CM Sarma transforming Assam into a preferred state for investment
India stands as a robust cornerstone among the world’s leading economies, underscored by its impressive growth trajectory, Eugene Willemsen, Chief Executive Officer – Africa, Middle East & South Asia, PepsiCo, said at the launch of Rs.778 crore greenfield foods manufacturing factory at Nalbari in Assam.
“India is amongst the fastest growing markets for PepsiCo in AMESA region, and we are committed to invest in the nation to build capacity,” he said on 6 Sept at the Bhumi Pujan ceremony for the 44.2-acre plant.
“This plant is poised to integrate the finest elements of PepsiCo’s global expertise while contributing to Assam’s holistic advancement. This decade is a decade of India and at PepsiCo, we are focused on building capabilities, availability and expanding penetration across the nation.”
The plant is designed to processed around 50,000 tonnes of potatoes, with focus on sustainable farming that is expected to benefit 5,000+ local farmers over next few years.
Ahmed ElSheikh, President, PepsiCo India, elaborated, “In alignment with the Government’s Self-Reliant India vision (Atmanirbhar vision), our investment in the greenfield facility in Assam stands as a significant milestone in our pursuit of this goal.
“Through the creation of employment opportunities and by empowering the farming community, our aim is to support the government’s drive for self-sufficiency in potato production. Our skilling initiatives will further focus on fostering an ecosystem of economic empowerment for the women of Assam, equipping them with essential training and parity in opportunities.
“With this new facility, we anticipate a transformative impact on Assam’s entire ecosystem, reinforcing our ‘partnership of progress’ with the State Government.”
Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “This historic occasion marks the beginning of a new partnership between Assam government and PepsiCo India. On behalf of the people of Assam, I welcome PepsiCo as partners in the path of progress.
“We are transforming Assam into a preferred state for investment, and I assure PepsiCo of our full support for this greenfield manufacturing plant. PepsiCo India aims to offer special training to women of Assam and help them gain new skills, enabling women empowerment in the state. I congratulate the people of Assam, especially Nalbari, who will benefit from this partnership.”
Aligned with its ‘Winning with pep+’ philosophy, PepsiCo India will be implementing renewable practices within the plant to fulfill its water and energy needs with the target of using over 80% renewable energy. The plant is expected to generate significant opportunities for businesses representing the MSME industry including packaging products like laminates, carton, scrap and other local ancillary industry, positively impacting the local industrial ecosystem.
The company aims to set up a community learning centre at Women’s ITI campus, Nalbar,i to upskill women over the next two years
Establishing its ‘Partnership of Progress’ with the state of Assam, PepsiCo India said the plant is to be operational in 2025.
The Bhumi Pujan ceremony was organized by PepsiCo India, graced by Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma along with key senior dignitaries from the State Government. Eugene Willemsen and Ahmed ElSheikh, President, PepsiCo India, were accompanied by senior leadership from PepsiCo India at this historic moment. Following the, PepsiCo India signed a Tripartite MoU with Assam Skill Development Mission and Directorate of Employment & Craftsman training for fostering women empowerment and creating a safe & supportive work environment to enhance women employability in the region. fiinews.com
