KC commissions new packaging line

The Minister’s comment was made at yesterday’s formal commissioning of the automated packaging line at the plant. In June last year a $25 million fire destroyed parts of the plant’s operations.

Valley, who spent his boyhood days in Couva, said “one of the hallmarks of a successful entrepreneur is perseverance and determination in the face of adversity and KC has demonstrated this characteristic by rising again from the ashes and regaining its momentum.

“Not only has the company been able to repair the damage but also has purchased newer, more efficient packaging equipment designed to increase competitiveness and efficiency,” the Minister noted.

He saluted KC “for turning disaster into a new business opportunity.” He said that KC Confectionery was a key player in the nation’s Food and Beverage Industry and one of the stalwarts of the non-energy and manufacturing sectors which contributes over 44 per cent of Manufacturing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and which has over 420 registered firms and employs over 9,000 persons.

Valley stressed, “government has been aggressively targeting investment in the non-energy sector in order to build a sustainable and diversified economy that will support our nation in the long run.” He said that the seven targets for strategic development set by Government were – Food and Beverage, Merchant Marine, Yachting, Film, Music and entertainment, Fish and Fish Processing and Printing and Packaging.

Imran Khan, CEO of KC Confectionery, said that the new machinery and equipment were completed at a cost of $9.5 million and with an extremely efficient production capacity it has helped the company to maintain its export market (up to 75 per cent of total production) to markets in England, America, the Netherlands, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.

He said, “It is our determination to become a World Market Player with KC as an Internationally recognised brand.”