Austrian plastic packaging group Alpla (Hard; www.alpla.com) is building a new plant in Lanseria / South Africa as part of a consolidation of its activities in the area. The production of five existing South African plants in Harrismith, Denver, Isando, Kempton Park and Samrand will be transferred to the new site in Lanseria. The company said that more than 50 employees would be impacted as a result of the consolidation.

Groundbreaking work began in February 2020, and construction is expected to be completed in summer 2021. Alpla said the project, located in an emerging area northwest of Johannesburg with excellent infrastructure, creates the basis for long-term growth and competitiveness in the Sub-Saharan African region. “Concentrating on one plant not only simplifies and optimises manufacturing processes, but also contributes significantly to improving logistics and transport,” it stated. “Standard bottle solutions and tailor-made packaging for the food, personal care, home care, chemical, detergent and pharmaceutical industries will be predominantly manufactured as before.”

Alpla said in the last five years it has expanded its presence in Africa through acquisitions and cooperation agreements. This includes the takeover of PET preforms, PET bottles and closures manufacturer Boxmore Packaging in 2017 – see Plasteurope.com of 11.07.2017.