Start of production for ALPLA Sopro
Packaging specialist ALPLA and beverage producer Refriango are strengthening their partnership in Angola. With the second inhouse plant directly at the Refriango site in Viana, the two companies are increasing efficiency and capacity while reducing their carbon footprint. ALPLA Sopro manufactures safe, affordable and sustainable plastic bottles. The production line is directly connected to Refriango's filling lines. The third plant of ALPLA in Angola and the fifth in-house plant in the region are a clear commitment to the growth markets in southern Africa.
Diogo Caldas (CEO Refriango), Pedro Marecos Duarte, Carlos Duran (both Refriango), Martin Meischl (Austrian Trade Commissioner), Romana Königsbrun (Austrian Ambassador), Neide Teixeira (Refriango), Aires Filipe, Mike Resnicek and Corina Simma (all ALPLA)
ALPLA and Refriango are securing the growing demand for high-quality beverages and bottled drinking water in Angola and the surrounding countries. The international packaging specialist and Angola'’s beverage market leader have just opened the second inhouse plant for safe, affordable and sustainable plastic packaging at the Refriango site in Viana, in the metropolitan area of the capital Luanda. With the second plant on the site of the joint venture partner, ALPLA is adding the production of plastic bottles directly connected to the filling lines of the customer to the manufacture of PET preforms and closures. The number of employees quadruples to 167 and the total area increases from 5,500 square meters to 9,800 square meters.
“The dynamic markets in southern Africa and Angola in particular offer enormous opportunities. With the joint expansion, we are now taking the next step. We are contributing our technological edge as a system provider and strengthening Refriango's supply chain,” emphasizes Javier Delgado, Regional Managing Director AMET (Africa, Middle East & Turkey) at ALPLA. Refriango has been a licensed bottler of the Coca-Cola Company since 2022 and operates 24 bottling lines for more than 150 products. Angola's leading beverage producer is one of ALPLA's largest customers in the region.
Strategic partnership
In addition to Mike Resnicek, Commercial and Finance Director AMET, Aires Filipe, Country Manager of ALPLA Angola, Diogo Caldas, CEO of Refriango and Carlos Duran, Executive Director of Operations at Refriango, Austrian Ambassador Romana Königsbrun and Martin Meischl from the Austrian Foreign Trade Center in Johannesburg were also guests at the opening ceremony on 17 April 2024. The high-ranking representatives emphasized the close economic ties between Austria and Angola at a national and business level.
“ALPLA Sopro is of strategic importance. Our production is directly connected to the customer's filling lines. We are already using this successful model in Mexico, South America and the Philippines. As a close partner, we promote the transfer of knowledge and support Refriango on its expected growth path with reliable, competitive and sustainable solutions,” emphasizes Mike Resnicek. The new plant specializes in the production of PET bottles and will create 73 additional jobs.
ALPLA is also investing in additional technologies and the training of local professionals. The packaging specialist is modernizing its existing machinery, training staff to international standards and optimizing operational efficiency and waste management. “The rapid development of ALPLA in Angola demonstrates our unwavering commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction and socio-economic progress,” says Aires Filipe, Country Manager of ALPLA Angola.
Do you like our texts? Perhaps even so much that you want to use them in your own media? Then please get in touch with us beforehand!