Namibia: SABMiller’s new plant in Okahandja rolls first bottles off its production line

SABMiller Namibia last week started rolling its first bottles off the production line at the company's new 260 000-hectolitre brewery in Okahandja, All Africa reported on August 18.

Since breaking new ground on 28 May last year, engineers and brewing staff had been working to get the brewery online in preparation for the first bottling run.

"The start is part of our brewery ramp-up plan that will eventually see the brewery bottle more than 12 000 bottles per hour," said Bogart Butler, technical manager of the brewery. "This is an exciting time and we hope to commence full-scale operations soon."

MD of SABMiller Namibia, Cobus Bruwer said the plant was built at an estimated investment of N$420 million.

According to Bruwer, one of SABMiller's priorities is sustainable development and the start of production at the brewery within the allocated timeframe shows the commitment of the business to develop opportunities like this within Namibia.

The brand new bottling system consists of an intricate line of various automated systems ensuring exceptional quality control and hygiene.

"From the moment that the de-palletizer loads bottles onto the line, through the world-class bottle sterilisation process, bottle scanner and actual filling, labelling and packing, the system employs the latest technology to ensure that every unit is filled, sealed and delivered to international standards," said the packaging manager, Christian Tors.

20 August, 2014