Coca Cola opens $15m bottling plant in Somaliland
 |
| The Coca-Cola logo is an example of a widely-recognized trademark representing a global brand. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Author: XINHUA
The beverage company, Coca-Cola Company has opened a $15 million dollar bottling plant in Hargeisa City, Somaliland as it continue with its expansion in Africa, the company said on Wednesday.
Mr Nathan Kalumbu, Coca Cola's Central, East and West Africa president said the beverage plant is the first industrial production plant of its kind in the self-declared republic of Somaliland which enjoys relative peace.
"We are delighted about this new opportunity to refresh our consumers with high quality beverage choices," Mr Kalumbu said in a statement issued in Nairobi.
He said the Somaliland investment will create an estimated 135 direct jobs and 2,500 indirect jobs, and will contribute to a healthy distribution and retail sector in Somaliland.
The Coca-Cola bottling plant investment in Somaliland is based on a 100 per cent franchising agreement.
"Our commitment to the continent of Africa remains enduring and unshakable," added Mr Kalumbu.
The investment by the beverage firm and its partner, Somaliland Beverage Industries, is part of the Coca-Cola System's commitment to invest $12 billion in the continent by 2020, starting in 2010.
The Chairman of Somaliland Beverage Industries, Ahmed Osman Guelleh expressed optimism and confidence about the investment the System had made in the region.
"Bringing the production of Coca- Cola brands to Somaliland not only brings the much needed entrepreneurial and employment opportunities, but builds local capability through access to global best practice and manufacturing standards, including ISO and environmental and safety standards."
