In the first phase of the company's planned investments in Kenya and across Africa, the Seven-Up Bottling (SBC) Co. in Kenya has launched a Pepsi Cola manufacturing plant.
SBC Kenya Chairman Faysal El-Khalil explained that the establishment of the plant underpins continuing investor confidence in Kenya.
"When international investors mention Africa, they talk about the next one billion consumers, however Africa has to also play its role," El-Khalil said.
"There is a lot that needs to be done in terms of improving governance, education, medical care and infrastructure and electricity,” he added. “I think the opportunity for Africa, and Kenya in particular, is a great one," he emphasized.
El-Khalil expressed gratitude to the government for the assistance it provided in helping Pepsi set up the plan which is located off the Thika Highway - and emphasized that it will help the company meet the growing demand for consumer products and services in the market.
PepsiCo had stopped bottling in Kenya under competitive pressure from Coca-Cola in the 1970s.
SBC Kenya has a workforce of 200 members that El-Khalil explained will increase to 300 within the next 12 months. He emphasized that SBC Kenya will be committed to attracting, developing and retaining the best talent in the market by offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive range of benefits.
“The manufacturing capacities in the facility have been designed to keep abreast of market demand, while maintaining the highest standards of operation,” El-Khalil said. The plant is equipped with advanced technologies to promote operating efficiencies, while reducing water and energy use, the company said.
"We keep a hawk's eye on our quality processes guided by the stringent standards of PepsiCo International and Seven-Up International," he said.