Abiodun Abdullai
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has said that its members are increasingly relying on alternative sources of energy to keep their factories running in the face of persistent power challenges.
Assistant Director, Corporate Affairs and Communication of MAN, Segun Alabi, made this known on Tuesday during the opening of the three-day 12th Propak West Africa exhibition held at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
He explained that many manufacturers now use solar power and other energy options to sustain production and ensure full capacity utilisation of their factories.
"We do this by ensuring that most of our members use solar and also get what is needed for them to achieve full capacity and utilisation of their various factories. We engage with members to emphasise sustainability and the sources of energy and power," Alabi said.
He noted that manufacturers are also adopting sustainable practices in packaging and paying attention to the use of environmentally friendly materials.
Alabi commended the organisers of the exhibition, Afrocet Montgomery, for their consistency in hosting the event for 12 consecutive years, describing it as a show of commitment and vision.
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"The standard has not reduced. At the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, we are proud partners with Propak West Africa and we continue to support the vision behind this exhibition," he added.
Afrocet Montgomery's Regional Director, George Pearson, said over 250 brands from more than 36 countries and about 6,000 industry experts attended this year's exhibition and conference.
He thanked government, MAN and other partners for their collaboration, noting that the exhibition has grown to become the region's largest and most influential gathering for the packaging, plastics, printing and processing industries.
Chief Executive Officer of All Time Packaging Nigeria Limited, Jai Prokash Singh, in a presentation titled "The future of automation in packaging: opportunities for West Africa", observed that while automation offers vast opportunities, it also comes with challenges. He urged stakeholders to explore solutions that will help entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
