Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
4 min of reading 
0 comments 
Automated Unit Will Double Refriko’s Production Capacity and Generate Jobs in São José dos Pinhais.
The RFK Group, one of the largest beverage industries in the country, announced the construction of its new soft drink factory in the Curitiba region, specifically in the municipality of São José dos Pinhais, in the Metropolitan Region. The project represents an investment of at least R$ 300 million and is expected to double the company’s annual production capacity, reaching 1 billion liters per year by 2026.
The news was presented during the latest edition of ExpoApras, held at Expotrade in Pinhais. The Refriko stand, the brand owned by the group, was one of the most visited at the event and served as the stage for the announcement of the new venture.
New Factory Will Be Built in an Area Close to Audi and Electrolux
The new soft drink factory will be built on a plot of 300 thousand square meters, located near the facilities of Audi and Electrolux in São José dos Pinhais. Construction is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2025, with completion expected in the first half of 2026.
-
The government opens the vault and deposits R$ 2.6 billion for the construction of Brazil’s first underwater tunnel, with a length of 1.5 km, 870 m under the sea, a total project cost of R$ 6.8 billion, and a 30-year concession.
-
Only 46 meters remain for Brazil and Paraguay to connect via the Bioceanic Route bridge, the project that will link the Atlantic to the Pacific by land and change the logistical map of four countries in South America.
-
The bridge that holds the largest stone railway arch in the world: built over 100 years ago, destroyed in the war, and rebuilt to continue operating to this day, it still carries trains over the Soča River in Slovenia.
-
Italian giant of 130 tons arrives at the Senna Tower construction site and accelerates foundations: Mite CFA 3436 drills up to 50 m, 750 hp engine, investment of R$ 20 million, unique in Latin America.
The plant will be one of the most modern in the sector, featuring a fully automated structure integrated with artificial intelligence systems. The technology will be provided by the German company Krones, specialized in solutions for the beverage industry.
Production Expansion and Focus on New Markets
Currently, the RFK Group has four manufacturing units in Brazil, with a combined capacity of 600 million liters per year. With the new facility in Curitiba, the goal is to increase this number to at least 1 billion liters annually, representing an approximate growth of 66%.
Daily production is expected to rise from 2 million to 3.5 million liters. The new factory will focus on producing Bamboa and Moema beers, Refriko soft drinks, and Furioso, the company’s main energy drink.
The objective is to consolidate the brand’s presence in states such as Paraná, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo, as well as to expand into other regions of Brazil.
New Factory Receives Support from the Paraná Competitivo Program
The investment is part of the Paraná Competitivo state program aimed at attracting industries to the state. Governor Carlos Massa Ratinho Júnior highlighted the project’s importance for the local economy and the strengthening of Paraná’s productive chain.
“The RFK Group is one of the largest beverage industries in Brazil and is making significant investments in the Curitiba Metropolitan Area with a modern, automated, and sustainable plant that will generate many jobs for Paraná residents,” said the governor.
In addition to boosting the beverage sector, the project is expected to create direct and indirect jobs in the region, from construction to the operation of the new unit.
Sustainability Is a Pillar of the New Industrial Plant
One of the differentiators of the new plant will be its focus on sustainable practices. The unit will feature energy recovery systems, heat reuse in industrial processes, and the use of technologies to reduce water and electricity consumption.
Another highlight is the CO₂ capture system generated during the fermentation of beverages. The gas will be reused internally, preventing its release into the atmosphere and contributing to the reduction of the company’s industrial emissions.
According to the CEO and co-founder of the RFK Group, Márcio José Mendes, the entire concept of the new plant was developed based on efficiency and environmental responsibility.
“The factory will be 100% automated, with intensive use of artificial intelligence and a commitment to sustainability at all stages,” he said.
History of the RFK Group
Founded in 2010 in Cambé, in northern Paraná, the RFK Group has grown rapidly and currently has manufacturing units in São Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Pará. The company employs about 800 employees and serves over 20,000 clients across the country.
With brands like Refriko, Furioso, Bamboa, and Moema, the group operates in various beverage segments, including soft drinks, energy drinks, and beers. The new plant in São José dos Pinhais marks a new cycle of expansion for the company, which aims to compete with major industries in the sector.
Source: Tribuna PR
Seja o primeiro a reagir!