Quality Beverages Limited, a leading manufacturer in Mauritius, has unveiled a new PET packaging line with an investment of over Rs 330 million. The company, part of the Currimjee Group, aims to enhance its production capacity while reducing its environmental footprint. The new line was officially opened on September 28 at Belle-Rose in the presence of government ministers, industry partners, and clients. This significant investment marks a major milestone in the company's development and prepares it for future growth.
The new production line has increased QBL's capacity from 7,500 to 18,000 bottles per hour, with a target of 30,000 bottles per hour by 2028. This represents a four-fold increase in capacity, enabling the company to meet growing demand and support its long-term growth strategy. According to Iñigo de Prado, Managing Director of QBL, the new line provides a significant boost to the company's production capabilities, allowing it to better respond to peak demand and support its growth plans for the next decade.
One of the key features of the new line is its energy efficiency, consuming 56% less electricity per bottle produced. This improvement enables QBL to increase production while reducing its energy consumption. The company also expects to save around eight million liters of water per year, thanks to the modernized system. Additionally, the new line uses laser coding, eliminating the need for ink in the bottling process. These advancements demonstrate QBL's commitment to sustainable production practices.
The new line is also designed to promote the use of recycled materials and reduce waste. QBL's investment in automation has minimized manual interventions, particularly in the palletization process, which is now handled by a robot. This shift enables the company to focus on developing technical skills and expertise, preparing its workforce for the demands of modern industry. By combining technological innovation with skills development, QBL aims to maintain its competitive edge in the market.
The Mauritian government has welcomed QBL's investment, highlighting its potential to drive economic growth and job creation. Minister of Industry, SMEs, and Cooperatives, Aadil Ameer Meea, emphasized the importance of investing in technology and innovation to enhance competitiveness. He noted that Mauritius must focus on producing higher-value products to overcome challenges related to labor costs and availability. The government's support for QBL's investment reflects its commitment to promoting sustainable and innovative industrial practices.
QBL's Managing Director, Iñigo de Prado, emphasized the company's commitment to sustainable production and its confidence in Mauritius' manufacturing sector. He highlighted the importance of balancing growth with environmental responsibility and noted that the new line demonstrates the company's ability to achieve this balance. With its renewed focus on innovation and sustainability, QBL is well-positioned to drive growth and success in the Mauritian manufacturing sector.
The launch of the new PET packaging line marks a significant milestone in QBL's history, demonstrating its dedication to innovation, sustainability, and growth. As the company looks to the future, it is poised to continue playing a leading role in Mauritius' manufacturing sector, driving economic growth and job creation while promoting environmentally responsible practices.
Key points
- Quality Beverages Limited invests Rs 330 million in new PET packaging line to enhance production capacity and reduce environmental footprint.
- The new line consumes 56% less electricity per bottle produced and is expected to save around eight million liters of water per year.
- The investment is part of QBL's long-term growth strategy, aiming to increase production capacity to 30,000 bottles per hour by 2028.
