Oman Refreshment Co triples bottling capacity

Earlier this year ORC installed a new bottling line from Sidel which has a capacity of 18,000 bottles per hour, along with improved bottle production efficiency. Combined with the firm’s existing production facilities, ORC can now produce around 26,000 bottles per hour.

Expansion for growth​

ORC, the Omani franchise owner for PepsiCo products, claims to have an 89% share of the country’s carbonated soft drink market. Last year ORC reported US$189m in total sales, and US$26m in net profit.

“Our collaboration with Sidel started around 16 years ago. Since then, we have built a strong relationship based on mutual trust, reliability and efficiency. With the growing local demand on our products and carbonated soft drinks in general, we approached Sidel again to obtain a production line which will enable us to increase production, and eventually achieve a stronger competitive edge​,” said ORC general manager Youssef Ezzikhe.

Rosel Ocampo, head of operations at ORC, added: “One of the driving factors in our decision to choose Sidel again was the efficiency with which their machines operate and prompt response on after sales service. By using their machines, we will be able to increase production, cut cost and potentially reduce raw material consumption​.”

Sidel’s regional focus​

Sidel has recently installed production lines for a number of regional beverage producers, including Lebanon’s Tannourine Water​, Nestle, Hana Water and Nova Water in Saudi Arabia, and Al Ahlia in the UAE.

The firm touts its StarLite base technology as a key benefit, allowing bottlers to reduce the amount of plastic used, and also cut costs by producing bottles with lower pressure. The company claims most customers see around a 30% reduction in the amount of plastic required per bottle.

“In order for us to extend our services and solutions to a wider audience, we've established a solid presence in the region, and we are delighted to see the continuous success and growth that our customers are achieving. By providing innovative solutions, we are enabling them to keep up with the growth in the beverage industry not only in their local markets, but also at the regional and global levels​,” said Clive Smith, zone vice president for greater Middle East and Africa at Sidel.