Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath yesterday inaugurated the expansion of Coca-Cola’s key bottling partner SLMG Beverages’ manufacturing facility in Ayodhya.
While Lucknow-based SLMG Beverages has invested Rs 350 crore in the Ayodhya project, it plans to invest up to a $billion by 2030 to expand production capacity across UP and Bihar.
According to the company, the expansion, under SLMG Beverages’ arm Amrit Bottlers, aims to strengthen the region’s industrial ecosystem and foster local employment and economic growth.
The fresh investment will double the production capacity of Amrit Bottlers from 1,894 bottles per minute to 3,724 bottles per minute.
“The expansion of our Ayodhya plant reflects our commitment to supporting India’s economic growth through sustainable and innovative beverage production,” Rakesh Ladhani, Director, Amrit Bottlers and SLMG Beverages said.
The expansion will enable the company to meet the rising demand for Coca-Cola beverages viz. Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Limca, Fanta, Sprite, Kinley, Maaza and Minute Maid.
The expansion is estimated to generate 900 new jobs, raising the total workforce at the plant to 2,500 employees.
Besides, it will generate thousands of indirect jobs in logistics, retail, and related sectors, thus contributing significantly to UP’s economy, he added.
Meanwhile, the company plans to expand its solar energy capacity to support environmentally friendly bottling operations.
To date, the group has installed 75 MW of solar plants across UP, significantly aiding in reducing carbon emissions.
Moreover, the Ladhani Group has signed an agreement with the Yogi government to set up a plastic recycling plant in Gorakhpur.
A technical institute is also being established in Ayodhya to offer skill development training to the youth.
Going forward, the Group plans to establish two new factories in Gorakhpur and Bijnor districts over the next three years, investing Rs 2,000 crore and creating over 5,000 direct jobs.