SLMG Beverages boosts PET bottle production with KHS TriBlock system

SLMG Beverages enhances high-season output capacity with new PET bottling line.

SLMG Beverages, Coca-Cola’s largest bottler in India, has expanded its production capabilities with the installation of a new PET bottling line from KHS at its Chhata facility in Uttar Pradesh. The expansion, completed ahead of peak season, has increased capacity at the plant by 35%.

The new InnoPET TriBlock line, delivered by Germany-based KHS, integrates a stretch blow molder, roll-fed labeler, and filler in a compact block system. It handles up to 48,000 non-returnable PET bottles per hour, ranging from 250 milliliters to two liters. The system focuses primarily on single-serve formats during the summer months, with the plant now filling approximately 15.4 million bottles annually.

“In 2023, our output rose by almost 35% over the previous year and in 2024 we again grew by 25%,” said Sriharsha Chilukuri, senior general manager at SLMG’s Chhata plant. “We produce approximately 60% of our soft drinks in PET bottles on the new line.”

The line was installed and validated within 40 days, aligning with the company’s seasonal demand spike, which accounts for about 80% of its annual sales. During acceptance, the system operated for ten hours without disruption, achieving a 99.96% performance rate, according to Dharmesh Baria, project manager for after-sales and service at KHS.

In addition to the TriBlock system, SLMG recently added two Plasmax machines from KHS to enhance shelf life by coating the inside of PET bottles with a thin layer of glass. The companies’ long-standing relationship and KHS’ local presence in Ahmedabad were key factors in the project’s success.

SLMG has invested nearly €400 million in new plant technology in recent years and currently operates eight facilities. Following its expansion into Bihar, the company now serves around 350 million consumers and aims to surpass €1 billion in turnover by 2025.