The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) has announced a significant milestone in the growth of the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with the R17-million expansion by its long-standing inaugural investor, salt-making company Cerebos. 

This strategic investment into the adjacent Lension Facility in Zone 7 marks a key moment for the SEZ, effectively doubling Cerebos' operational footprint.

The expansion not only enhances the production of their renowned table salt but also introduces a range of purified bottled water and seasonings, reinforcing Cerebos' commitment to innovation and quality in the region, says the CDC.

Cerebos MD John Drinkwater says that the strategic diversification aims to maximise the value of its seawater extraction and improve overall operating efficiencies. 

Cerebos’ innovative approach ensures the maximum utilisation of resources, transforming a single process into multiple product streams.

Drinkwater explains that efficiency and vertical integration are primary objectives in the business diversification and expansion process.  

“Our vision is to transform beyond being just a salt brand. Importantly, we aim to minimise wastage to the utmost extent and ensure that every drop of seawater extracted to produce our brand’s renowned table salt is utilised to the fullest,” says Drinkwater.

“We extract the salt from sea water using pure vacuum dry desalination technology and are left with water, which we purify and bottle under the ‘Halo’ brand. Our automated bottling line has been established to ensure that our pricing can be kept as affordable as possible. We have also partnered with a rigid plastics manufacturer in the new facility to produce our salt flasks and Halo water bottles. 

“This partnership reduces logistics costs of transporting empty packaging. Because desalination is an energy-intensive activity, we have also invested in 2.6 MW of solar generation on the land next to the plant and 4 MWh of Hubble Energy battery storage. The intention is to progress to 100% green energy,” he adds. 

Cerebos’ desalination plant will also supply demineralised water to the anticipated Hive Hydrogen project earmarked for Zone 7, demonstrating another example of industrial synergy in the Coega SEZ, says the CDC.

Cerebos’ dedication to environmentally conscious practices, technological innovation and efficient production methods have garnered praise from CDC business development executive manager Asanda Xawuka.

“Cerebos’ presence in the Coega SEZ has created much-needed employment in the region while simultaneously prioritising environmental stewardship and value chain efficiency through improvements in the use of technology. We look forward to supporting their successful expansion, and with it, more opportunities to reduce environmental impact and maximise social impact,” says Xawuka.

Cerebos, a key player in the Coega SEZ, currently provides employment for 200 people across its diverse operations.

“This contribution underscores the CDC’s commitment to attracting industries that create meaningful job opportunities. Looking ahead, the CDC’s strategic focus remains expanding its investment portfolio, aiming to build upon successes like Cerebos’ to drive socioeconomic development,” says the CDC.