Maersk to build reefer factory in Chile
MARITIME INDUSTRY: Maersk Container Industry will start construction of a new factory in San Antonio, Chile, to produce reefers. The factory will begin operating by the end of 2013 and later reach an output of 40,000 reefer containers and 30,000 reefer machines annually.
"We position our investment on the basis of future world trade flows, and we do so with solid support and cooperation from customers and authorities. This investment is a supplement to our important reefer factory in Qingdao, China, where we are also expanding", says MCI CEO Peter Nymand Nymand.
MCI's new factory will create 1,800 jobs in and around San Antonio, and, more broadly, help correct a reefer trade imbalance that disfavors exporters of fresh produce, fish and meat from Western South America.
Each year, tens of thousands of containers are shipped in empty from Asia and elsewhere. After 2013 this shortage will be less acute as MCI starts its local supply of the most durable and energy efficient reefers currently on the market.
"The new factory will produce Maersk's high-tech reefers in a part of the world where exporters have problems gaining access to reefers", Nymand says.
Maersk Container Industry has 5,700 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Tinglev, Denmark, home of global sales and R&D. Production takes place at factories in Qingdao, Dongguan and Huidong, China.
Annual output: 41.000 Reefer containers, 37.00 reefer machines , 200.000 TEU dry containers 200,000 TEU.
Source: Maersk Container Industry / maritimedanmark.dk