FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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JULY 15, 2022
ZAMBIAN BREWERIES SHOWCASES SUSTAINABLE PLANT UPGRADE
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Zambian Breweries has unveiled further details of its US$80 million investment plan that will see the company’s Mungwi Road plant in Lusaka double its production capacity over the next 18 months.
Zambian Breweries Country Director Michelle Kilpin hailed the investment as a triple win for the firm as the expansion will increase capacity and product availability.
The community will benefit from the multiple opportunities that will be created and the Zambian government will see an increase in tax revenue. The first phase of the investment includes upgrades to the supply wing of the business, which houses the technical services, brewing, cellars and packaging departments.
“This investment has been enabled by the pro-business and pro-investment climate being promoted by the government. . We are encouraged by what we have seen so far and we as a business intend to be a big part of the economic recovery and growth of the Zambian market,” said Ms Kilpin.
As part of the upgrade, Zambian Breweries expects to invest 90% of the proposed investment in high-tech equipment that will see the plant operate more sustainably.
Lusaka plant manager Albert Malunga explained that the upgrades included replacing the plant’s clean-in-place (CIP) equipment, installation of a more efficient boiler and new milling plant.
He said that the government has placed importance on sustainability by introducing the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, which is concerned with increasing access to a clean and safe environment.
“Our response as a business is to prepare ourselves for the future by investing in new technologies which will be environmentally friendly and will help us care for the environment by reducing carbon emissions.”
Mr Malunga further added that Zambian Breweries would also invest in improving the work environment of employees at the plant. The upgrade is expected to create over 5,000 jobs, both direct and indirect, with a spill-over effect into the company’s agriculture out-grower schemes. Works at the plant have commenced with local contractors engaged to begin installation of the new mash filters at the CIP plant.
The expansion project is also expected to have positive effects on other key players in the value chain such as suppliers, retailers and transporters. When complete, the brewery will be able to meet the long-term future demand that is expected from the Zambian consumers as well as explore potential export market opportunities.
“We pride ourselves in local sourcing and we see this investment creating more jobs, not just more people at the plant on a permanent basis but we source as many raw materials and services from Zambian suppliers. The bigger impact will come in terms of indirect employment in our value chains. We source all our barley, sorghum and cassava from local farmers and our goal is, by 2025, to have these farmers connected financially, empowered and trained by our company,” Ms Kilpin highlighted.
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About AB InBev in Zambia
Zambian Breweries Plc is part of Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the largest brewer in the world, with more than 400 beer brands and some 200,000 employees in over 50 countries. It is also one of the world’s largest bottlers of soft drinks.
Zambian Breweries was established in Zambia in 1968 and its product range has grown to include clear beers such as Mosi Lager, Castle, Carling Black Label, Eagle beer, Stella Artois and Budweiser.
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