From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

African metal crown manufacturer and supplier Coleus Packaging, which hosted a launch event for its new machinery at its Alrode facility in Alberton, in Johannesburg, in February, aims to enhance bottle crown closure manufacturing processes and product output for the beverage industry throughout Africa. Trent Roebeck has the story.

Trent Roebeck:

Coleus Packaging MD Ian Victor believes that the introduction of the new metal cap manufacturing machine will put the company on a trajectory to perform on a level that can be compared with the practices of international competitors, making the battle against imports less of a concern.

Coleus Packaging MD Ian Victor:

Well, I think first of all, this is the latest technology you can get on the market. So, it actually showcases Coleus’ ability to perform like a global manufacturer, and we always have to compete against imports. So, if you cannot manufacture like a global competitor, then it’s going to be difficult to actually compete.

Trent Roebeck:

The PMC500 metal crown manufacturing machine will be highly beneficial to the brewery industry, as these metal crowns are particularly apt for glass bottle closure. Coleus Packaging will be able to align its product offerings with the growth of the brewery industry each year. Coleus Packaging will be able to produce between 7.5-billion to 8-billion metal crowns a year.

Moreover, the PMC500 will ensure high-quality metal crowns produced at an increased speed and will be more cost-effective to manufacture. This will, in turn, allow customers to purchase affordable metal crowns locally, leaving little to no need for imports.

Coleus Packaging MD Ian Victor:

Before we did the refurbishment on the machines, we were sitting with something, like, 55% to 60% efficiency. You should be running around about 80% to 90%. This new line will give us the capability of running about 90% to 95% efficiency.

Trent Roebeck:

Victor believes that the introduction of this new machine at the Coleus Packaging facility in Alberton will contribute to growing the South African economy through the creation of jobs, alleviating the dire straits that engulf the economy at present.

Coleus Packaging MD Ian Victor:

So, what we are trying to do, is show South Africa that with a bit of investment, we can obviously – first of all – compete and become like a world-class manufacturer, and we can actually employ people. Because the more we actually produce, the less imports come in, and the more people we would need to manufacture.

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.