Fiji’s Punjas Group of Companies, a leading privately owned enterprise, has announced the construction of a state-of-the-art $55 million distribution center in the Western Division as it prepares to celebrate its 90th anniversary next year. This facility, currently being built in Lautoka, is expected to be the largest warehouse in the Pacific, with a remarkable storage capacity of 24,000 pallets.
The development is part of Punjas’s strategic expansion plan aimed at enhancing its supply chain management across Fiji and the wider Pacific to meet increasing consumer demand for both food and non-food products. During a recent tour of the nearly finished center, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Prof Biman Prasad, acknowledged the significance of this investment, not just for Punjas but for the entire Pacific region. He emphasized that it would enhance regional supply chain efficiency, generate new economic opportunities, and bolster Fiji’s standing in the growing Pacific market.
Since its inception in 1935, Punjas has grown to employ over 1,500 individuals and continues to innovate its operations, including a visit by Mr. Prasad to their biscuit manufacturing facility. The management team, led by senior directors Kanti Punja and Jagjiwan Punja, discussed their vision for the future and the important contribution of the company to economic growth in Fiji.
In addition to this major investment, Punjas has recently celebrated the expansion of the Punjas Medical Centre, with a $2.25 million commitment through its Charity Trust, aimed at improving medical care accessibility for Fijians. The company has also extended the Punjas Children’s Park in Lautoka, reflecting its ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the local community.
This ambitious project not only demonstrates Punjas’s dedication to its growth but also indicates a positive trend for the region’s economy as it stands to benefit from the new trade and job prospects created by the distribution center and other philanthropic efforts.
Overall, this development marks a significant step forward for both Punjas and the economic landscape of Fiji, offering hope for a prosperous future and enhanced community welfare.
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