Fastest PET line for a dynamic region

The Middle East market has created opportunities for many international companies engaged in the production of machinery. Recently, Saudi Arabian Nova Water manufacturer has installed the latest PET line from Sidel. The line, considered the fastest in the world, enables Health Water Bottling to produce 134,000 bottles per hour to meet rising demand for bottled water in the Kingdom’s booming market. International Plastics News – Middle East & Africa learned from Mr. Andrea DelGrosso, Regional Commercial Director for Sidel, the importance of bringing this line to the Middle East and how the region responds to the company’s products.

IRNEA: How would you describe this latest move in the Saudi Arabian market?

Mr. DelGrosso:  To meet the growing demand for bottled water in the Saudi Arabian market, Health Water Bottling Company (HWB), a leading bottled water supplier in Saudi Arabia which produces water under the Nova brand name, has recently acquired a complete PET line from Sidel. This new line boasts one of the fastest turnover rates in the world. With the new technologically advanced line, which embraces the latest generation of Sidel Matrix™ equipment, HWB will be producing PET water bottles in 330 ml and 600 ml formats at a speed of 134,000 bottles per hour by February 2015.

In recent years, demand for bottled water (both still and carbonated) in the Saudi Arabian market has risen dramatically and is forecast to grow even further in future years. Off-trade sales volume of bottled water rose by 52.4% between 2007 and 2012, growing from 1,063 to 1,620 million litres sold, and has come close to surpassing even carbonates’ sales. The increase in demand has been attributed to the growing population of Saudi Arabia. The nation recorded a 2% increase in population in 2011 and water, being such a fundamental necessity, drove up the demand for bottled water. 

In light of this increasing demand, the turnout rate of Nova branded bottles is crucial. Sidel’s leading technology in PET line solutions will allow HWB to stay at the forefront of this growing market by boosting its annual water production capacity with an additional 134,000 bottles per hour, thereby sustaining its industry-leading position.

IRNEA: Sidel was chosen the unique supplier for the new HWB complete line. What specific requirements of HWB that Sidel has been able to meet?

Mr. DelGrosso:  During the 15-year relationship between the two companies, HWB has purchased different standalone equipment from Sidel, ranging from blowing machines, to fillers and others. The company was operating lines that featured technologies from several different suppliers, which did not optimise the overall line efficiency in terms of energy cost and wastage. This is one of the reasons for HWB making the subsequent decision to choose one unique reliable solutions provider for a complete line to ensure line performance. Sidel was selected because of its expertise in engineering know-how and the high performance of its equipment and services. Sidel also provides HWB with reliable customer service and after-sales support.

IRNEA: Please describe the PET bottling equipment that Sidel has provided HWB. What makes this model ideal for bottling?

Mr. DelGrosso: A technologically advanced production line, the model is based on the latest proven modular generation of PET bottling equipment, the Sidel Matrix system , which offers a higher level of performance, very fast changeover times, greater oven efficiency and improved uptime. 

With its new complete line acquisition, HWB will benefit from this latest Sidel generation of solutions. The line is equipped with two Sidel Matrix Combis, integrating blow-fill-cap in one unique enclosure. Because of the neck-handling and positive transfer of bottles between blow moulding and filling, the Sidel Matrix Combi is not bound by the limitations imposed by air conveyors. It will offer HWB greater design freedom in terms of bottle shape and the ability to package lightweight bottles at high speeds. Moreover, its overall efficiency, ergonomic and hygienic design, compact size, easy maintenance and lower energy consumption will all contribute to real cost reductions for HWB. 

Given the large increase in demand for bottled water in Saudi Arabia, there is now a huge opportunity for water providers in the area and we believe that HWB has definitely made a good choice by selecting the Sidel Matrix Combi which will offer great production efficiency and potential bottle lightweighting possibilities. We are globally committed to providing our customers with reliable and innovative technology and are glad to see that our Saudi-based team is striving to uphold that commitment. 

Based on 50-years’ experience in blowing and 40-years’ experience in PET, Sidel will also support HWB to reach a very high level of bottle quality due to the company’s blowing process expertise and high energy-efficient process. Our mission is to constantly push the limits of technology and provide unique and innovative solutions for our customers, and we have definitely demonstrated that with this piece of machinery. We are very proud to have our name on one of the fastest lines in the industry. 

IRNEA: Does Sidel have any other recent accomplishments or new customers served in the Middle East market? 

Mr. DelGrosso: We have a growing customer base in the Middle East as the region is a dynamic market with robust packaging industry. Sidel recently provided liquid packaging solutions to Naba Al Furat, a member of the Al Hadara Group of Iraq, which has successfully upgraded its carbonated soft drinks (CSD) production line to fit two Sidel Rollquattro F35 Evolution labellers.

Also, in recognition of the growing significance of the Middle East and Africa for the global beverage industry, Sidel established a new Greater Middle East and Africa (GMEA) Zone in 2013. With its headquarters in Dubai, UAE, and supporting offices across the zone including in Johannesburg, the GMEA team comprises many different experts throughout the region including account managers, customer service managers, project managers, layout designers, field service engineers, planners, coordinators and site managers. IRNEA

Sidel Greater Middle East and Africa (GMEA)

Tel:  +971 4 429 1800

Fax: +971 4 429 1899 

Website: www.sidel.com