Unilever break ground for Malted Beverage Plant in Sapugaskanda investing Rs. 4 Bn
Unilever Sri Lanka, has embarked on a journey to localise the production of its malted food drink brands with the commencement of the construction of its first Malted Beverage Plant in Sapugaskanda, located at the Lanka Industrial Estate Limited (LINDEL) zone.
Currently, the company manufactures 97% of all its products in Sri Lanka and this project will enhance Unilever Sri Lanka’s locally manufactured portfolio further. This will come in the form of an investment of Rs 4 billion and will manufacture Viva and Horlicks, as part of its journey of nourishing a million Sri Lankan lives. Adapting state-of-the-art technology, the plant is equipped with Vacuum Bran Dryer technology which helps ensure the quality and consistency of products.
Chairman of the Board of Investments Dinesh Weerakkody, in a statement said, “In the midst of economic challenges, it is indeed refreshing to see companies like Unilever supporting the country’s growth and development through meaningful investments. I want to offer my thanks and appreciation to Unilever for believing in Sri Lanka’s potential and integrating itself into the domestic economy through initiatives like this.”
Chairperson and Managing Director of Unilever Sri Lanka Hajar Alafifi, stated “This is indeed a big milestone for us at Unilever Sri Lanka. We began our journey in investing behind Sri Lanka’s future 85 years ago. Investing in our new Malted Beverages plant, will not only minimize forex outflow for imported products but also creates over 125 direct employment opportunities and much more indirect employment, to help further stimulate economic growth.”
I firmly believe this investment from Unilever Sri Lanka will be a beacon of hope to all Sri Lankans and foreign investors with a message that states, “Sri Lanka is ready”, and “Yes, Sri Lanka Can”.
“We are thankful to the government for boosting investor confidence through the stabilization of the country and hope to positively impact our consumers, communities, and economy with many investments to come.”
Secretary of the State Ministry of Investment Promotion, M. M. Nayeemudeen, shared his views on the investment and the contribution to the Sri Lankan economy, stating, “Unilever’s investment in the new Health Food Drinks plan is a testament to Sri Lanka’s potential as an investment destination. This investment not only creates employment opportunities but also strengthens the local economy by reducing the dependence on imports.”