Nestlé Lanka reaffirms its commitment towards Sri Lanka by investing over Rs. 2 billion in its state-of-the-art factory in Kurunegala by building a new Vacuum Band Dryer. Aimed at expanding the capacity of its manufacturing facility for malted food, this investment further strengthens the company’s efforts of positively impacting Sri Lanka and its people.
Having started its operations in 1984, today, Nestlé Lanka’s Kurunegala factory manufactures over 90% of Nestlé products sold in the country, employing strict quality controls. Standing by the country and its people for over 115 years, the ‘Good food, Good life’ company has become an integral part of Sri Lankan lives and contributes to the livelihoods of more than 25,000 Sri Lankan dairy and coconut farmers and out-growers and provides direct employment to over 800. Over the last five years, the company has consistently invested in the country, amounting to over Rs. 6.6 billion.
First of its kind in the local Food & Beverage industry, the Swiss-designed Vacuum Band Dryer adopts the latest technology and helps the company deliver more of its much-loved brands – Nestlé Nestomalt and Nestlé Milo enriched with Iron and Vitamin D*.
An event was held on 23 November 2022 to commemorate the inauguration of this project, by laying the foundation stone of the building which will house the new Vacuum Band Dryer. Held at Nestlé Lanka’s Kurunegala factory, the event was graced by Minister of Industries and Plantations, Hon. Dr. Ramesh Pathirana; Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, HE. Dominik Furgler; Member of Parliament, Hon. Anura Priyadarshanayapa and Director General of the Board of Investments, Ms. Renuka Weerakone along with officials from Nestlé Lanka.
Photo Caption: From left to right – Mr. Pierre Emmanuel-Morin, Factory Manager – Technical, Nestlé Lanka; Hon. Anura Priyadarshanayapa, Member of Parliament; Hon. Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Industries and Plantations; Mr. Jason Avanceña, Managing Director, Nestlé Lanka; HE. Dominik Furgler, Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives; Mrs. Renuka Weerakone, Director General of the Board of Investments.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest, Minister of Industries and Plantations, Hon. Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said “Economic prosperity is driven by investment which not only improves capacity, but also enhances people’s quality of life. Therefore, I consider it an honour to be present at this event today, as one of Sri Lanka’s leading companies announces an investment worth over Rs. 2 billion. I am also glad to note that this investment would ultimately increase the company’s export potential, as foreign exchange is imperative for economic growth at present.”
Member of Parliament, Hon. Anura Priyadarshanayapa said “As a company with deep roots in the country, Nestlé Lanka has consistently invested in Sri Lanka with purpose. The trust the company has placed in the country’s potential is truly inspirational. I look forward to witnessing the positive ripple effect this investment will bring forth to our communities and the economy, in the years to come.”
“We are currently facing several economic volatilities, both short and long term, and the role played by capital investments is vital in supporting economic recovery and growth. Therefore, we appreciate Nestlé Lanka’s efforts in strengthening its investments in Sri Lanka, as it echoes a positive message about the potential of the country, encouraging further investments” said Ms. Renuka Weerakone, Director General, Board of Investments Sri Lanka.
Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Jason Avanceña, Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka said, “Although this is a challenging time for all of us in Sri Lanka, we believe in the country’s resilience, potential and its future wholeheartedly. We reaffirm our commitment to Sri Lanka, and we will continue to invest in our facilities and bring top Swiss-designed technology to cater to the different needs of our consumers in Sri Lanka. On behalf of Nestlé Lanka, it is a great pride for me to announce this investment and expansion of our malted food category. This investment is testament to our unwavering commitment towards the country and cements our deep roots with Sri Lankans for over 115 years. We hope to positively contribute to our consumers and communities through this investment, by increasing the production capacity of two of our biggest brands – Nestlé Nestomalt and Milo. We are also happy to share with you that this investment would also allow us to explore the opportunity of expanding our exports to several new markets, beyond the 50 countries we are currently serving, helping us contribute to the generation of foreign currency inflow.”
Driven by its purpose of ‘unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come’, Nestlé has nourished generations of Sri Lankan families with high quality food and beverages from early childhood to old age.
*100g of NESTOMALT contains 17mg of Iron and 6mcg of Vitamin D.
100g of Milo contains 23.4mg of Iron and 7.6µgD of Vitamin D.
Featured image Photo Caption: From left to right – Hon. Anura Priyadarshanayapa, Member of Parliament; Hon. Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Industries and Plantations; Mr. Jason Avanceña, Managing Director, Nestlé Lanka; HE. Dominik Furgler, Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives; Mrs. Renuka Weerakone, Director General of the Board of Investments.