Nestlé opens new UHT milk plant at K’gala
Nestlé last week opened a new UHT milk plant at its manufacturing facility in Kurunegala in the third phase of its investment commitment of Rs 10 billion in Sri Lanka over the next few years.
The new plant is an extension of Nestlé Lanka’s current processing facilities and, together with its malt beverages plant in 2011 and noodle plant in early 2012, accounts for almost Rs 3 billion of the stated investment commitment to the country. “Nestlé’s new UHT milk plant will further expand the company’s capacity for its popular dairy based beverages,” according to a company statement.
Nestlé is Sri Lanka’s largest collector of fresh milk in the private sector, procuring milk from over 15,000 farmers every day across the island.
“The new UHT milk plant will provide job opportunities and steady income for many members of the community and reflects our recognition of the positive potential of Sri Lanka.
Although Nestlé is a leading global company, our priority is to be an integral part of the local communities in which we operate,” noted Nandu Nandkishore, Executive Vice President Nestlé S.A. and Zone Director for Asia, Oceania, Africa and Middle East at the inauguration. The plant was inaugurated by Basil Rajapaksa - Minister of Economic Development, in the presence of Rishad Bathiudeen - Minister of Commerce and Industry, Anura P. Yapa - Minister of Environment, Athula Wijesinghe, Chief Minister – North Western Province and Thomas Litscher, Ambassador of Switzerland in Sri Lanka.