Food processing and packaging solutions company Tetra Pak has reopened its newly renovated factory in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, following an investment of about R500-million.

The investment was directed towards upgrading and expanding the production capabilities of the Pinetown facility, which allows Tetra Pak to extend its services to more customers across the Southern African region.

The upgrade, which took about two years to complete, 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.

At an event to mark the reopening, on April 4, Tetra Pak Southern Africa MD Klaus Plenge underlined the company's belief in collaboration and acknowledged the essential role of the government in fostering a business-friendly environment conducive to innovation and economic progress.

Additionally, he pointed out that the upgraded factory opened new export opportunities for Tetra Pak products, particularly under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

Also speaking at the event, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the expanded facility would support job creation while also driving innovation, promoting localisation and advancing the circular economy.

“Despite a strained domestic and global economic climate, this factory expansion demonstrates that South Africa does indeed have the elements that make it an attractive destination for investors.

“This gives us a renewed impetus and hope as government to forge ahead with our partnership with business and also, for us to overcome the challenges that our country is going through at the moment in energy, in logistics, in water and other sectors,” Ramaphosa said.

“We are not just safeguarding food, but also our people and our planet. The significant investment, coupled with our Proudly South African certification, reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting local businesses and communities throughout our corporations. It not only showcases our confidence in our business but also underscores our dedication to the future of our community and South Africa as a whole.

“Furthermore, We are making substantial investments in the circular economy right here in South Africa,” said Plenge.