Al-Ahlia Mineral Water Company

completed

The project is to modernize and upgrade the existing facilities of a AWMC, a mineral water bottling plant, by installing a PET bottling line including a PET and polyethylene (PE) bag packing facilities. The existing plant (including its underground aquifer sourced water) was in test trial operations for four months since its purchase in 1998, but was shut down because it used PVC technology. The new project will replace it with PET. The venture aim is to achieve a 20-25% share of Yemen''s 100 million liters market by providing a full product size. Distribution will cover the capital of Sana''a, the cities of Aden, Hodeidah, Ibb, Taiz and their surrounding areas. The plant will produce naturally sourced water in 750 ml. and 1.5L. PET bottles including 500 ml. size PE bags. The proposed water bottling project will promote local enterprise in the bottled water sector and increase the supply of safe drinking water. The project would create approximately 100 new jobs, stimulate competition, and introduce healthier PET bottles. IFC''s role in the proposed project involves: (i) providing long-term foreign currency financing which is currently not available from local banks; and (ii) encouraging the development of competitive local manufacturers. IFC''s participation in this investment would create a demonstration effect as an international standard venture that would produce mineral water of high quality and promote sound and modern business practices.