H J Heinz Company has opened its largest infant cereal production factory in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, China.

The opening of the 80,000-sq-m factory coincides with the 30th anniversary of Heinz’s presence in China, where the company operates six other facilities.

It will create 200 new jobs for the Foshan region and position Heinz to significantly increase production in the country, said a statement.

Bernardo Hees, chief executive officer, said: “Since the company’s founding in 1869, Heinz has been dedicated to providing the world’s highest-quality foods and beloved brands to consumers everywhere.

“With this new world-class facility, we are proud to deepen our commitment to China and its people. The new facility will allow Heinz to continue to grow and exceed consumer expectations, while sustaining our leadership in the food industry.”

The new factory has integrated the food industry’s most advanced infrastructure to uphold the company’s relentless focus on quality and safety.

The advanced technologies, including drum dryers, powder handling systems and packaging machinery from global leaders including Andrtiz Gouda, GEA Group, and Bosch, will enhance production speed, while ensuring the most stringent quality controls.

Every product that leaves this factory must undergo rigorous quality tests, from raw materials through semi-finished product to finished products, before being shipped to market.

Additionally, addressing Chinese consumers’ concerns about food allergens, this facility will completely isolate allergens from raw material storage to the production process in order to exceed international standards and serve as an industry leader in the handling of allergens.

Grace Chen, managing director of Heinz China, said: ”We have consistently lived our Heinz value of putting the consumer first, focusing on the development and innovation of infant nutrition ranging from infant formula and cereals to wet baby foods and noodles, to teething rusks, and nutritional snacks. We are committed to providing Chinese babies with the safest and highest quality foods.” - TradeArabia News Service