South Africa: PepsiCo opens new manufacturing plant

Simba, part of PepsiCo South Africa, has opened a new “state of the art“ potato chip manufacturing plant in Prospecton, KwaZulu-Natal.

The plant – the third for Simba in South Africa – is designed to help the company to meet an increased for its Simba and Lay’s brands. The new plant is said to be strategically located to increase PepsiCo’s regional presence, and joins existing locations in Gauteng and the Western Cape.

The use of advanced technology will ensure a highly efficient and environmentally stable operation that can produce to optimal performance levels, PepsiCo said, including processes to increase machinery efficiency while reducing electricity consumption and increasing water reuse.

Andrew Having, Simba manufacturing director, commented: “We have seen demand for our products grow for a number of years now and our new facility will help us meet this demand and better serve the needs of our valued retail partners,”

“This is a very proud moment for Simba and its employees. Simba is one of our country’s most-loved brands and has been a valued part of the South African landscape for over 58 years, which is why we are pleased to open this world-class manufacturing site and to welcome our new 90-strong team members”, he added.

Source: PepsiCo