SÃO PAULO — JBS SA announced on Sept. 9 an investment of $70 million real ($12.5 million) in its metal-packaging subsidiary, Zempack. 

The metal packaging produced by the company has food and non-food applications, but with the most recent investment, the production of packaging for deli meats will allow that segment to nearly double (180% by November 2024) for products manufactured by JBS, including JBS/Friboi Lins (northwest of São Paulo). The investment is expected to be split evenly between Zempack’s facility in Guaicara, where aerosol cans are manufactured, and the Lins facility.  

Zempack plans to invest in new equipment at the two plants to accommodate the increased manufacturing capacity. According to JBS, the benefits for its food production — and especially shelf-life extension — are significant. 

“Metal packaging has the benefit of keeping the natural properties of the product unchanged, protecting food for more than two years in adverse conditions of climate, transport and handling,” the company said.

“The investments in the two units will be fundamental for our growth, said Marcelo Jorcovix, director of Zempack, “as they help us to expand the offer of solutions for strategic segments, such as aerosol packaging for insecticide, industrial, hygiene and cleaning and cosmetics at the Guaiçara unit, and luncheon meat cans in Lins.”