivering his keynote address stated President Cyril Ramaphosa, “Government welcomes Tetra Pak’s investment into the manufacturing industry which aligns with on-going 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.”
President Ramaphosa added that this investment is very timely, given South Africa’s recent commencement of trade under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area or Ramp. Exports to the rest of Africa already include Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Nigeria and Kenya.
Premier Dube Ncube commented, “The significance of Tetra Pak’s commitment extends beyond monetary value. We are thrilled that this company chose to invest its capital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Moreover, witnessing the realisation of this pledge into a tangible and valuable investment fills us all with pride.”
Klaus Plenge emphasised 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 localised production, quicker time-to-market, sustainable packaging solutions, and various innovative offerings.
In line with their commitment to customer satisfaction, Plenge highlighted the importance of swift problem-solving and stressed the collective effort required to promote local sourcing and explore 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 organisation 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,” said Plenge.
“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.”
South Africa is an investment destination with significant untapped potential, and by leveraging our unique value proposition, we have the ability to attract higher levels of investment.