FIJI Water’s Yaqara Plant now boasts state-of-the-art high speed production lines that will increase production capacity by 47 per cent, improve energy efficiency by 10 per cent and reduce cardboard usage in packaging by 10 per cent.
This comes on the back of a FJ$140 million major capacity expansion investment from the parent company, The Wonderful Company, making it one of the most advanced bottled water factories globally.
Officiating at the commissioning at the plant today, Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka praised the company’s dedication to innovation, and growth.
“This is a very exciting time for FIJI Water, and I am inspired by the many dedicated employees working every day to make the world a better place. FIJI Water continues to push the boundaries of innovation, and I look forward to its future growth and success. I want to acknowledge the many ways Lynda and Stewart Resnick and their company have committed themselves to Fiji.”
The expansion is the water bottling company’s largest capacity expansion initiative, bringing to over over FJ$300 million it has spent on upgrades, since the company launched its iconic brand in 1996. In 2016, FIJI Water installed a new bottling line, and by 2023, it transitioned 67% of its bottles to recycled plastic (rPET).
“We are proud to operate what is now the most high-tech, advanced, and safe bottled water factory in the world,” said Craig Cooper, Executive Vice President, The Wonderful Company. “These new bottling lines will ensure the business continues to thrive for many years to come. We are proud to support Fiji and its economy, and we are grateful to the hundreds of people working at the FIJI Water plant, as well as NPDL, their families, and our wider community.”
The company employs nearly 400 workers.
Also in attendance at the launch today were Deputy Prime Ministers Manoa Kamikamica and Viliame Gavoka, senior cabinet ministers, the United States Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, senior executives from FIJI Water and The Wonderful Company, and other dignitaries.
