Why we invested in Eket – Kaybi Beverage
Kaybi Beverage Industries Limited has attributed its decision to establish a multi-million-naira water production facility in Eket to the area’s peaceful environment, investor-friendly climate, and the development policies of the Akwa Ibom State Government.
The Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the company, producers of Kayora Premium Water, Dr Ebi Awosika, said Eket offered the ideal conditions for business growth and industrial development, making it the preferred location for the company’s manufacturing operations.
Etim Ekpimah
Kaybi Beverage Industries Limited has attributed its decision to establish a multi-million-naira water production facility in Eket to the area’s peaceful environment, investor-friendly climate, and the development policies of the Akwa Ibom State Government.
The Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the company, producers of Kayora Premium Water, Dr Ebi Awosika, said Eket offered the ideal conditions for business growth and industrial development, making it the preferred location for the company’s manufacturing operations.
Speaking during a tour of the Kayora Premium Water production plant on Esuene Way, Eket, Dr Awosika praised Eno for creating a secure and conducive environment that encourages investment and economic expansion.
According to her, peace, security, and a supportive business atmosphere were among the major factors that influenced the company’s decision to invest in the area.
“Businesses thrive where there is peace, security and supportive leadership. We found all of these in Eket. The environment has been welcoming, and the government’s commitment to infrastructure and economic development has inspired confidence among investors,” she said.
Dr Awosika noted that the company currently produces 30cl, 50cl, 75cl and dispenser-sized bottled water and is positioning itself to expand into non-carbonated fruit drinks and other beverage products in the future.
She disclosed that the company is pursuing strategic partnerships with government agencies, oil and gas service firms, hospitality operators, aviation stakeholders, healthcare institutions and other corporate organisations to support its growth plans.
“The Kayora production facility is equipped with modern manufacturing technology, including a fully automated PET bottling line capable of producing up to 8,000 bottles per hour and a separate gallon production line with a capacity of 450 dispenser bottles per hour.
“Combined, the facility can produce more than 100,000 bottles of premium water daily, positioning the company as an emerging player in the packaged water industry within and beyond Akwa Ibom State,” she said.
Dr Awosika explained that water used in production is sourced from a deep borehole and passes through multiple treatment stages, including advanced filtration, reverse osmosis, ultraviolet sterilisation and ozonation before packaging.
The factory also operates an in-house bottle-blowing system and utilises mechanised lifting equipment to improve efficiency in loading, warehousing and distribution.
“Our focus is on quality, efficiency and sustainability. We have invested heavily in modern equipment and human capital to ensure that every bottle of Kayora Premium Water meets the highest standards,” she said.
She added that, apart from bottle preforms, labels and caps, most aspects of production are carried out within the facility by a trained and certified workforce.
According to her, installation of the production equipment commenced in January, while all required regulatory approvals, including certifications from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), were obtained before full commercial operations began in June.
The company currently employs more than 50 workers, most of whom were recruited from the local community and subsequently trained by the organisation. Dr Awosika said the long-term objective is to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs through manufacturing, logistics, sales, distribution and future product expansion.
She further highlighted the broader impact of the state’s ARISE Agenda, noting that the facility occupies a property that had remained unused for nearly three decades before being transformed into a modern manufacturing hub.
“This property was abandoned for almost 30 years. Today, it is home to a modern manufacturing facility providing jobs and creating economic opportunities. That transformation reflects the confidence investors now have in Akwa Ibom State and in the direction of the ARISE Agenda,” she said.
Dr Awosika also commended the state government’s investment in road infrastructure and its commitment to maintaining a peaceful business environment, describing both as critical drivers of commerce and industrialisation.
She reaffirmed the company’s commitment to partnering with the Akwa Ibom State Government to create employment opportunities, stimulate economic activity and establish Kayora Premium Water as a household brand across Akwa Ibom, the South-South region and Nigeria.
“Our guiding philosophy is simple — ‘Wellness in Every Drop’. We are committed to delivering safe, high-quality drinking water while contributing meaningfully to the economic growth and industrial development of Akwa Ibom State,” she added.
