Guala Closures, a global leader in closure solutions for spirits, wine, water, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, and edible oil, has officially opened a new factory in Nigeria.
The new plant is located in the Lagos Free Zone and marks a major step in the company’s long-term plan to grow across Africa.
The inauguration ceremony took place yesterday and was attended by several key figures, including Ugo Boni, Consul General of Italy in Lagos; Adesuwa Ladoja, CEO of Lagos Free Zone; Andrea Lodetti, CEO of Guala Closures; and other top executives from the company.
The factory was built in just 22 weeks, covering almost 5,000 square meters.
It became operational by the end of 2024 and is expected to continue growing in the years ahead.
The plant will serve the West African market by producing anti-counterfeiting safety closures for spirits bottles, using advanced technologies designed for local needs.
This expansion will also create many job opportunities for people in the community.
“This investment underscores our commitment to advancing in the African market and creating value for our partners,” said Andrea Lodetti, CEO of Guala Closures.
“Indeed, our global presence and in-depth knowledge of local markets allow us to stay close to our global customers, addressing their specific needs in every region of the world with customized solutions and outstanding service.
By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and maintaining a strong focus on product quality and safety, we aim to enhance brand identity while offering robust protection against counterfeiting – an increasingly critical issue in the industry.”
Guala Closures already operates in Kenya and South Africa, and recently strengthened its African presence by acquiring a plant in Johannesburg from Astir Vitogiannis.
Now, with this new Nigerian plant, the company is investing in Africa’s largest and fastest-growing market.
Nigeria, with a population of over 235 million and a median age of just 18, offers strong opportunities for industrial growth.
The country’s rising middle class and growing demand for premium beverages make it an ideal location for Guala Closures’ expansion.
“This expansion represents a key milestone in the company’s growth strategy, strengthening its commitment to the African market and enhancing its presence in one of the continent’s most dynamic economies,” the company said in a statement.
Andrea Lodetti added that the new factory will help the company better support both local businesses and global brands by providing high-quality, region-specific products.
“The opening of the Lagos facility reinforces Guala Closures’ long-term vision for growth and leadership in Africa, further positioning the company as a key partner in the region’s industrial and economic evolution,” he said.
The Lagos Free Zone is playing an important role in this growth.
It is Nigeria’s first privately managed free trade zone, developed by Singapore-based company Tolaram.
The zone spans 860 hectares and is connected to the 90-hectare Lekki Deep Sea Port, making it easier for manufacturers to reach both regional and global markets.
Adesuwa Ladoja, Managing Director and CEO of Lagos Free Zone, expressed her support for Guala Closures’ investment.
“We are delighted that Guala Closures, one of our most prestigious international clients, has decided to expand their operations in Nigeria through our ready-to-lease Standard Industrial Facility at the LFZ.
We are committed to supporting the next phase of growth in Nigeria and West Africa for Guala Closures.”
Guala Closures operates 37 manufacturing plants and 7 research and development centers worldwide.
Its global network is built on the idea of staying close to customers, offering tailored solutions, and maintaining high standards of product safety and quality.
The new Nigerian factory reflects that commitment and is set to play a key role in shaping the future of the closure industry in Africa.
