Sri Lankan canmaker Ceylon Beverage Can (CBC) is collaborating with Rockwell Automation to digitise its manufacturing operations.

Rockwell will implement its cloud-based Plex Manufacturing Execution System (MES) at CBC’s Poruwadanda plant in the Western Province of the country. 

This will serve as a pilot site for Ceylon Beverage Can’s broader digital transformation plans, as the aluminium beverage can and end manufacturer is planning to invest in two new facilities in India. 

Chulananda de Silva, plant manager at CBC said: “The capabilities of the Plex platform align perfectly with our operational needs, and we are confident that this partnership will enhance our ability to deliver high-quality products to our global customers.”

Ceylon Beverage Can, which exports 80% of its products globally, is the sole two-piece aluminium can and end manufacturer in Horana, Sri Lanka. 

It produces 720 million cans and two billion ends annually, manufacturing slim cans in sizes of 185ml, 200ml and 250ml, standard cans in 300ml, 330ml and 500ml, and various can ends.

Managing director of Rockwell Automation India, Dilip Sawhney, said: “This collaboration underscores our commitment to support manufacturers by helping optimise their operations and improving efficiency through innovative solutions, which will set a new benchmark for digital transformation in can manufacturing.”

Plex MES provides full visibility into the production lifecycle, allowing for task automation and connection to a company’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).