Nigeria Rebuilds

Beta Glass in Nigeria has started to rebuild furnace number 2 at its plant in Agbara to increase capacity and allow it to enter export markets in French-speaking countries in West Africa. Constraints on its production capacity have so far made the company unable to increase its exports. They have also encouraged the massive import of glass bottles to Nigeria, according to Beta Glass Chairman Chief Ogunbanjo. The constraints began when Agbara's furnace number 1 was stopped for rebuild in 2003. Beta's profits fell in 2004 because it increased sales volumes were off-set by higher prices for raw materials, energy and wages.