Batang-Central Java, October 3, 2022 - As the largest economy in Southeast Asia [1], Indonesia is home to a rapidly growing urban population [2] that is navigating pressing challenges surrounding sanitation and water supply. As the country’s water resources and infrastructure have continued to be put under pressure during the pandemic, the Indonesian government has introduced initiatives such as The National Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project (PAMSIMAS) [3] to provide millions with water and sanitation facilities.
In alignment with Indonesia’s sustainable development efforts, Orbia’s Building and Infrastructure business, Wavin, announced the opening for its new production plant in Batang, Indonesia to provide its expanding customer base in Indonesia and the Asia Pacific region with sustainable sanitation and water management solutions.
A ground breaking ceremony was held to mark the beginning of a substantial investment by Orbia in the country. Such is the significance of the investment to Indonesia that the President, Joko Widodo, attended the event in person and was joined by representatives of the Indonesian government and leaders from Orbia and Wavin along with customers, partners, and media.
The new plant will help alleviate some of the acute water challenges Indonesia is facing as it becomes increasingly urbanized. Commenting on the investment, Sameer S. Bharadwaj, CEO of Orbia, “In Indonesia, 33.4 million people lack access to clean drinking water and 99.7 million lack access to safely-managed sanitation. We are solving this challenge by manufacturing Wavin UPVC and Wavin PPR-based pipes and fittings that deliver clean water and sanitation safety, cost-effectively and cleanly.”
Continued Bharadwaj, “This investment brings our business’ innovative water management solutions to a high-need market. It is a decisive step on our journey to advance life around the world.”
The Wavin production plant in new Grand Batang City will be built on a 20-hectare (49 acre) greenfield plot. When operational, the factory will employ approximately 200 people in production roles with room for further expansion in the coming years. Beyond manufacturing Wavin UPVC pipe and fittings, the space can accommodate production of resilient city and energy-efficient building products like Wavin’s low-noise drainage systems and rainwater and stormwater management systems.
“We are very pleased to announce the opening of this new location,” said Maarten Roef, President of Orbia Building and Infrastructure (Wavin). “It allows us to further expand our solution offerings while bringing jobs and economic activity locally. With Wavin’s technology, innovation capabilities and existing customer base, we are focusing on bringing more plumbers, engineers, contractors, installers and municipal leaders complete solution systems for both above and below-ground water management and resilient urban development.”
Wavin will manufacture its products and system solutions in accordance with global quality standards and in full compliance with global and local governance standards. Having established channel partners and distribution networks, Wavin products are presently available in markets across Indonesia that serve approximately 50 distributors, 6,000 retailers and 100 contractors and developers.