The Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), in partnership with SONO Group, has successfully carried out the final test run on the Bensono Fruits Juice Processing Factory located at the Industrial Layout in Makurdi.
This significant milestone signals the commencement of full production at the facility, which is expected to boost agro-processing and value addition in Benue State.
Speaking during the exercise, the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha CFA, described the successful test run as a major milestone for the company and the state. He attributed the initiative to the administration of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
Dr. Asemakaha explained that technicians from Brazil and Italy were brought in by the SONO Group to conduct the final testing of the machines. He expressed satisfaction with the outcome and confidence in the factory’s readiness for production.
The BIPC boss noted that Nigeria currently imports fruit concentrate worth about N68 billion annually. He stressed that the new factory would position Benue State to actively participate in this lucrative market while significantly reducing post-harvest losses suffered by local farmers.
The factory is expected to provide an offtake market for farmers’ produce, thereby reducing the burden of transporting fruits to distant cities such as Kaduna, Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. It will also maximize the value chain by converting waste products into organic fertilizer.
The facility is designed to process a wide range of fruits including oranges, mangoes, pineapples, watermelons, and apples into juice and concentrate for both local consumption and industrial use, as well as for export markets.
The Chief Executive Officer of SONO Brazil, Luiz Arena, stated that the company is ready to commence full production following the successful test run, even as the team works to address minor limitations identified during testing.
The factory’s Maintenance Manager, Engr. Henry Boager, also confirmed that the facility is fully prepared for operations.
The Bensono Fruits Juice Factory is expected to create employment opportunities, empower local farmers, and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of Benue State through agro-industrialisation. Full production is anticipated to begin soon after the final adjustments are completed.
GOD you are wanderful, thank you mr govenar may the load give you more days and power take our state benue ahead in jesus name AMEN