Ardagh Group Announces Groundbreaking Africa Centre of Excellence: Transforming Technology and Empowering South African Youth
Cape Town, South Africa – Ardagh Group, a global leader in packaging solutions, has unveiled its plans to establish a groundbreaking Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Cape Town. The CoE will provide essential IT services to Ardagh’s businesses across Europe, the Americas, and Africa, marking a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy.
Pioneering Opportunity to Empower South African Youth
Driven by a commitment to social development, Ardagh views the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Africa as a transformative opportunity to uplift local communities and empower South African youth. By fostering technological skills and creating job opportunities, Ardagh aims to make a positive impact in the field of technology while promoting equal opportunities for all.
Paul Coulson, Chairman of Ardagh Group, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Cape Town’s exceptional technology expertise and robust infrastructure make it the ideal location for Ardagh’s new Centre of Excellence. We are dedicated to expanding our presence in the region to support our global business objectives.”
Investing in South Africa’s Sustainable Future
Building upon its 2022 acquisition of Consol Glass, now Ardagh Glass Packaging – Africa, Ardagh continues to invest in meeting the growing demand for sustainable glass packaging in South Africa. The Centre of Excellence will be a vital component of Ardagh’s broader commitment to positive social impact investments throughout the country, particularly in Cape Town.
Ardagh Glass Packaging – Africa currently operates seven production facilities across South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia, manufacturing an extensive range of glass packaging for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
Collaborative Partnerships and Local Support
Ardagh Group is proud to collaborate with the City of Cape Town, which has provided funding for training initiatives to support the CoE. Additionally, Ardagh has enlisted the expertise of EXL, a renowned data analytics and digital operations company, and CapaCiti, a trusted project implementation partner.
Alderman Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town, expressed excitement about Ardagh’s investment in Africa, highlighting the city’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. The partnership aims to equip local youth with essential training, education, and transferable skills, positioning Cape Town as a premier destination for investment and fostering a prosperous future for the region’s talented individuals.
Giving Back and Strengthening Communities
Committed to making a lasting impact, Ardagh will collaborate with several local charities to support and uplift communities in and around Cape Town. These initiatives reinforce Ardagh’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and further solidify its commitment to the region.
As Ardagh Group spearheads the establishment of its Africa Centre of Excellence, the company reaffirms its mission to drive innovation, empower youth, and create sustainable solutions that positively shape the future of the packaging industry.
Source: Ardagh Group with additional information added by Apazone
