By Princewill Ekwujuru

Nigerian Bottling Company Limited says it invested $600 million (about N1.83 trillion) in the economy over the last six years.

The company also plans to empower five million women under its distributor scheme by 2020.

The Managing Director of the company, George Polymenakos, disclosed this at an interactive session with newsmen as part of the various programmes NBC is rolling out to commemorate its 65 years of historic milestone themed, ‘Celebrating a Tradition of Excellence’.

He stated: “NBC is continuously making major investments and upgrading its systems, including our human capital to drive world class operations. Over the last six years, NBC has invested over $600 million as part of the company’s transformation journey to drive world class standards in its operations. As NBC continues to pursue excellence in its operations, people and systems, so much is being invested to transform our business, to better satisfy our market and loyal consumers.”

Also Speaking, Sade Morgan, Legal, Public Affairs and Communications Director, stated: “Over the last 65 years, NBC has established itself as a key player in the Nigerian non-alcoholic beverage industry.

The Company has remained strong and committed to satisfying its consumers and continues to thrive in a challenging business environment and competitive market terrain.

According to her, NBC is also championing and driving investment in the well-being of its communities through its intervention programs in the areas of skill acquisition and support initiatives for the youth, women empowerment and other community shared value projects, in other to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. These projects have received numerous commendations and awards from regulators and other industry stakeholders.

“Since incorporation in November 1951, NBC has been consistently manufacturing, marketing and distributing global leading Coca-Cola brands, with an ever widening range of non-alcoholic beverages to the ever growing Nigerian market. The bottling giant has received several industry awards and recognition as a reputable manufacturer and for performing its operations in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way,” she stated.

NBC was incorporated in November 1951, and is the bedrock of global bottlers, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company.