In the wake of Covid-19 and related socio-economic challenges, the R500-million investment by Swedish multinational food packaging and processing company Tetra Pak to upgrade the production capacity of its packaging material factory in Pinetown, Durban could not have come at a better time, says KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala.
“This investment will certainly foster economic growth and boost much-needed jobs in the province,” he said.
He believes the investment will safeguard approximately 120 jobs, with an additional minimum of 20 new technical professionals to be employed.
“We are also excited about Tetra Pak’s long-term vision, [and] from this current production location, the company is seeking to position itself as an export hub for South Africa and a platform for growth on our wider continent.
“KwaZulu-Natal has mounted an energetic, diplomatic engagement to invite investment into our province to create jobs and safeguard livelihoods,” Zikalala said.
“Working with a country like Sweden and a company like Tetra Pak, we are confident that we can grow the provincial economy, create employment, and lift the living standards of all our people, black and white.”
Tetra Pak Southern Africa managing director, Stefan Fagerang, said the Pinetown investment was about increasing the local content of its manufactured product by 50% to 80%.
“The investment also supports the company's commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030 and its ability to serve the southern African market,” he added.
Tetra Pak Pinetown factory director, Muhammad Waqas Ali, said with the new state-of-the-art plant, if a customer needs to respond to market changes, “we will be able to accommodate such changes with a quick turnaround”. – SAnews.gov.za
