New diaper machine boost local production
Having identified the need to boost local manufacturing, Kimberly-Clark South Africa (K-CSA) has invested R120 million in a new diaper machine at its Epping Mill in Cape Town. This will grow its production capability by 400 million units per year and provide 65 jobs.
Extensive training investment was made available locally and abroad in the operations, technical and quality areas to support the start-up of the asset. Engineers, technicians and operators travelled across seven different countries to gain expert knowledge transfer on the new machine.
In line with its five-year expansion strategy, this is its second significant investment in two years, following the launch of its premium tissue converting line in at its Enstra Mill in Springs in April last year.
K-CSA MD, Garth Towell, says its diaper business was historically built on a combination of local and imported diapers. "We identified the need to boost local manufacturing to generate improved returns and support rapid business expansion of our diaper brand," he says.
Honouring local flowers, area
The new machine, known as Project Disa, is turning the company's vision of creating local capability into reality. While the acronym DISA refers to diaper investment in South Africa, the Disa flower is unique to the Western Cape and originates from the orchid family. It is commonly found in the fynbos, which is characteristic of the area and points to the company's cognisance of its local environment.
The new technology applied to this asset enables 99% filtration efficiency, environmentally friendly air generation and a reduction in energy usage.
Towell says the investment bears testimony to the global shareholders' belief in the company as a business, South Africa as an investment destination and Cape Town as a strategic location.
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