Crown Bevcan Middle East reports growth in sales and completion of two projects at its Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafz) manufacturing facility.

A second beverage can line, with an annual capacity of 900 million, recently commenced operations boosting total plant capacity to 1.6 billion cans a year. Manufacturing also commenced at the company’s new can ends line with a capacity to produce 1.5 million 206 diameter ends per year.
Sales in 2006 grew 20 per cent over last year, says Francois Querrioux, general manager, Dubai office.
The official said the company spent more than $40 million and two months over the two projects, making the Jebel Ali production facilities one of the Middle East’s most technologically advanced in the industry.
 Crown’s main markets are the UAE and Oman but exports also go to Iran, Pakistan and India. “The market is interesting and definitely growing. Growth has triggered investments. Our current expansions put us at a comfortable position for the next two years,” says Querrioux.
The company will be focusing on supply chain and human resources over the next year. Querrioux says it has spent 40,000 hours on training, some 8 per cent of the total working hours.
“We are also focusing on innovation. The next step following the increase in capacities is looking at new finishes and products. We are also working on new technologies of printing.”
Crown operates two large R&D centres across the globe, which are recognised as leaders in their class. They offer a range of support services for both businesses and customers with over 300 packaging, product and materials experts.
For customers it offers in-depth support on its filling lines with a dedicated Customer Technical Service team. Crown is also renowned for its technical experience and expertise in can seaming.
As well as securing a number of ISO and HACCP industry accreditations, the Dubai plant has won the company’s ‘Best Safety Award’ for six consecutive years. In 2004, it won Jebel Ali Free Zone’s ‘Best Factory’ award.
Crown has been in the region for 15 years and was among the first companies to set up base in Jafza.
Staying competitive is a big issue. “The biggest challenge is the rising cost of aluminium.  While the cost of the metal has more than doubled over the years, the price of the beverage can for consumers has remained the same. It helps to be a big company and, by being well organised, and with added capacities, we are able to overcome the challenge,” observes Querrioux. 
 “With higher volumes we can meet the growing market. Growth will continue as more people come into the region. Currently we are reviewing our strategy for 2008/9 and looking at options to move into new areas by monitoring trends in the region.”