Sidel is a global  provider of liquid packaging solutions.  It was awarded a major project in Ikeja, Nigeria, by the Nigerian Bottling Company, a member of the Coca-Cola HBC. Olivier Fraisse is the Regional Commercial Director Africa, Sidel in this on line interview he gave insight into the company’s operation in Nigeria

How many such contracts is the company handling now?
Nigeria is one of our focus markets this year. The country is experiencing a massive growth in the beverage industry and thus it offers a huge potential for our business to flourish and grow. We have done business in Nigeria with big producers such as Nestle and Coca-Cola, as well as independent customers and bottlers. So far, we have an installed base of over 500 pieces of equipment in Nigeria, ranging from blowers, fillers, labelers to tunnel machines and other equipment.

What is the value of its contract in Nigeria?
Being a private investment, we would refrain from disclosing the cost.

Has it done similar contract in Nigeria before?
Yes, we have installed many Complete Lines in Nigeria, providing turnkey solutions to beverage producers from blowing the bottle to final delivery. We also provide standalone machines when requested, and of course, offer after-sales and maintenance services as well as training for the technical staff on how to use the machines. Apart from that, we give customers options on saving energy and cutting costs on an existing machine or line. We are also able to sell and deliver spare parts at very high speed.

What is the capacity of the company to deliver on schedule?
We are a global organization with over 31 offices around the world. Our experience dates back to over 50 years in blowing bottles, so in terms of expertise, we are proud to be considered a leader in the industry. With the establishment of the Greater Middle East and Africa Zone last year, we are now much closer to our customers than we were before, able to attend to their after-sales needs at a greater speed and efficiency. The Zone’s staff is mainly based in offices located in the United Arab Emirates and South Africa and we do have agents operating across the entire African continent. This allows us to deliver on time with the highest quality.

How long will it take to deliver on this project?
All equipment is on site right now. Installment will commence within the next four weeks, while the entire project will be completed within approximately four months from the start of the installation process.

Is it going for any new contract?
We are constantly working on providing added value to our customers by presenting the most innovative solutions that fit their particular market needs. Nigeria has its own specificities as a country, characterized by its infrastructure, matured market, very young population and increasing urbanization. Hence, we work on projects that are customized to meet those specific needs, keeping in mind our customers’ focus on lowering cost and increasing efficiency. So yes, we are being approached by different customers all the time and the work is continuous in the country.

Who are its Nigeria partners?
SBA is Sidel’s agent in Africa with offices in Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Congo, Angola and Kenya. A new office in Lagos will be opened in June. We have been working with SBA for over 15 years and they are our representatives in most African countries both commercially and technically and for after-sales services.

What is their stake in the company?
Sidel and SBA work together in African countries, but neither company owns the other.