The Monde Nissin Corporation broke ground on their plant expansion in this city on Thursday, targeting to generate at least local 500 jobs.

In a press briefing, Monde Nissin Davao plant head Jun Matayabas said the scheduled opening of the plant by the first quarter of 2024 will begin with the hiring of factory workers, technical plant workers and others on the warehousing job.

The workers, according to Matayabas, will support the “highly automated and advanced operations” of the new facility that will rise in Barangay Ilang.

The expansion will include a bakery and biscuits facility.

“Not only will the new facility produce our products, but it will also be beneficial to many as it will allow us to produce new products in the future that would cater to the changing needs of our consumers,” Matayabas said.

He said the bakery and biscuit plant extension reinforces Monde Nissin’s commitment to inclusive growth and extending positive impact from production down through its distribution network to end consumers.

He said the expansion of the Davao facility is aligned with the company’s mission to improve food security, accessibility, and sustainability.

Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Maria Belen Acosta, meanwhile, said the Monde Nissin expansion here will generate more jobs for Mindanaoans.

“Indeed, we are on the right track towards socioeconomic recovery amidst the pandemic as this new manufacturing plant could provide more livelihood opportunities to Davao residents and other parts of Mindanao,” she said.

Monde Nissin biscuits and bakery business unit head Romeo Marañon said the firm is also seeking local sources for production materials, such as eggs and flour.

Marañon said the plant is anticipated to shorten inventory cycles and improve product shelf visibility in Visayas and Mindanao. (PNA)