Coca-Cola SABCO, one of the partners of the newly formed Coca Cola Beverages Africa has unveiled a new $130m bottling plant in Matola Gare, Mozambique.

Speaking at the official event to unveil the new facility, Coca-Cola Chairman and CEO Muhtar Kent noted that Coke has been investing in Africa for almost 90 years and is present in every African country with more than 70,000 employees and 145 bottling plants.

“We have continued to increase investment in our business in Africa and are proud to be one of the largest employers across Africa as well as Mozambique,” Kent said. “This facility, which is proudly operated by our local partners from Coca-Cola Sabco, is the latest example of our continued commitment to refresh African consumers, while at the same time creating opportunities for enterprise and employment along our supply chain.”

The new plant is the largest green-field facility Coca-Cola SABCO has developed across its seven-country market in Southern and East Africa. It is fully equipped with state-of-the-art computerized operations including energy waste water recycling and building management systems.

Coca-Cola Chairman and CEO Muhtar Kent (right) tours the new $130 million facility with Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi

The President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, who was present at the launch, said “Coca-Cola’s investment in job creation and the growth of skills in Mozambique is a testament to the company’s commitment to assisting us grow the economy of the country.”

The Managing Director of Coca-Cola SABCO, Simon Everest, said “We need to look ahead and understand the trends and forces that will shape our business in the future and be able to move swiftly to prepare for what’s to come. The Matola Gare plant is an example of how we are getting ready for tomorrow, today.”

The new plant will employ 400 full-time employees with two bottling lines – one for glass bottles and one for PET plastic bottles. A third line for glass bottles could be added in the future.