India: Mondelez announces investment plans

Mondelez International has announced plans to invest US$190 million in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh to establish the company's largest manufacturing plant in Asia Pacific.

According to AP Food Online, the new facility will span a 134 acre site and will have an annual capacity of 250,000 tonnes, making it the largest chocolate manufacturing plant in India. The initial phase of the project is due for completion by 2015.

Commenting on the move, Daniel Myers, executive VP at Integrated Supply Chain, said, “this investment is part of an on-going supply chain reinvention plan.” He further stated that the company was “implementing a number of global initiatives to capitalise on the growing demand in emerging markets while also reducing costs and improving productivity.”

Manu Anand, president of Mondelez International in India and South Asia as well as Managing Director for Cadbury India stated that, "over the last three years, nearly US$200 million has been invested to expand existing operational facilities in India." He went on to say, "We're delighted to partner with the government of Andhra Pradesh on this new investment and expect this model plant to set examples in production efficiency, energy savings, emission reductions and community involvement."

Source: AP Food Online