Nigerian Breweries on Friday announced it has completed a N5 billion ultramodern automated production line at its Ijebu Ode Brewery in Ogun State.

Borrut Bel, the Chief Executive Officer, MD & Director, Nigerian Breweries, said the automated PET line will produce 24 thousand units per hour and was developed with the newest technology, world-class safety and quality standard.

He said: “This is something we have done for over 74 years and we hope to continue to do that in the years to come. “This PET line represents a direct investment of about N5 billion and it comes at a time when the effect of COVID-19 has made other businesses wary of making such huge capital investment.

“Despite this we remain confident and optimistic that the commissioning of today will give birth to certainty. And with the right decision and policies, companies such as ours would continue in providing refreshment for millions of men, women and children in Nigeria.

“This new PET line will increase our production capacity for non alcoholic drinks starting with Maltina and the newly introduced variance of Maltina Pineapple, Maltina Vanilla and other brands like Amstel and high malt,” he said.

Speaking earlier in the week, Chief Kolawole Jamodu, Chairman, NB Plc, said: “We are committed to continuing to play our role in supporting the government as a responsible corporate citizen.

“We have been listed as one of the highest tax paying companies in Nigeria and the highest in the manufacturing industry, with tax and duty payment of approximately N326 billion over the last five years. We have paid over N1 billion in combined taxes of PAYE, levies and other duties to the Ogun State Government.”