South African beverage can manufacturer Bevcan, a subsidiary of Nampak, has bagged a five-year, ZAR5.6bn ($632m) contract to produce and supply lightweight aluminum cans for Coca-Cola’s beverages portfolio.
Coca-Cola South Africa's subsidiary Coca-Cola Canners is expected to deliver its beverages range in the new cans to the Gauteng market later in 2013 and to the rest of the country during 2014.
In accordance with global trends, Bevcan was in the process of replacing its production line of tin-plated steel beverage cans with aluminum-bodied cans. The first locally produced all-aluminum cans are expected to hit the market in mid-2013.
Bevcan managing director Erik Smuts said the company's infrastructure investment for the latest project includes the installation of a new high-speed line at one of its Gauteng plants, which is slated for commissioning in May 2013.
The new lightweight aluminum can is easy-to-carry and will appeal to environmentally-conscious consumer. Owing to its lightweight properties, less fuel and energy would be required for transportation.
