SABMiller to invest $110 million in Onitsha brewery expansion

SABMiller PLC, a multinational brewing and beverage company headquartered in London, said  it plans to invest $110 million expanding production capacity in Nigeria, following the growth and success of Hero lager.

The world’s second largest brewer, which has Pilsner, Grolsch and Peroni among its portfolio, said the money will be invested in the Onitsha brewery in Anambra State.  The expansion is expected to triple annual capacity to 2.1 million hectoliters and create 400 jobs.

“We have made significant investments over the past five years in Nigeria and this announcement demonstrates our ongoing commitment in the country,” SABMiller’s Nigeria Managing Director Simon Harvey said on Thursday.

Sabmiller  said its subsidiary, Intafact Beverages, has commenced the expansion project and is due for completion in the first quarter of 2015.

The brewery will continue to produce brands including Hero Lager, Castle Milk Stout and non-alcoholic malt beverages Grand Malt and Beta Malt.