Global food giant Nestlé has announced the opening of its 18th factory in the Middle East region at Al Maha area in Dubai South (the rebranded Dubai World Central), which will produce its coffee and Maggi cooking aids for the regional market.

The plant, which was built at an investment of Dh530 million ($145 million), in Dubai South was inaugurated by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Dubai Airports and Emirates Airlines & Group in the presence of Marco Settembri, the executive vice-president Nestlé SA and head of Zone Europe, Middle East and North Africa.

Now operating at full capacity, the site employs 340 people from 20 countries, said the company in a statement.

Nestlé already operates two other factories in Dubai Investment Park, one for Nestlé Waters, and another – Nestlé Dubai Manufacturing – covering its confectionery brands Kitkat, Mackintosh’s Quality Street, and Nido products.

Speaking at the launch, Sheikh Ahmed said: "Dubai South offers strategic advantages that make it an ideal and attractive destination for leading multinationals."

“It is an important component in Dubai’s vision to provide a comprehensive platform that caters to the needs of aviation, air transport, commercial, and logistics businesses,” he noted.

“Nestlé has been the early mover to Dubai South having realised its potential as the economic platform for the future. They have leveraged our excellent infrastructure and ease of doing business to further grow their business. We’re delighted to see Nestlé growing stronger in the region,” remarked Khalifa Al Zaffin, the executive chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South.

According to Nestle, the environmental performance of the factory will contribute to its 2030 ambition to strive for zero impact in our operations.

"The Al-Maha factory underlines our commitment to our customers, our willingness to invest and create jobs, and our ambition to minimize our environmental impact," remarked Settembri.

"This Dh530 million investment is Nestlé’s 18th production site in the Middle East and another milestone in our more than 80 years in this region. It shows our confidence in Dubai and the UAE as a dynamic, stable and competitive business hub, and our long-term commitment to the people of the Middle East," he added.

According to him, the plant recycles 100 per cent of waste from products and raw materials, reaching zero waste to landfill in that area and helping fulfil the company’s commitment to send zero waste for disposal by 2020.

The site also saves energy, with 100 per cent LED lighting and insulation technology that reduces the need for air-conditioning. There are water saving mechanisms in place and plans to install solar power generation," explained Settembri.

“Nestlé Al-Maha is yet another way for us to meet our commitment to the Middle East,” said Yves Manghardt, the chairman and CEO Nestlé Middle East.

“Manufacturing locally enables us to source locally, invest locally, make tailored products to better meet local needs, and serve communities in the region more rapidly and more effectively,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service