Ardagh Glass' Nigel plant
Glass producer Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa announced a further extension of its Nigel production facility, in Gauteng, with an investment in a third furnace (N3) following the recent commissioning of the Nigel 2 (N2) expansion.
The investment will further increase the facility’s capacity to provide sustainable glass packaging to support customers’ current and projected demand growth over the next few years.
N3 will be a replica of the N2 expansion completed earlier this year and will similarly incorporate a new furnace and additional production lines.
It will also provide significant energy, water efficiency and environmental benefits, representing another important step in the company’s journey to decarbonise the glass production process and reduce emissions, the company says.
The investment, which is backed by long-term customer contracts, is in line with Ardagh’s commitment at the time of acquisition to invest in the growth of the South African glass industry.
Leveraging Ardagh Group’s technical capabilities and global sourcing, the expansion is expected to be commissioned in late 2023, well ahead of current standard lead times.
"This capital investment will further bolster government’s economic recovery plans in Ekurhuleni by offering additional job opportunities and increased ancillary supply-chain benefits in the community," Ardagh says.
Following completion, the Nigel production facility will be the largest glass container production facility in its network, and on the African continent, it adds.