PaperDabba News Desk: 21 July 2024
Significant development has occurred as the ‘Ball Beverage Packaging’ company plans to set up an aluminium tin production unit in the state with an investment of ₹700 crores. This unit is expected to provide employment opportunities for 500 individuals, announced IT and Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu. On Sunday, Ball India’s Corporate Affairs head, Ganesan, met with the minister at the Secretariat to discuss the company’s expansion plans.
Company’s Expansion Plans
Ganesan elaborated on the company’s extensive plans for expanding its operations, focusing on supplying aluminium tins to the beer, soft drinks, and perfume industries. Minister Sridhar Babu assured Ganesan that the state would provide the necessary land and other infrastructure facilities to set up the unit.
Current Scenario and Future Prospects
Minister Sridhar Babu highlighted that currently, beer in tins in the state is bottled in Maharashtra, with the usage rate being just 2%. In contrast, Karnataka and Maharashtra use tins for 25% of their beer packaging. The minister emphasized the need for changes in the excise policy to facilitate beer bottling in aluminium tins within the state. He assured that he would discuss this matter with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao.
Economic Impact
The minister explained that packaging beer in 500 ml aluminium tins would reduce excise duty, resulting in an additional annual revenue of ₹285 crores for the government. During his previous visit to the Coca-Cola headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, the company expressed readiness to establish a new bottling unit in the Peddapalli district with an investment of ₹1000 crores. The ‘Ball’ company will be manufacturing aluminium tins for this unit.
State’s Support and Encouragement
Minister Sridhar Babu urged Ganesan to submit a detailed investment plan and ensure all necessary support from the state government. This initiative is seen as a significant step towards industrial growth and employment generation in the state.
The state government’s proactive approach in providing infrastructure and policy support is expected to make this project a reality, boosting the local economy and providing substantial employment opportunities.