Alan Thompson, regional senior VP-Africa, said, “The RB Elandsfontein head office and location of the ASL plant is a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for the African region and the wider RB business, underpinning the value that the South African business brings to the global whole. The plant upgrade clearly demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement, building capabilities and investment at a local level.”
Dettol ASL is registered in South Africa as a medicine and hence the upgraded plant is a good manufacturing practice (GMP) compliant site. The R&D facilities at the Elandsfontein plant are the biggest in Africa and among the biggest in RB’s developing markets region; its expertise supports the facility upgrade, both in technology transfer and brand maintenance.
Because of this, there is a large focus on skills development, including a successful R&D graduate programme, which has been running since 2008. Through wide technology and process exposure on site as well as strong partnerships with top local universities, RB recruits and trains talent, supporting the pipeline throughout RB, both locally and internationally. The R&D team also get involved in education both on university and industry level, using this as a platform to spot potential talent for the business and raise the profile of the company in general.
In addition, the new plant has created new jobs, while upgraded technologies have improved environmental impact, which will be monitored and measured over time. “Socially, environmentally and financially, we do everything we can to act responsibly and sustainably,” concludes Thompson.
