A $13.7 billion state-of-the-art Malt Bottling Plant was commissioned at Banks DIH Limited last evening, marking a significant milestone in Guyana’s industrial revolution.

The facility, which was commissioned by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, represents a strategic expansion for Banks DIH at a time when Guyana’s economy is growing at an unprecedented pace.

The new plant significantly bolsters Banks DIH’s output, providing the monthly capacity to brew and bottle 800,000 cases while storing 900,000.

President Ali said that this investment proves local manufacturing remains a vital pillar of the economy, capable of competing with international imports by adding value right here at home.

He lamented that for decades, Guyana was stuck in a cycle of exporting raw materials and importing expensive finished goods.

According to the head of state, the country is now on the cusp of an industrial revolution that will break that cycle by becoming a high-value, production-driven economy.

“Guyana is committed to modernising the economy, improving infrastructure, and increasing disposable incomes across the population. As people earn more, they will spend more within our economy. Demand for goods, including manufactured products, will rise substantially. The question before us is simple but profound. Who will meet that demand? Will we rely increasingly on imports? Or will we see expanded local production? Will we rebuild local capacity and create local jobs?” he questioned.

President Ali further pointed out that industrial expansion has for years been constrained by high energy costs. However, with the Gas to Energy project expected to come onstream soon, this constraint will be lifted.

The project will slash electricity costs by 50 per cent, and allow for the creation of new industries.

The president said that companies must prepare for this significant development and begin producing more goods for both local consumption and export.  

“BANKS DIH and others can and must play a decisive role in shaping Guyana’s manufacturing future. These firms carry with them decades of experience, established brands, trusted relationships, and, critically, financial depth. In a rapidly expanding economy, this combination of institutional memory and balance sheet strength gives legacy companies a unique advantage,”

He added that Guyana’s manufacturing future must be built on the foundation laid by these “legacy companies”, and assured that they will receive government support in this transition.

“In the forthcoming budget, measures will be announced to support businesses so they are better positioned for this new era of industrial and business development. The manufacturing and industrial sectors will receive targeted support,” the president asserted.

Chairman of Banks DIH, Clifford Reis told the gathering that the new plant will be producing 400,000 cases of beer per month.

Reis announced that this week work will begin on a new canning line. This line, capable of producing 17,000 cans per hour, is slated for commissioning in the first half of the financial year. It will cover major brands such as Banks Beer, GT Beer, Guinness, and Coca-Cola.