PICAMA and Sono Group President and Chief Executive, Mr Frank Runge, on Thursday pledged to expand the Bensono Concentrate Plant in Benue state from its current 40,000 metric tonnes capacity to 100,000 metric tonnes and establish a new juice production line.
Runge made the announcement during a business visit to Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House in Makurdi, where he said Sono International would introduce a Meigo drinks production line within the next six months.
He said the investment was aimed at reducing post-harvest losses, strengthening agro-processing and creating more opportunities for farmers and the state’s economy.
Representing the governor, deputy governor Barr. Sam Ode said the Benue state government remained committed to providing an enabling environment for investors through improved policies and enhanced security.
Ode added that the partnership between Sono International and the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) had resulted in the successful establishment of the Bensono Concentrate Plant commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, said the fresh investment would further expand the state’s juice processing capacity, while Bokku Supermart Chain was also considering off-taking the company’s products to boost market access.
The Sono International delegation included senior executive from Picama Group, Sono International and Sono Nigeria, who reaffirmed their commitment to expanding agro-industrial investment in Benue State.