F&N to increase production capacity
KUALA LUMPUR: Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (F&N) is set to enhance its production capabilities following its recent investment in an Aseptic ColdFilling line for Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles from a leading Japanese bottling system manufacturer.
The RM90.5 million line, purchased from Shibuya Corporation, is set to be installed at F&N’s Shah Alam facility and is capable of producing at high speeds with a maximum capacity of 720,000 bottles per day.
According to a press statement, this is expected to increase the group’s bottle production at its Shah Alam plant by 10 per cent or 6.5 million cases (each case is equivalent to 24 PET bottles) annually.
Speaking at the partnership agreement signing ceremony here recently, F&N chief executive officer, Lim Yew Hoe, said that the new facility is key in supporting F&N’s long-term business growth projections, particularly its core products; by further extending its product offerings and packaging formats, while minimising our carbon footprint.
F&N first vice president of Manufacturing, Waradej Patpitak said that the group has invested significantly over the years to modernise its operations and expand its production capacity.
“As a leading player in the industry, we stay ahead of the curve by employing the latest technology in our operations.
“Collaborative initiatives with our suppliers is also vital to our business in providing technical solutions and innovation to meet the evolving trends of the beverage industry.
“We are confident that the Shibuya system will improve our production efficiency with substantially shorter make-ready times and enhance our product offering,” he added.
As a leading player in the industry, we stay ahead of the curve by employing the latest technology in our operations. Collaborative initiatives with our suppliers is also vital to our business in providing technical solutions and innovation to meet the evolving trends of the beverage industry. Waradej Patpitak, F&N first vice president of Manufacturing
Shibuya Corporation Plant Sales Administration Division senior executive vice president Takeo Kobayashi, said that the company was honoured to share its expertise in new-age integrated systems solutions to support F&N’s expansion plans and its efforts towards sustainability.
“We are delighted with the opportunity to partner with Malaysia’s leading beverage producer. We trust that with our expertise, we can aid the Group in its goal towards enhancing its sustainability and expanding its offerings,” he added.
The line, the first-of-its-kind for F&N, is expected to be installed and commissioned by the first quarter of 2018. Among products which will be produced on the line include the group’s tea, juice and Asian drinks range.
Employing the latest technology, the new line allows the use of thinner, lightweight containers, reducing the use of PET resin packaging material by 40 per cent.
The line is also able to maintain a sterile environment within the aseptic chambers for 156 consecutive hours, equating to less production downtime and eliminating microbial contamination.
The state-of-the-art line also provides for longer product shelf life with less flavour loss and flexibility in bottle design due to the ambient filling.