Tracing its beginning to Trinidad and Tobago in the early 1880’s, the ANSA McAL Group has grown beyond the borders of the twin island Republic to over 50 companies in about eight economic sectors in Guyana, Grenada, Barbados, St. Kitts & Nevis and the United States of America, making this dynamic enterprise one of the largest and most profitable conglomerates in the Western Hemisphere.
ANSA McAL Trading Ltd (AMTL) in 2016, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the ANSA McAL Group and one of the largest distribution companies in Guyana, servicing approximately 95% of the population with hundreds of products spread across five major divisions ranging from Beverages, Consumer Products, Proctor & Gamble, Pharmaceuticals, and Construction Solutions.
At the beginning of the 1990s, the manufacturing arm of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies saw the opportunity for investment in Guyana and did so in Caribbean Container Incorporated, or at that time, the Seals and Packaging Industries Ltd (SAPIL). However, while that particular partnership faced some setbacks, ANSA McAL was undeterred and noticed that there was a need in the country for a more robust and service oriented distribution business. With an offering of just a handful of products, AMTL was born in July 1992. Operations began later that year in October when the company would have officially opened its doors at the SAPIL plant located at FARM, East Bank Demerara.
One of the company’s most successful products, ‘STAG Beer’ has now become synonymous with ANSA McAL in Guyana and the Caribbean. Prior to STAG, Carib beer had burst into the Guyanese market with so much energy and hype that it had provided the new company with a sound foothold. However, these two outstanding beer brands are a subset of the many products represented within the Beverage Division. Other major brands include Heineken, Mackeson, CARIB, and these are complimented by other remarkable brands in the non alcoholic portfolio such as Lucozade, Smalta and Carib Malta. The Beverage division has also included Skyy Vodka, Appleton Rum, Gengseng Up, Heineken Light, Red Stripe, Desparado, Dragon Stout and Jaguar Beer.
Over the last 24 years, AMTL has experienced rapid growth and development in all areas of the business and has become an integral player in the economic activities of the country and this has helped to shape and enhance the way Guyana does business. In 2012, AMTL realised a turnover of over G$7 billion while increasing its staff compliment to over 160 employees. The company’s warehousing capacity also extended to approximately 53,000 sq feet. Such enormous growth can be directly attributed to a dynamic group of young administrative, marketing and sales professionals ably led by an energetic and visionary management team, all of whom remain committed to customer service and teamwork.
In recognizing the importance of placement, AMTL is strategically located for expansion at Beterverwagting on the East Coast Demerara. At present, the company has two warehouses with over 26,000 sq. ft, a branch in Berbice and partnerships in Essequibo.
Since its inception, AMTL has been a principle supporter to the cultural development of Guyanese by sponsoring cultural and sport events including but not limited to Inter-county cricket games to football, boxing and squash to the Rupununi Rodeo, Bartica Regatta, motor racing, activities during Amerindian Heritage month and many more.