Nestle Middle East is setting up a production unit at Techno Park, a fully owned subsidiary of Economic Zones World, and is investing US$50 million in the facility.

A ground breaking ceremony was held here last week attendedby Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Vice Chairman, Board of Ports and Free Zones, Salma Hareb, CEO of Jafza & Economic Zones World and Frits Van Dijk, Executive Vice President and Zone Director for Asia, Oceania, Africa and Middle East, Nestle.

The new facility spreads over 100,000 square metres of land. Nestle Middle East says it intends to make this facility a base to manufacture top-line product portfolio for the Middle East consumers as per Nestle's quality standards, safety and environmental best practices.

The first phase of the facility is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2007. The new production unit will incorporate packaging facility in cooperation with SAPIN, the Middle East's leading producer of packaging products and solutions, reinforcing Nestle's aim to build strong and long-lasting synergy with partners in the manufacturing chain.

The regional headquarters allows Nestle Middle East to extend its involvement with local partners and consumers, including the research and development of products specifically formulated to meet the needs of local people.