Johannesburg – Procter & Gamble (P&G), a global leader in consumer goods, on Tuesday celebrated the introduction of its new Pampers Premium Care production line in Kempton Park.
The inauguration event was held at its cutting-edge Pampers facility and P&G was honoured to host President Cyril Ramaphosa and esteemed government representatives.
Other dignitaries in attendance included P&G President Asia, Middle East and Africa, Stanislav Vecera; Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni Abrams; Director General in the Presidency Phindile Baleni; Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni Metro Sivuyile Ngondwana.
The occasion marks the P&G South Africa Investment Launch and Commissioning of Premium Care Products, an integral part of South Africa’s ongoing investment drive.
P&G has made significant investments in South Africa since 1994 with a strong economic and social footprint. Since 2018, the President of South Africa instituted the South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) aimed at attracting investment into the country.
P&G has been a key partner in the SAIC programme, and has announced investments every year at a cumulative total of R900 million.
This specific facility has grown its capacity to include a dedicated production line for Pampers Premium Care.
This significant milestone not only showcases P&G’s commitment to South Africa but also highlights the company’s contributions to job creation, technological advancement, and sustainability.
Stanislav Vecera, P&G President for Asia Middle East & Africa who led the event, emphasized the company’s dedication to South Africa’s growth, stating: “P&G’s investment in the new production line demonstrates our unwavering commitment to South Africa’s future.
“By bringing the production of Pampers Premium Care diapers to the country, we are creating local job opportunities, fostering innovation, and driving economic and social development.
“This investment is a testament to our belief in South Africa’s potential and our dedication to being a long-term partner in its progress.”
Fayyaz Rizvi, Senior Vice President for P&G Sub-Sahara Africa – emphasised the long partnership P&G has had with the government of South Africa and acknowledged the support it has received in enabling companies like P&G to operate effectively in the country.
“Through this partnership, we continue to increase our local footprint through local sourcing; advancing equality and inclusion and partnering on several programs contributing to South Africa’s attainment of the SDGs,” said Rizvi.
Today, P&G creates over 4 000 direct and indirect jobs throughout its value chain.
Alicia Eggington, Vice President, and General Manager for P&G South Africa, echoed P&G’s commitment to being a force for growth and good, stating: “We firmly believe in investing in South Africa’s potential.
“Through the introduction of this new production line, P&G is not only supporting the local economy but also promoting gender equality and social progress.
“Our focus on STEM education and women’s roles within the company has enabled us to achieve a remarkable 50:50 gender representation, setting an example for the industry.
“On top of this, we also serve our consumers by now offering them a locally produced, top-tier product they can trust.
“The Pampers Premium Care diaper is our best-ever diaper now locally produced in South Africa.
It features an incredibly soft topsheet that offers gentle skin protection.
“We understand that babies explore the world through touch, so our diapers are made with the softest material, ensuring optimal absorbency and breathability. With Pampers Premium Care, babies can continue to experience the world in comfort.”
During the visit, President Ramaphosa also acknowledged P&G’s investment and its positive impact on the country, stating: “The launch of this production line is the latest in a number of projects that have given effect to Procter & Gamble’s investment pledges.
“Through this and other investments, Procter & Gamble is contributing to the industrialisation of South Africa’s economy.
“To drive growth that is sustainable and inclusive, we are working to expand and diversity our manufacturing base, and improve its competitiveness and dynamism.”
President Ramaposha said South Africa was an investment destination with significant untapped potential.
“We have the ability to attract higher levels of investment and we look forward to working with Procter & Gamble on its future pipeline of investments,” the President said.
“While investment decisions often take several years to reach fruition, the investment commitments made to date have already resulted in substantial investment into the productive economy and have created jobs.
“Procter & Gamble has heeded our call and has sought to increase the participation of small South African businesses in its value chains.
“We are encouraged by the company’s commitment to sourcing local materials, reducing waste, promoting skills development, and creating more roles for women in the company.
“We welcome the work the company has undertaken alongside government departments in expanding access to menstrual hygiene products and supporting Early Childhood Development centres.
“We see these partnerships as a testament to the continued commitment of Procter & Gamble to South Africa and the African continent.
“As government, we will continue to support Procter & Gamble to increase its footprint through local sourcing and to contribute to job creation, technological development, and sustainability.
“I congratulate the Procter & Gamble team, from the shop floor to the senior executives, on the launch of this production line.
“Through the launch of this production line, Procter & Gamble is making a worthy contribution towards our vision of African producers supplying quality goods to African markets.
“This is the vision of a continent that is emerging as the next frontier of global production, meeting the needs of its own people and the peoples of the world.”
The event underscores P&G’s commitment to South Africa, emphasising the company’s efforts to drive growth, create employment, and make a lasting, positive impact on the local community.
Original article: New Cutting-Edge Pampers Facility: Procter & Gamble Celebrates Investment Drive With President Cyril Ramaphosa – The Bulrushes
