Global packaging specialist ALPLA and beverage producer Refriango have inaugurated their second inhouse plant at the Refriango site in Viana, Angola.
This strategic move aims to enhance efficiency and capacity while reducing the carbon footprint of both companies.
The new facility, ALPLA Sopro, is dedicated to producing safe, affordable, and sustainable plastic bottles.
The establishment of the new production line, which is directly connected to Refriango's filling lines, marks ALPLA's third plant in Angola and the fifth in-house plant in the region.
It is also the second inhouse plant directly at the Refriango site.
The collaboration between ALPLA and Refriango is expected to address the growing demand for high-quality beverages and bottled drinking water in Angola and neighbouring countries.
With the addition, ALPLA is expanding its production capabilities to include plastic bottles, complementing the existing manufacture of PET preforms and closures.
This expansion has resulted in a significant increase in the workforce, with the number of employees quadrupling to 167, and the total area of the facility growing from 5,500m2 to 9,800m2.
ALPLA Africa, Middle East & Turkey (AMET) regional managing director Javier Delgado said: “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.”
The new plant, which specialises in the production of PET bottles, is expected to create 73 additional jobs.
Refriango, a licensed bottler of the Coca-Cola Company since 2022, is one of ALPLA's largest customers in the region.
In addition to the physical expansion, ALPLA invests in advanced technologies and the professional development of local staff.
The company is modernising its machinery, training employees to international standards, and optimising operational efficiency and waste management.
ALPLA Angola, country manager Aires Filipe said: “The rapid development of ALPLA in Angola demonstrates our unwavering commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction and socio-economic progress.”
Last month, ALPLA inaugurated its expanded facility in Vlotho-Exter, Germany.
