PepsiCo International franchisee Oman Refreshment Company (ORC) has acquired a new production line from Sidel, which will enable it to increase its production capacity in line with double-digit growth within the country’s carbonated soft drinks sector.
The Omani bottler has invested in Sidel’s Matrix Combi12 production line for the production of 2.25 litre bottles of soft drink at a speed of 18,000 bottles per hour. The new complete line, based on the cost-effective technology of the latest generation of Sidel Matrix equipment, will help the Omani company to increase its bottling capacity, the PET solutions provider claimed.
The line also offers significant potential to reduce the consumption of raw materials and costs, particularly in terms of the amount of PET material required to produce the bottles. Despite the challenges presented by the carbonation process in terms of the bottle format, lightweighting has been applied to the 2.25 litre bottles by Sidel’s Packaging Services team, part of the Sidel Services business unit.
Because of the neck-handling and positive transfer of bottles between blow moulding and filling, the Sidel Matrix Combi is not bound by the limitations imposed by air conveyors. Its overall efficiency, its compact size, ergonomic design, easy maintenance and lower energy consumption all contribute to cost reductions, Sidel added.
ORC holds an 89% share of the carbonated soft drinks category, including production of the Pepsi, Mountain Dew and 7Up brands.
ORC head of operations Rosel Ocampo said: “One of the driving factors in our decision to choose Sidel again was the efficiency with which their machines operate and prompt response on after sales service. By using their machines, we will be able to increase production, cut cost and potentially reduce raw material consumption.”
Sidel’s regional commercial director, Greater Middle East and Africa zone, Harbinder Kathuria, continued: “In order for us to extend our equipment and services to a wider audience, we’ve established a solid presence in the region, and we are delighted to see the continuous success and growth that our customers are achieving. By providing innovative solutions, we are enabling beverage producers to keep up with the growth in the industry in their local markets and also at the regional and global levels.”
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