Banks DIH boosts production capacity with new $13.7B malt plant

Inside the commissioned plant

Banks DIH on Sunday commissioned its new $13.7 billion malt production plant on the East Bank of Demerara, a facility capable of producing 400,000 cases of beer per month, marking a major milestone in Guyana’s industrial and manufacturing expansion.
Delivering the keynote address at the commissioning ceremony on Sunday, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said the investment symbolises growing confidence in Guyana’s economy and underscores the country’s entry into a decisive phase of industrial growth.
As the economy expands, the president noted, rising incomes and consumer spending will drive increased demand for food, beverages and other goods, placing Guyana at a critical crossroads.
“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?” President Ali asked.
He said high energy costs have historically constrained industrial expansion and reduced competitiveness, discouraging investment in manufacturing. However, that reality is set to change with the landmark Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project being developed at Wales, Region Three, which is on track for completion later this year.
With lower energy costs, President Ali explained, manufacturing will become more viable, creating opportunities for both new industries and existing companies to expand. He stressed that the period between now and later this year is critical.
“Companies must prepare. They must plan. They must position themselves for this new era. They must begin to produce more food, more beverages, more consumer goods, not only for local demand, but for export,” the president said.
Using Banks DIH as an example, the head of state said established Guyanese companies have a vital role to play in shaping the country’s manufacturing future.
“The example of Banks DIH shows us what is possible. It shows that Guyanese brands can achieve international recognition, that quality made here can stand confidently on shelves abroad,” he said.
President Ali noted that legacy companies bring experience, strong brands and financial capacity, placing them in a better position to invest over the long term and manage large-scale industrial projects.

He added that this is why the government has engaged large companies to collaborate through the Guyana Development Bank to support small businesses with financial literacy and empowerment programmes.
“The future of manufacturing in Guyana will therefore not be built from scratch. It will and must be built on the foundations laid by these established enterprises,” the president asserted.
Dr Ali assured the private sector of continued government support, revealing that targeted measures for manufacturing and industrial development will be announced in the upcoming national budget.
“The direction is clear. The opportunity is real. The time is now,” he said.
Chairman of Banks DIH, Clifford Reis, delivered the opening remarks and provided an overview of the project, noting that the beer bottling plant represents the fourth phase of the company’s expansion plans.
With the new facility, Banks DIH now has the capacity to brew 800,000 cases, bottle 800,000 cases and store 900,000 cases per month.
Looking ahead, Reis said the company will begin installing a new canning line in the coming days. The line, expected to be commissioned in the first half of the financial year, will produce 17,000 cans per hour and have the capacity to manufacture 950,000 cans per month, including products such as Banks Beer, GT Beer, Guinness and Coca-Cola.
Reis commended President Ali for his guidance and encouragement during the early stages of the project, noting that the investment will create thousands of jobs for Guyanese.
Also attending the ceremony on Sunday were Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues; Chief Investment Officer and Head of the Guyana Office for Investment Dr Peter Ramsaroop; and other government officials. (DPI)