Grupo Petrópolis Inaugurates Factory With High Technology Standard in Bahia

27 Nov 2013 --- Grupo Petrópolis, the second largest brewer in Brazil and the only large company with 100% equity of the national industry intensifies its presence in the Brazilian territory with the opening of its first factory in the Northeast, in Alagoinhas, 108 km from Salvador. Capable production of 6 million hectoliters per year, the company invested approximately R $ 600 million for the development of the plant in the period of 5 years and can grow to $ 1.1 billion with the distribution business.

One of the highlights of the new unit is the technology, the most modern in Latin America, acquired the German company Krones AG (see more details in the text about the technology.) Even before the inauguration, Products Grupo Petrópolis have reported good consumer acceptance Northeast. In about 60 days, with even partial distribution in the months of September and October, were consumed over 200 million gallons of beer, in bottles of 600 ml and 350 ml cans of Itaipava. Entry into the Northeast region is progressively going from 2012 when it announced the construction of the plant. Besides the unit Alagoinhas the Itapissuma unit is being built about 45 km from Recife (PE), to meet other Northeastern states. The two plants will increase by 48% the production capacity of the Group.

"The Northeast is strategic for a 100% Brazilian company," says Director of Marketing Grupo Petrópolis, Douglas Costa. The insertion of the Group in Northeast begins with Itaipava brand that lent its name to two arenas (naming rights) in the region: Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova Arena and Itaipava Pernambuco. The contract for the naming rights (right to use the name), who is 10 years with possibility of extension for another 20 years, the Group ensures the possibility of investing in events in the region. "We chose football, one of Brazil's passions and unite to beer, another national passion, to create permanent links with Northeastern. "explains Douglas Costa. Apart from football, the arenas will house events sponsored by the Group, as well as concerts and other events.

Alagoinhas Unit in numbers

• Capacity - 6 million hectoliters per year

• Two lines of production: 62 000 bottles per hour and 128 per thousand cans time

• Generation 600 direct jobs and 3000 indirect

• £ 600 million invested

• Goal achievement: 3.3 liters of water per liter of beer

• 86 distribution centers in nine states (when the plant is also in operation Itapissuma )

Commemorative Tin

To celebrate the opening of the unit Alagoinhas, Grupo Petrópolis launched for the consumer Bahia, an allusive tin, on which is printed the design of the new plant unit.

With Itapissuma unit, complete Group presence in the region Opening in for the first half of 2014, the unit Itapissuma in Pernambuco, complete the goal of being present throughout the region. Besides the distribution by Pernambuco state, the unit will supply distribution centers in Alagoas, Paraíba, Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará.