NAMIBIA – Namibian Breweries, a subsidiary of Heineken in Namibia, has taken a significant step forward with the inauguration of a new N$337 million (US$18.76M) wine packaging line.
This development marks a major milestone in the company’s ongoing dedication to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth within the country.
The wine packaging line was officially opened by His Excellency, Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, the President of Namibia, underscoring the importance of this initiative to the nation’s economy.
In addition to the new packaging line, Namibian Breweries (NBL) invested N$44 million to enhance its existing packaging lines.
This upgrade allows the company to locally package popular ciders such as Savanna and Hunters for the first time, reducing reliance on imports and bolstering local production.
This move is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, as it supports job creation and strengthens Namibia’s manufacturing sector.
To further accommodate the growing demand for its products, NBL also invested N$56 million in expanding its warehouse by an additional 4,400 square meters.
This expansion not only meets the increasing consumer demand but also solidifies NBL’s leadership position in the beverage industry.
The new warehouse space will ensure more efficient storage and distribution, while also enhancing the company’s operational capabilities.
The wine packaging line project, which began in April 2023, was completed ahead of schedule, a testament to NBL’s commitment to excellence.
The new line enables the company to package wines such as Tassenberg, Castelo, and Granada locally, as well as popular ciders like Savanna and Hunters.
As a result, NBL will contribute an additional N$170 million in excise duties to the Namibia Revenue Agency, further supporting the national economy.
The expansion has also led to job creation, with NBL employing 16 new permanent operators to oversee the wine packaging process.
Additionally, 23 temporary staff members were offered permanent positions in packaging, and eight more were hired in Logistics and Distribution. This development reflects NBL’s ongoing commitment to creating sustainable employment opportunities within Namibia.
NBL’s newly appointed Board Chairman, Vetumbuavi Mungunda, emphasized the company’s role as one of the oldest and largest manufacturing companies in Namibia.
He highlighted NBL’s significant contributions to the country’s economy, particularly in terms of export growth and the diversification of Namibia’s product offerings.
Mungunda, who takes over from Roland Pirmez, brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as the chief executive of SBN Holdings and currently leading Ombu Capital, an investment firm he founded in 2021.
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